Unit 1
the three distinctions that make a computer:
electronic vs. mechanical
general purpose vs. special purpose
digital vs. analog
electronic: built from transistors and electrical circuits and uses electricity (uses electronic current)
mechanical: built from mechanical devices such as springs and levers
general: computer with broad usage
special: computer designed to be used in a limited or specific way
digital: specific or discreet measurement intervals
analog: continuous flow
binary - electric current
- 0 = off
- 1 = on
- binary can only be on or off.