15 June 2008

IT_Chapter_1B

Parts of the Computer System

Computer systems have four parts

Hardware

Software

Data

User

Hardware

Mechanical devices in the computer

Anything that can be touched

Interconnected electronic devices used to control computer’s operation, i/p & o/p.

Software

Set of instructions (program)

Tell the computer what to do

Thousands of programs exist

Data

Pieces of information

Computer organize and present data

Users

People operating the computer

Most important part

Tell the computer what to do

Information Processing Cycle

Steps followed to process data

Input

Processing

Output

Storage

Essential Computer Hardware

Computers use the same basic hardware

Hardware categorized into four types

Processing

Procedure that transforms raw data into useful information

Computer uses two components

Processor

Memory

Processing devices (Processor)

Brains of the computer

Carries out instructions from the program

Manipulate the data

Most computers have several processors

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Memory devices

Stores data or programs (set of chips)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile

Stores current data and programs

More RAM results in a faster system

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent storage of programs

Holds the computer boot directions

Input and output devices

Allows the user to interact

Input devices accept data

Keyboard, mouse

Output devices deliver data

Monitor, printer, speaker

Some devices are input and output

Touch screens

Communication devices

Storage devices

Hold data and programs permanently

Different from RAM

Magnetic storage

Floppy and hard drive

Uses a magnet to access data

Optical storage

CD and DVD drives

Uses a laser to access data

Software Runs The Machine

Tells the computer what to do

Reason people purchase computers

Two types

System software

Application software

System software

Most important software

Controls computers h/w

Operating system

Windows XP

Network operating system (OS)

Windows Server 2003

Utility

Symantec AntiVirus

Application software

Accomplishes a specific task

Most common type of software

MS Word

Covers most common uses of computers

Computer data

Fact with no meaning on its own

Stored using the binary number system

Data can be organized into files

Computer users

Role depends on ability

Setup the system

Install software

Mange files

Maintain the system

“Userless” computers

Run with no user input

Automated systems

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