Ch 2- Hardware and software

Each ________ is whether conducting electrical (on) or not (off), known as Binary digits, or bits.

________: used by many users to perform a specific task → large memory, strong capacities, fast + efficient communications abilities.

________: large powerful computer shared by dozens of concurrent users connected to the machine over a network Supercomputers: most powerful with fastest processing and highest performance → designed for apps that requires extensive computational capabilities.

electronic circuit that executes instructions comprising a computer program

performs maths calculations + makes logical comparisons

high speed storage areas that temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before/during/after execution by the CPU

accesses program instructions, decodes them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of ALU, registers, primary+secondary storage, and various output devices

provide the CPU with a working storage area for program instructions and data

or permanent storage, allows organisations to store large amounts of data + instructions

input requires requires transferring human readable data into the computer system

handles internet traffic, Internet caching server stores websites

stores and provides access to programs that meet the needs of the organisation

stores and coordinates program and data files

sends and receives emails

large powerful computer shared by dozens of concurrent users connected to the machine over a network

most powerful with fastest processing and highest performance

Software consists of computer programs that control the workings of a computer hardware

are like a computer OS, which provides the services that business functions and operations run on

gives people, workgroups, and the entire enterprise the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks

provide instructions to the computer system so that it can perform a processing activity

user interface that uses icons + menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer systems

Computer hardware must be carefully selected to meet the needs of the organisation and its supporting information system Systems and application software are critical in helping individuals and organisations meet their goals Organisations should not develop an application software if it does not provide competitive advantage Organisations should choose a functional programming language

provide the CPU with a working storage area for program instructions and data → rapidly provides data + instructions → contains thousands of circuits imprinted on a silicon chip

input requires requires transferring human readable data into the computer system → machine readable data are barcodes for example

-display monitors -liquid crystal display (LCD) -OLEDs -printers -digital audio player -GPS -3D printers

-desktop PC -workstation (more powerful than a PC)

used by many users to perform a specific task → large memory, strong capacities, fast + efficient communications abilities

stores and provides access to programs that meet the needs of the organisation

stores and coordinates program and data files

sends and receives emails

provide instructions to the computer system so that it can perform a processing activity

user interface that uses icons + menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer systems