Computing

Computing

1. Computer Systems

   • Hardware
     • The physical components connected to a computer and the actual computer itselft.
   • Software
     • This means the program, including the operating system and any application software
   • Input devices
     • Used to input data into the computer
   • Output
     • Devices which allows data to be sent beyond the computer
   • CPU - Central Processing Unit
     • Component that performs calculations and fetches and executes program instruction
   • Storage
     • Devices used to contain programs and data
   • Importance of computer systems
     • Safety
       • Computers are at least partially responsible for critical operations such as monitoring and controlling nuclear reactions within nuclear power stations
     • Travel
       • Aid travel from satellite navigation to online ticket purchases to autopilots that help fly planes
     • Business
       • Business transactions and use of the internet used in this industry. Used to move funds(electronic banking) or transmitting an electronic product
     • Education
       • Can aid distance learning. Can help communicate information, Administer and mark tests. Maintain information such as attendance
     • Retail
       • Computers are connected to barcode scanners and scales can make shopping faster. computers also keep track of stock
     • Entertainment
       • Hand held and desktop devices allow user to play game, read books, watch movies and listen to music al electronically
     • Communication
       • Used for email,social media teleconfercing and etc

2. Professional standards

   • Rules that everybody follows developing computer systems, rather then everybody doing their own thing.
     • Exist in software as well as hardware
   • Open standards
     • Publicly available and flexible. Anyone can engage with technology that adopts open standard. For example anyone can create web resources that adhere to W3C standards and they would not have to pay to do so
   • Proprietary standards
     • Standards that are defined by a particular company. Usually a company large enough to dominate the market. Other developers find they have to produce e.g. software that is compatible with a specific operating system
   • Industry standard
     • These are formally defined sets of standards that specify how hardware or software from different developers interact. Usually agreed by a number of organisations. e.g. USB (universal serial bus
   • De facto standards
     • These evolve from what happens to work well. They emerge from practice. e.g. QWERTY keyboard

3. Ethical, Environmental and Legal Considerations

   • Ethical
     • Refers to something being right or wrong. There are a range of arguments. Because everyone differ their opinions may also diffe
   • Legal
     • Computer misuse act;
       • This makes hacking illegal. Hacking is gaining access to material that you are not allowed to have. This could possibly happen by stealing a password
     • Data protection act
       • You or a company you work for that store personal data of anyone are required to keep them up to date and secure
     • Copyright design and patents act
       • This makes it illegal to make a copy of any publication without the permission of the copyright owner
     • Health and Safety at work act
       • This makes employees responsible for the safety of their staff.
   • Environmental
     • Environmental impact of computers