COMPUTER SYSTEMS

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

1. HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

   • Hardware means the physical components of the computer. For example: Keyboard, mouse, monitor
   • Software means the programs including the operating & application software. For example presentation software

2. CPU

   • INPUT
     • Used to put data/instructions into the computer. For example: mouse/keyboard/webcam
       • OMR (optical mark reader) scans a peice of paper to look got marks in places which are sually in pre pritned boxes. For example: national lottery
     • OCR (optical character reader) it can interupt characters on a page for example in post offices for post codes
   • OUTPUT
     • Devices that allow data to be sent out from the computer after an instruction ahs been entered. For example: Monitor/speaker/printers
   • STORAGE
     • Devices that are used to contain and save programs/data. For example: USB Flash Drives/DVD Drives/Hard Disk Drives
   • Central Processing Unit - Fetches, decodes and executes instructions

3. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

   • Are essential rules that everyone follows to develop computer systems. For example, USB PORTS and cables; manufactures produce them separately but produce them to the same specifications or else they wouldn't fit.
     • They have these standards so any programmer can carry on developing the program without meeting the original programmer. It allows the programmers to do the following:
       • Modify someone elses program
       • Move to a different company without needing to re-learn these standards
       • Programmers can work in teams which will also save time
   • Open Standards
     • Are both publicly available and flexible. Anyone can engage with technology that adopts open standards - ie - anyone can create a web resource that adhere to World wide Web Consortium standards without paying
   • Proprietary Standards
     • These standards are defined by the company - other companies may have to create devices that are compatible with a specific operating system
   • Industry Standards
     • Definded sers of standards that specify how hardware/software from different developers interacts. The organisation's all agree on a standard - ie - USB ports (Universal Serial Bus)
   • De Facto Standards
     • These standards have evolved from what has worked well - ie - The QWERTY Keyboard layout - which has happened to become the normal over time

4. ETHICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

   • ETHICAL
     • Refers to something as being right or wrong. Consider the following in computing
       • *** Would it be ethical to have a system full of DNA profiles of its entire population or just criminals etc? *** Is it ethical to use cheap labour in foreign countries to produce software less expensively or more ethical to use local labour? *** What are the ehtical challenges of the living world where not everyone has access to computers - ie - for financial/political/disability/etc?
   • LEGAL
     • Computer Misuse Act
       • This makes hacking illegal. Hacking is gaining access to computer matrtial that you are not allowed to have acces to, possibly by stealing a password
     • Data Protection Act
       • If you/company stores personal data of anyone you sre required to keep it secure (to not allow people to steal their information) and up to date
     • Copyright Act
       • It is illegal to make a copy of any files/data without the permisson of the owner
     • Health & Safety Act
       • This law makes employees responsible for the saftey of their workers. For example
         • Trailing cables are a trip hazard/ Too much time on the computers can cause eye strain or repetitive strain injury from typing or using the mouse/A poorly positioned chair could cause back problems/A monitor not at eye level can cause neck strain
   • ENVIRONMENTAL
     • BENEFITS
       • Electronic communication reduces wasted water/ink
       • People who work from home (on computers) do not burn fossil fuels by driving to work
       • Industrial Processes can be computer-controlled which will be efficient and less polluting
     • NEGATIVES
       • Old computers are hard to dispose of and are not always recycled - resulting in more waste going to landfills
         • The production of electronic devices requires raw materials as well as energy
           • Computers need energy to run therefore, we are burning fossil fuels which are harming the environment