Computer System

Computer System

1. Definition

   • A computer system is any machine or device that can be programmed with a set of instructions
   • Most computers with a CPU can be described as general purpose machines
   • The first computer system was called the Analytical Engine and was desgined by Charles Babbage
   • Computer systems consist of an Input-Process-Output
   • Main components of a computer system are the RAM,CPU and the Hard Disks

2. Computer systems are used frequently in the modern world

   • They are used in many different devices such as dishwashers,camera's,phones,washing machines,tv's
   • Computer systems are heavily relied on in many public services from hospital records to traffic light systems, Everything automated tends to have a computer running it
   • Computers have to be reliable due to the heavy dependancy on them in today's society
   • Computers need to be robust so that in the event on an issue it can continue to operate normally
     • This can be improved by using verification and validation techniques
   • An embedded system is were a computer processor is integrated into a device for automatic control purposes

3. Professional standards

   • Compatibility is the ability of two different specification computers to run the same software
   • Interoperability is the ability of different systems to exchange data using common standards
   • Industry standards are where the hardware or software is endorsed by a standard organisation
   • De facto standards exist where they have been adopted by a large sector of ICT industry due to dominance
   • Open standards exist sometimes linked to the term "open source", this is where the user has the option to modify the source
   • Proprietary standards sometimes known as closed source are owned and defined by a market leader

4. Ethical,Enviromental and Legal Considerations

   • Ethics is a set of principles to promote what is good for individuals and societ
   • Disposing of digital devices is a big factor as they can be harmful to the environment, therefore they can be reycled to make new products
   • Computer systems use up large amounts of energy whilst in use
   • Computer systems fall under many laws and acts such as the Data Protection Act,Copyright laws and Computer Misuse Act
   • Data can be kept safe by using passwords and Encryption
   • Hacking,Spyware and Viruses are a big problem in todays society