Systems

Systems

1. Input => Central Processing Unit (CPU) =>Output

2. Different types of computers.

   • Personal computers used at home and in the commercial environments are basically used in the same way; the difference is in how they are used and connected.
   • Mainframe computers are powerful and are mainly used in big organisations for bulk data processing. They are capable of running many operating systems and therefore operate more as a number of virtual machines than a stand alone computer. Mainly used by Utility companies to calculate electricity, in banking to process statements and in commerce to process transactions for stock control.
   • Supercomputers are highly specification computers that are capable of performing complex calculations are very high speeds. They are usually purpose built to solve a particular problem and make use of parallel processing so several tasks can be carried out simultaneously.
   • Embedded systems are used in homes and for business. In some cases the output from the system can be input in another system. This technique is used in motoring industry where embedded systems communicate to perform further calculations.

3. The difference between hardware and software.

   • Hardware is the physical parts that make up the computer system.
   • Software is the actual program or coded instructions that make the computer run.