Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

1. Define a computer system

   • Components
     • Hardware
       • Physical parts
     • Software
       • Programs
   • Functions
     • Receive data
     • Process/manipulate data
     • Output a result (information)
     • Store data and instructions
     • Transfer data
   • Types
     • Dedicated Systems (Embedded systems)
       • Have a fixed purpose
       • E.g. Navigation system specifically built to give directions
     • General Purpose Computer Systems
       • E.g. Laptop computers used for a variety of tasks like typing in reports, surfing the web, etc.

2. Describe the importance of computer systems in the modern world

   • Safety
     • Monitoring Patients
   • Travel
     • Train time tables
   • Business
     • Stock Control
   • Retail
     • Self-checkout
   • Entertainment
     • Streaming videos online
   • Education
     • Virtual Learning Environment
   • Science
     • Simulations
   • Communications
     • Social Networks
   • Politics and Government
     • Electronic voting

3. Explain the need for reliability in computer systems

   • Consequences of unreliable systems
     • Accidents. E.g. Plane crash
     • Loss or theft of data. E.g Banks
     • Systems difficult to use causing stress. E.g System crashing frequently in an office.
   • Ensuring reliability of systems
     • Full Testing to reveal and fix errors
       • Alpha testing by system developers
       • Beta Testing by users
     • Regular maintenance of system
       • Hardware maintenance
       • Software updates and patches
     • Ensure system conforms to standards

4. Explain the need for adherence to suitable professional standards in the development, use and maintenance of computer systems

   • Standards ensure different computer systems can talk to each other
     • De Facto (Became widely used over time)
       • HTML for web pages
       • Documents in pdf format
     • De Jure (According to law)
       • ASCII Character set
     • Proprietary (Owned exclusively by a particular company)
       • .doc files (Microsoft)
     • Open (Publicly available and can be modified by users)
       • Open Office

5. Explain the importance of ethical, environmental and legal considerations when creating computer systems.

   • Ethical issues (Right and wrong)
     • British Computer Society lays down code of ethics for computer professionals
       • E.g. Code of conduct
     • Ethical Issues arising from computer creation
       • E.g. Job Losses
   • Environmental issues
     • Use of computers
       • Use up a lot of energy (electricity)
       • Generate a lot of heat
     • Disposal of computers to poor countries
       • Contain toxic materials (can cause health problems)
     • Can be minimised through
       • Encourage recycling of old devices
         • WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (2002)
       • Using environment-friendly equipment
       • Switching off equipment when not in use
     • E-waste
       • Any waste created by electronic devices that have been thrown away as well as waste substances created in their manufacture and use.
   • Legal (Laws)
     • Computer Misuse Act 1990
       • Makes hacking illegal
     • Data Protection Act 1998
       • Keeping personal data secure and up to date. (8 principles)
     • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
       • Illegal to copy without permission of copyright holder. E.g music, programs, images, etc.
     • Health and safety at work Act 1974
       • Employees and staff responsible for safety of other staff
         • Trailing wires are a trip hazard
         • Long hours on the computer can cause eye strain, repetitive strain injury (RSI)