Computer Systems
HARDWARE and SOFTWARE working together.
A computer is any machine that can accept an INPUT, PROCESS the data, then OUTPUT the processed information
Software - definition
Software refers to all the code and programs that run on a computer
Application software -
programs that are designed to carry out specifc tasks for the user, eg. word processing, photo editing, games.
System software - programs that are designed to help the computer system operate effectively, run the hardware and programs
Device drivers - device drivers (help communicate with input/output devices
boot programs start when the computer is turned on and check the system, then start other programs such as the OS
What is an OS?
An operating system (OS) provides the interface between the user and the computer. It allows users to click various icons, menus and instructions in order to do things like open programs, save, print, etc. It is the most important piece of software on a computer.
Examples include:
Windows (PCs) - made by Microsoft
OSx (Mac), iOS (iPhone, iPad) - made by Apple
Android - used on many mobile phones (made by Google)
What do they do?
Provide a user interface
Control and organise the operation of the computer
Manage all the tasks a computer does
Runs all the programs
Manage security
Hardware - definition
Hardware refers to the physical
components of a computer system
Mouse
Keyboard
Monitor/screen
Motherboard
CPU
Hard drive