Computer Application Chapter 1 Flashcards

Study Notes

Information System Components

Information systems consist of people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the internet.
People: End users who enhance productivity through personal computers.
Procedures: Documented rules for software, hardware, and data usage.
Software: Programs that convert raw data into meaningful information.
Hardware: Physical devices, including smartphones and tablets, that process data for information creation.
Data: Raw facts such as text, images, and sounds which, when processed, transform into information.
Internet: Connects people and computers, enhancing the capabilities of information systems.

Software Types

System Software: Background software facilitating application software interaction with hardware. Includes operating systems and utilities.
Application Software: Directly utilized by end-users, supporting everyday tasks and specific functions.

System Software Details

Operating Systems: Manage computer resources and user interfaces; variations include embedded OS for mobile devices and standalone OS like Windows or MacOS.
Utilities: Specialized programs that manage computer resources; an essential example is antivirus software.

Application Software Categories

General-purpose Applications: Commonly used across various careers, including word processors and spreadsheets.
Specialized Applications: Focused on specific professions, including graphics and web authoring tools.
Mobile Apps: Small programs for mobile devices, popular for social networking and entertainment.

Types of Computers

Supercomputers: Most powerful systems for processing large datasets, e.g., weather predictions using IBM's Blue Gene.
Mainframe Computers: High-speed machines for large organizations, often used in industries like insurance.
Midrange Computers (Servers): More powerful than PCs but less than mainframes, designed for specific applications.
Personal Computers (PCs): Most widely used, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Personal Computer Hardware

System Unit: Houses main electronic components; essential parts include microprocessors (data manipulation) and memory (data storage).
Input/Output Devices: Input devices like keyboards translate human data into computer-readable form, while output devices like monitors present processed information.
Secondary Storage: Retains data and programs even when powered off; types include hard disks, solid-state storage, and optical disks.
Communication Devices: Enable PCs to connect and communicate with other systems; modems transform data for internet transmission.

Data and Files

Data: Unprocessed facts that turn into information after processing. Stored data can be direct input for systems.
Common File Types:
- Document files (word processing)
- Worksheet files (spreadsheets)
- Database files (structured data management)
- Presentation files (presentation materials)

Connectivity and Networking

Connectivity: Enables PCs to share information with other systems, fundamentally relying on networks.
Network: A communication system linking multiple computers.

The Internet

The largest global network, akin to a highway connecting millions. It has significantly influenced modern computing and daily life.

WEB and Evolving Technologies

WEB: Multimedia interface providing access to internet resources.
Technology Impact Drivers:
- Cloud Computing: Moves computing tasks from local machines to internet-based systems.
- Wireless Communication: Transforms communication methods with increased usage of wireless devices.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Connects everyday objects to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data.

Description

Dive into the fundamentals of information systems with these flashcards from Computer Application Chapter 1. Learn key components such as people, procedures, and software, and enhance your understanding of how these elements work together to support productivity in computing. Perfect for students looking to solidify their knowledge in computer applications.