Computer Fundamentals Quiz

Chapter 2: Hardware & Software Applications

• This chapter focuses on hardware and software applications in computing systems.

Objectives

• Current storage (measurements, types)
• Peripheral components
• Processing
• System software (OS, NOS, utilities, viruses)
• Security
• Licensing considerations and ethics

Introduction

• Changes in hardware and software reflect the continuous evolution of information systems, driven by advancements in technology and changing user needs.
• These innovations have a profound impact on how people work, communicate, and interact with technology daily.

Hardware

• Hardware consists of the physical equipment for input, processing, output, and computer system storage.
• Decisions about hardware focus on appropriateness for the task, speed, and cost.

Components of Hardware

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Manipulates data and controls tasks performed by other components.
• Primary storage: Temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing.
• Secondary storage: Stores data and programs for future use.
• Input technologies: Accept data and instructions, converting them for computer understanding.
• Output technologies: Present data and information in a usable form for people.

Storage Measurement

• Prefixes (kilo, mega, giga, tera, peta, exa, zetta, yotta) are used to represent the size of storage capacity.

Types of Primary Storage

• Registers: Have the least capacity, storing limited instructions and data.
• Cache memory: High-speed memory temporarily storing frequently used data blocks.
• Random access memory (RAM): The primary storage holding software programs and data for processing.
• Read-only memory (ROM): Contains critical instructions permanently stored.

Secondary Storage

• Designed for extended data storage
• Characteristics include nonvolatility allowing data to remain even without power, but it takes more time to retrieve compared to primary storage.
• Secondary storage is typically cheaper than primary storage and can utilize a variety of storage media (e.g., hard drives, SSDs).

Peripheral Components

• A peripheral device is an auxiliary device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer, headsets, etc.) that connects to and works with a computer system.

Processing

• The core of a computer is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), akin to the “brain” of the device.
• The CPU performs computations within the computer.
• The CPU is a microprocessor made up of millions of microscopic transistors.

Parts of the CPU

• The control unit sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, and controls data flow to/from the arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
• The ALU performs mathematical operations.

Computer Speed

• Components (CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk) contribute to computer speed.
• Measured using units like GHz for Clock speed, MHz for Bus speed, MB/s for Data transfer rate, and ms for access time.

Other Computing Devices

• Personal computers are general-purpose devices solving various problems.
• Components previously mechanical have been integrated into other devices.
• Definition and description of what defines a computer continues to change, emphasizing traits like portability.
• Trends in personal computing include portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks), tablets (e.g., iPads), smartphones (evolving from cell phones) and integrated computing/internet of things (IoT).

Integrated Computing and Internet of Things (IoT)

• IoT is a network of billions of devices connecting to the internet for data collection and sharing, often without human intervention.

The Commoditization of the Personal Computer

• PCs, as commodities, have little difference between brands/manufacturers.
• The primary factor controlling sales is price
• Companies like Apple have employed strategies that differentiate their product line for higher revenue despite commoditization.

Changes in Hardware

• Miniaturization and Portability: Hardware has become smaller and more portable. Devices such as tablets, and laptops have replaced traditional desktop computers for many tasks.
• Increased Processing Power: Microprocessor technology advancements have enabled faster.
• Connectivity: High-speed Internet and wireless networking (e.g., 4G, 5G) have enabled seamless connections, contributing to the IoT (Internet of Things).
• Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides on-demand computing through remote storage and reduces the need for physically owning and maintaining local servers and storage systems.
• Quantum Computing: Represents an emerging technology that has potential for revolutionary computation, though still in early phases of development.

Software

• Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute tasks.
• It tells the hardware what to do. Software created by developers via programming.

Operating Systems (OS)

• Operating Systems (OS) manage the computer's hardware resources and provide a platform for software applications.

Application Software

• Application software performs specific tasks (e.g., business, entertainment, productivity).

Productivity Software

• Productivity software offers tools for workplace tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentations).

Utility Software and Programming Software

• Utility software enhances the computer (e.g., fixing problems, malware removal).
• Programming software is used to create/produce software programs.

Network Operating System (NOS)

• NOS runs on servers, handling data, users, security, applications, and network functions for shared file and printer access in networks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of NOS

• Advantages: Centralized, stable servers; managed security; easily integrated new technology; remote access.
• Disadvantages: High server costs; reliance on a central location; regular updates and maintenance.

Applications for the Enterprise

• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems consolidate an organization's information for centralized control.
• ERP systems utilize a central database to manage business processes across the entirety of an enterprise.

Mobile Applications

• Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have operating systems and applications
• Mobile devices are smaller versions of personal computers.
• Mobile apps are software designed for mobile devices.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing refers to applications, services, and data storage located on the internet controlled by third party providers. Cloud storage providers utilize massive servers and storage for this access.
• Cloud computing allows users to utilize software and data storage on the internet. Common cloud computing services exist in daily life (E.g., emails like Gmail).

Cloud Computing Advantages & Disadvantages

• Advantages: No installation to maintain; available from different computers.
• Disadvantages: Reliance on someone else’s computer; need for internet access to use it; reliance on a third-party service.

Cloud Computing Using a Private Cloud

• Private Clouds: A cloud computing service where the cloud service provider provides server space for a specific organization, which allows them to manage their data storage more completely within their network.

Virtualization

• Virtualization is using software to imitate other computers/devices.
• Organizations use virtual machines (VMs) to reduce physical servers, lowering electricity, and other associated costs.

Open-Source Software

• Open-source software makes source code available for anyone to copy, use, and modify.
• Open-source software (e.g., Firefox browser, Linux OS, Apache server) have become common and popular across the digital world.

Computer Viruses

• Computer viruses are malicious code designed to spread across devices and harm or steal data. They are a subset of malware characterized by their self-copying threats.

Examples of Computer Viruses

• Worm viruses spread without user intervention.
• Trojan viruses disguise themselves as legitimate programs to spread and damage systems.
• Ransomware viruses encrypt user data and demand payment for decryption.

Computer Virus Protection

• Utilize antivirus and firewall protection.
• Keep antivirus software up-to-date.
• Update operating systems regularly.
• Avoid suspicious websites and downloads.

Software Licensing and Ethics

• Making software copies without permission (piracy) is illegal.
• The Business Software Alliance (BSA) works to stop piracy.
• Software vendor piracy costs billions of dollars yearly and often comes from current and past off-ending companies' employees.

Software Licensing and Ethical Concerns

• Companies can protect their software investments by copyrighting their software, granting exclusive legal rights for reproduction and sale.
• Managing software assets (licensing agreements) becomes more challenging for IT managers.

Personal Information Security

• Keep software up-to-date.
• Install and maintain antivirus software.
• Develop and employ strong, unique passwords.
• Be vigilant about public Wi-Fi connections and suspicious links/attachments.
• Back up data regularly.

Changes in Software

• Operating systems (e.g., Windows, MacOS, Linux) have evolved significantly, often dominating specific markets.
• User interfaces have become more intuitive (e.g., graphical user interfaces (GUI), touchscreens, and voice assistants).
• SaaS (software as a service) is gaining popularity, providing cloud-based applications on a subscription basis.
• Open-source software has widespread adoption (e.g., Linux, Apache, MySQL).
• AI and machine learning are increasingly used in software applications (e.g., natural language processing, image recognition).
• Cybersecurity is becoming more sophisticated to address advanced threats. Mobile apps have transformed how people use mobile devices.