10 Questions
What is the main function of a computer system?
Processing data
Which department in organizations typically manages data and information using computers?
Information Technology (IT)
What is the difference between data and information?
Data are raw facts collected, information is derived useful data.
Which component of a computer system refers to the physical parts like the monitor and the keyboard?
Hardware
Where is software typically stored before being loaded into a computer's RAM?
In hard disk drives
What type of software is used to control the computer hardware and develop applications?
System software
Which component of computer memory contains programs that can only be read and not written?
Read Only Memory (ROM)
What is the primary function of firmware in a computer system?
Start up the machine with necessary checks
Which category of Liveware includes individuals responsible for managing IT projects?
IT Managers
What distinguishes application software from system software?
Application software can run independently
Study Notes
Computer System Elements
- A computer is a programmable machine that inputs, processes, and outputs data, converting it into information.
Data vs Information
- Data: raw numbers, characters, images collected from an original source
- Information: derived from raw facts, transformed into a useful form for the recipient
Information Technology (IT)
- Relates to the use of computers for managing information
- Typically done by IT departments in organizations
- Functions: data capturing and input, data and information representation/storage, data processing, information presentation and output, data transmission
Computer System
- Consists of four elements: Hardware, Software, Firmware, and Liveware
Hardware
- Refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as...
Software
- A collection of programs or applications containing instructions that make the computer work
- Held on hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, and loaded into computer RAM as needed
- Two types:
- System Software: controls computer hardware and develops/runs applications
- Application Software: permits user to perform coordinated functions/tasks
System vs Application Software
- System Software:
- Controls computer hardware
- Develops and runs applications
- Categorized as Operating systems and Utility software
- Application Software:
- A set of computer programs
- Dependent on system software to execute
- Cannot run independently
Firmware
- A computer memory consists of two parts: RAM and ROM
- ROM contains programs written by the manufacturer, called firmware
- Firmware is used to start up the machine (booting) with necessary checks
Liveware
- Refers to the human expertise needed in the field of IT
- Includes: Software Engineers, Hardware Engineers, IT Managers, Project Managers, Database Engineers, Network Administrators, and all Users of Computers
Test your knowledge on computer system elements that support information processing, understand the differences between data and information, and explore the basics of information technology (IT).
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