Computer Systems Types and Uses

Study Notes

Personal Computers:
- Designed for individual use.
- Offer a wide range of capabilities.
- Relatively inexpensive to purchase.
- Utilize basic input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
SOHO (Single Office/Home Office) Systems:
- Typically involve a network of computers and printers.
- Suitable for small businesses or individual home offices.
Mobile User Systems:
- Designed for portability and on-the-go use.
- Include devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Power Systems:
- Require higher specifications to handle demanding applications.
- Costlier to purchase due to advanced components.
- Feature increased RAM, CPU power, and storage capacity.
Enterprise Systems:
- Used by large companies with a vast network of users across locations.
- Employ expansive networks to connect employees and resources.

Data: Raw, unprocessed facts that lack organization and meaning.
Information: Organized and processed data that provides meaning and context.
Knowledge: Includes facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
Conclusion: A reasoned judgment based on the analysis and interpretation of information and knowledge.

Saving Time, Labour, and Costs:
- Electronic data transmission reduces paper consumption.
- Computers process and transmit information faster than traditional methods.
- They can perform complex tasks and calculations efficiently, replacing human labor.
- Communication tools like VoIP, email, and instant messaging offer cost-effective alternatives to conventional methods.
Efficiency, Accuracy, and Reliability:
- "Garbage In Garbage Out" (GIGO) principle emphasizes the importance of accurate input data for reliable outputs.
- Computers enable efficient and accurate data entry, minimizing errors.
- Data validation mechanisms enhance data integrity and reliability.
Time and Distance Effectiveness:
- Computers facilitate instant communication across geographical boundaries.
- They eliminate the constraints of time and distance, enabling real-time interactions.
Global Communication:
- Social networking platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) connect users worldwide.
- Web tools like blogs, wikis, and RSS feeds enable collaboration and information sharing on a global scale.
- Web 2.0 emphasizes user-generated content and social interaction.

Refers to the merging of multiple technologies to create innovative and enhanced products.

Input: Instructions and data provided to the computer.
- Devices: Keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, camera, scanner.
Processing: Analyzing and manipulating input data.
- Devices: CPU, RAM, ROM, graphics card.
Output: Displaying or transmitting processed results.
- Devices: Monitor, printer, speakers, projector, earphones.
Storage: Saving information for later use.
- Devices: Hard drive, flash drive, CD/DVD, memory card, USB hub.
Communication: Sharing information with other devices or users.
- Devices: Modem, router, switch, network interface card (NIC), cables.

Multi-touch Screen: A screen that can register multiple touches simultaneously.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): A standard for transmitting high-quality video and audio signals.
3D Printing: A technology that uses digital models to create three-dimensional solid objects by layering materials.

Advantages:
- Enables easy and rapid data entry with minimal training.
Disadvantages:
- May present challenges for disabled users.
- Prone to typing errors.
Programmable Keys: Keys can be customized to execute specific commands or actions.