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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of software?
What is the primary purpose of software?
Which of the following is NOT a type of system software?
Which of the following is NOT a type of system software?
What is the function of utilities in system software?
What is the function of utilities in system software?
Which of the following is an example of specialized application software?
Which of the following is an example of specialized application software?
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What role do operating systems play in system software?
What role do operating systems play in system software?
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What differentiates application software from system software?
What differentiates application software from system software?
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What are the components of an information system according to the text?
What are the components of an information system according to the text?
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Which part of an information system is emphasized as the most critical in the text?
Which part of an information system is emphasized as the most critical in the text?
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What is another term used for programs in the context of the text?
What is another term used for programs in the context of the text?
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How is the importance of people in an information system demonstrated according to the text?
How is the importance of people in an information system demonstrated according to the text?
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Which term refers to the capability of a personal computer to share information with other computers?
Which term refers to the capability of a personal computer to share information with other computers?
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What are procedures in the context of an information system?
What are procedures in the context of an information system?
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What type of system connects two or more computers for communication?
What type of system connects two or more computers for communication?
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What is essential for becoming a highly efficient computer user according to the text?
What is essential for becoming a highly efficient computer user according to the text?
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Which concept involves shifting computer activities from a user's computer to computers on the Internet?
Which concept involves shifting computer activities from a user's computer to computers on the Internet?
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What has changed the way we communicate with one another?
What has changed the way we communicate with one another?
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What is the continuing development of the Internet that allows everyday objects to send and receive data over the Internet?
What is the continuing development of the Internet that allows everyday objects to send and receive data over the Internet?
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Which type of files are created by presentation graphics programs to save presentation materials?
Which type of files are created by presentation graphics programs to save presentation materials?
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What type of computers are supercomputers?
What type of computers are supercomputers?
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Which type of computer is not as powerful as a supercomputer but capable of great processing speed and data storage?
Which type of computer is not as powerful as a supercomputer but capable of great processing speed and data storage?
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What distinguishes midrange computers from mainframe computers and personal computers?
What distinguishes midrange computers from mainframe computers and personal computers?
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What type of hardware controls devices like smartphones, tablets, and system units?
What type of hardware controls devices like smartphones, tablets, and system units?
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Which type of computer is most suitable for very large corporations in terms of processing power?
Which type of computer is most suitable for very large corporations in terms of processing power?
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What distinguishes mainframe computers from supercomputers?
What distinguishes mainframe computers from supercomputers?
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What is the main focus of Chapter 1 in the Introduction to Computer Science session?
What is the main focus of Chapter 1 in the Introduction to Computer Science session?
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What are some of the key aspects covered in Chapter 1 according to the text?
What are some of the key aspects covered in Chapter 1 according to the text?
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Which term best describes how powerful software and hardware systems are changing interactions in daily life and on the Internet?
Which term best describes how powerful software and hardware systems are changing interactions in daily life and on the Internet?
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What are some challenges and opportunities promised by the future of computers and digital technology?
What are some challenges and opportunities promised by the future of computers and digital technology?
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In what ways does Chapter 1 aim to prepare students for the ever-changing digital world?
In what ways does Chapter 1 aim to prepare students for the ever-changing digital world?
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What is one of the key themes highlighted in Chapter 1 regarding technology integration?
What is one of the key themes highlighted in Chapter 1 regarding technology integration?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computer Science
- The future of computers and digital technology promises exciting challenges and opportunities.
- The chapter introduces the skills and concepts needed to be prepared for the ever-changing digital world.
Information Systems
- An information system consists of six parts: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and internet.
- People are the most important part of an information system.
- People interact with computers directly (e.g., using a word processing program) and indirectly (e.g., using computers in medicine, entertainment, education, and business).
Procedures
- Procedures are the rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data.
- Procedures are typically documented in manuals written by computer specialists.
Software
- Software is another name for programs.
- Programs consist of step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work.
- The purpose of software is to convert data into information.
- There are two major kinds of software: system software and application software.
System Software
- System software is a "background" software that helps the computer manage its own internal resources.
- System software enables applications to interact with the computer hardware.
- System software includes operating systems and utilities.
- Operating systems coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the computer, and run applications.
- Examples of operating systems include Windows and Mac OS.
- Utilities perform tasks related to managing computer resources, such as antivirus programs.
Application Software
- Application software might be described as end-user software.
- Application software types include:
- General-purpose applications (e.g., browsers, Word processor, spreadsheet)
- Specialized applications (e.g., graphics and Web authoring programs)
- Mobile apps (mobile applications)
Hardware
- Hardware is the equipment that processes data to create information.
- Hardware includes smartphones, tablets, keyboards, mice, displays, system units, and other devices.
- Hardware is controlled by software.
- There are four types of computers:
- Supercomputers (the most powerful)
- Mainframe computers (not as powerful as supercomputers, but capable of great processing speed and data storage)
- Midrange computers (also referred to as servers, with processing capabilities less powerful than a mainframe computer but more powerful than a personal computer)
- Personal computers
Connectivity and the Mobile Internet
- Almost all information systems provide a way to connect to other people and computers, typically using the Internet.
- Connectivity is the capability of a personal computer to share information with other computers.
- A network is a communications system connecting two or more computers.
- The largest network in the world is the Internet.
- The web provides a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet.
- Cloud computing, wireless communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the impact of technology on our lives.
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Description
Learn about system software, which is a background software that helps the computer manage its own internal resources and enables applications to interact with the computer hardware.