Introduction to Systems

A way of viewing an issue, problem, or event by considering it as a interconnected system with various parts and processes.

The elements that are transformed by a system to create output. For example, raw materials or data.

The processes or steps involved in transforming input resources into output. This may include production processes or data analysis.

The final results generated by a system. Could be finished products, services, or information.

A system that continuously monitors its performance and makes adjustments based on feedback. It includes a control mechanism, feedback loop, and an objective.

A system that lacks a control mechanism and does not monitor its performance or receive feedback. It operates independently of its environment.

A mechanism that guides and regulates a system's performance based on predefined goals. For example, a thermostat or a quality control inspector.

The process of receiving information about a system's performance and using it to make adjustments. It's a key component in a closed-loop system.

A type of computer that has all of its components, including a monitor, in one unit. Examples include Windows computers, Apple Macintosh computers and laptops.

A software that manages the computer's hardware and software resources, enabling applications to run and interact with the hardware.

A portable and smaller computer than a desktop computer. Laptops often have a built-in keyboard and trackpad, as well as a display.

A type of operating system designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It provides a user interface specialized for touch input and features that are optimized for portability.

A popular, open-source, and free operating system that is based on Linux. It powers a wide range of devices from servers to embedded systems.

A type of laptop that is thinner and lighter than a traditional laptop, and often has a longer battery life.

A type of laptop designed for gaming, with high-end graphics capabilities. Gaming laptops often have powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and large displays.

A commercial operating system developed by Microsoft. It is the most popular desktop operating system in the world.

A small, portable computer with a touchscreen interface. Tablets are typically used for browsing the internet, reading e-books, watching videos, and playing games.

A type of operating system that is specifically designed for business use. It includes applications and tools for tasks such as accounting, inventory management, and customer relationship management.

A handheld computer that combines the features of a smartphone and a tablet. Phablets have larger screens than a typical smartphone, but are still small enough to fit comfortably in your hand.

A mode where the computer saves all open documents and enters a low-power state. It is designed to conserve energy and allows for a quick resumption of work.

A mobile device that is worn on the body, often used for fitness tracking, health monitoring, and communication. Wearables may have embedded computers and can connect to other devices.

A utility program that rearranges fragmented files on a hard disk, making them contiguous. This can help improve system performance.

The main circuit board in a computer that connects all the other components together. This board controls communication and data flow throughout the computer.

A utility program that helps identify and remove unnecessary files on a computer, freeing up disk space.

The first version of the web, where information flowed one way (from publishers to readers) mostly in the form of static HTML pages.

The second generation of the web, characterized by interactive content, user-generated content and collaborative features like social networking.

The third generation of the web, focusing on real-time data, location awareness, and personalized content. It emphasizes user experience based on context and device.

The fourth generation of the web, characterized by artificial intelligence and machine learning. It aims to provide personalized and smart web experiences based on user preferences and behavior.

A unique address used to find a specific webpage on the internet.

A system of rules and standards used to organize and access information on the internet.

A unique identifier used to identify a website or a network of computers.

suffixes (e.g., .com, .org, .edu, .gov) that identify the type of organization or institution a domain name belongs to.

A collection of unprocessed items such as text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

Processed data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.

A computerized system used to create, modify, and access databases.

A request for specific data from a database.

A set of rules or values used to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of data.

A system where each department manages its own set of files, leading to data redundancy and isolation.

An approach where programs and users share a central pool of data, reducing redundancy and improving integrity.

A collection of information about each file and field in a database.

A visual representation of how data is organized, like relational, object-oriented, or multidimensional.

Software designed for specific industries and functions, such as human resources, accounting, or sales.

A connection point on a motherboard for chips, like processors or memory modules.

Tiny circuit boards etched onto squares of silicon, containing millions or billions of transistors.

A pathway that connects various components on a motherboard, allowing data to flow between them.

A type of expansion bus used to connect external devices like printers, keyboards, and mice to a computer.

The main processing unit of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.