Types of Computer Systems and Information Management

Study Notes

Personal Computers: Versatile, affordable, utilize basic input/output devices.
SOHO (Single Office/Home Office): Computers and printers connected in a network for small businesses or home offices.
Mobile Devices: Designed for portability, including tablets, phablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Power Computers: High-performance systems with advanced specifications, requiring more RAM, CPU power, and storage, resulting in a higher price.
Enterprise Systems: Used by businesses with numerous users across various locations, relying on extensive networks for connectivity.

Data: Unprocessed facts, lacking organization or meaning.
Information: Meaningful knowledge derived from organizing and processing data.
Knowledge: Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
Conclusion: Formation of judgments based on knowledge acquired from information.

Productivity:
- Paper Savings: Electronic data transmission eliminates paper usage.
- Time Savings: Faster information creation and delivery processes.
- Labor Savings: Computers can perform complex calculations and tasks 24/7, reducing human effort.
- Cost Savings: Communication methods like VoIP, email, and instant messaging are more cost-effective than traditional phone calls.
Efficiency, Accuracy & Reliability:
- GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out): Inaccurate input results in inaccurate output.
- Data Validation: Computers provide efficient and accurate data input methods.
Global Communication:
- Distance: Instant communication worldwide regardless of location.
- Time: Real-time communication without delays.
- Social Networking: Connecting with individuals worldwide using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Web Tools:
  - Blogs/Vlogs: Online diaries.
  - Wikis: Collaborative platforms allowing content creation, editing, and removal from web pages.
  - RSS Feeds: Consolidation of updates from various sources (blogs, websites) into a central location (email).
  - Web 2.0: Facilitates user collaboration and information sharing.
Convergence: Combining multiple technologies to create innovative products.

Input: Instructions given to the device
- Devices: Mouse, touch screen, keyboard, microphone, camera, scanner.
Processing: Analyzing and processing instructions.
- Devices: CPU, RAM, ROM, graphics card.
Output: Displaying results of processing.
- Devices: Monitor, printer, speaker, projector, earphones.
Storage: Saving information for future use.
- Devices: Hard drive, flash drive, CD/DVD, memory card, USB hub.
Communication: Sharing results with others.
- Devices: Modem, router, switch, NIC, cables.
Multi-touch Screen: Allowing registration of multiple touch points simultaneously.
HDMI: High-definition multimedia interface for connecting high-resolution video devices, eliminating separate audio cables.
3D Printing: Creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by successively layering material.

Advantages: Simple information input (minimal training required), fast data entry.
Disadvantages: Difficulty for disabled users, potential for typing errors.