Computer Systems, Software, Hardware, and Programming
Computer Systems
A computer system is a set of interacting parts working together for a precise objective. These parts include hardware, software, and the people who use them. For example, a computer, its peripherals, and the user form a computer system.
A computer system can be part of an information system. An information system may not necessarily involve computers. For example, a library’s filing system and its overall activity constitute an information system. If computers assist in organizing the library, then it becomes a computer system.
Difference Between Computer and Information Systems
- Computer systems use computers to store, process, and/or access information.
- Information systems may use computers, but it’s not essential. Information access can be physical (e.g., manual file searching).
- Both systems involve people who access or produce information. Training is crucial for understanding system operations and procedures.
- Both systems have a purpose, such as managing a library, tracking goods, or handling personnel and resources.
Data and Information
The Concept of Data
Data are facts describing events and entities. “Data” is plural, referring to multiple facts. A single fact is a “data-item” or data element. Data can be represented by various symbols: letters, numbers, movements, dots, dashes, hand signals, drawings, etc. These symbols, arranged in a usable form, become information.
Data, essentially symbols describing conditions, events, situations, or settings, do not inherently contain information. Data can be a number, letter, punctuation mark, or any symbol representing a quantity, measure, word, or description.
Data’s importance lies in its potential to become information when associated with a context. Data alone cannot communicate meaning or influence the recipient’s behavior. To be useful, data must be converted into information to provide meaning, knowledge, ideas, or conclusions.
The Concept of Information
Information is not merely a dataset but a collection of facts meaningful and relevant to the receiving entity or organization. Information is a set of meaningful and relevant data describing events or entities.
Meaningful Data: To be meaningful, data must consist of recognizable symbols, be complete, and have an unambiguous expression of an idea.
Data symbols are recognizable when correctly interpreted. Various easily understood symbols transmit data.
Data Integrity: Integrity means having all the data necessary to answer a specific question. For example, a baseball score must include both teams’ scores.
Unequivocal Data: Data is unequivocal when its context is clear. For instance, “2-x” might mean “2 minus x” to an algebra student but “2 x-bar” to a cowboy branding cattle. Context is crucial for understanding the meaning of symbols.
Relevant Data: Information is relevant when it can answer posed questions. Organizations select relevant facts from the environment to meet their specific information needs.
Hardware
Hardware comprises all tangible parts of a computer: electrical, electronic, electromechanical, mechanical components, cables, cabinets, peripherals, and any other physical element. In contrast, software is intangible.
The term hardware doesn’t have an exact Spanish equivalent and is often adopted as is. It refers to the physical components of a computer, but also applies to other devices like robots, mobile phones, cameras, and media players.
Hardware is not synonymous with “computer parts,” as the latter usually refers only to internal components, excluding peripherals.
Computer hardware history is categorized into four generations, each marked by significant technological advancements. Hardware can be classified as basic (essential for normal operation) and complementary (performing specific functions).
A computer system consists of a central processing unit (CPU) for data processing, input peripherals for information entry, and output peripherals for displaying processed data (usually visually or auditorily).
Hardware Classification
Hardware is classified into input, output, and input/output peripherals. A peripheral is any device connected to a PC to enhance its functionality.
Basic hardware includes the monitor, CPU, mouse, and keyboard. Additional hardware includes printers, digital video cameras, and scanners.
Input Devices: These allow users to input information. Examples include: Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Flash Card Reader, UPS, Microphone, Webcam, A/D Converter, Barcode Scanner, Joystick, Stylus, Touch Screen, Digitizer.
Output Peripherals: These display the results of PC operations. Examples include: Printer, Monitor, Speakers, Headphones.
Input/Output Peripherals: These devices simultaneously handle input and output. Examples include: CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, Modem, Network Card, Port Drivers.
The last three are also called communication devices.
Storage Devices (also Input/Output): These store computer information. Examples include: Floppy Disk, USB Drive, Hard Drive, Memory Cards (SD, Compact Flash, Smart Card, MMC).
Software
Software is the set of computer programs, procedures, rules, documentation, and related data involved in a computer system’s operations.
Software Classification
Software can be classified into three types:
- System Software: This decouples the user and programmer from the computer’s internal details (memory, disks, ports, devices). It provides high-level interfaces, tools, and utilities for maintenance. Examples include: Operating Systems, Device Drivers, Diagnostic Tools, Optimization Tools, Servers, Utilities.
- Programming Software: These tools enable programmers to develop computer programs using various languages. Examples include: Text Editors, Compilers, Interpreters, Linkers, Debuggers, IDEs.
- Application Software: This allows users to perform specific tasks. Examples include: Industrial Control Applications, Office Applications, Educational Software, Business Software, Databases, Telecommunications Software, Video Games, Medical Software, Numerical and Symbolic Software, CAD Software, CAM Software.
Program Definition
A program is a set of instructions in a programming language that a computer interprets to solve a problem or perform a function.
- The relative order of computer activities is a series of coded instructions.
- Formulating an algorithm in a programming language.
- An ordered set of instructions enabling a specific task.
- Any sequence of instructions or data used directly or indirectly in a computer system to perform a function or obtain a result.
- A sequenced set of instructions written in a specific language for a particular purpose. This differs from an operating system, which manages the overall system.
Source Program
“Source Code” refers to the text written by a programmer when developing software. This code is then compiled into an executable file that the computer can understand and run.
Source code can be open or proprietary. Open Source allows access to the code beyond the author. Open Source and Free Software are different concepts. Open Source programs can be commercialized.