Computer Systems Chapter 11 Section 1

Goals of Chapter Identify the main elements of a computer system Describe input devices and processing activities Explain computer storage media and output types

As managers plan and implement computerized activities, they must decide how best to use technology to serve the production and distribution needs of the organization.

Elements of a Computer Input Device Memory and Storage Output Device Processing Unit

Hardware – the physical elements of a computer system Software – refers to the instructions that run the computer system Word processing Spreadsheet Database Presentation Communication Programs

Computer Networks Computers that are linked so that they are connected to the same software, hardware, and data. The internet is the largest and best known Intranet – local computer network; an organization’s private computer network Based on the same communication standards as the internet Smaller version of internet Only accessible by members or employees

Central Processing Unit Controls center of the computer AKA “the Brain of the computer” Where the processing of information takes place Program – is a series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete

Computer Language is a system of letters, words, numbers, and symbols used to communicate with a computer

Software Operating System software translate commands and allows application programs to interact with the computer’s hardware. Application Software refers to programs that perform specific tasks Word processing, desktop publishing, database, spreadsheet, presentation Utilities Software helps keep a hard drive in order and a computer running smoothly

Memory & Storage Internal or Primary Storage is memory within the computer Bit, nibble, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte External or Auxiliary Storage is memory that is not a part of the computer Disk, cd’s, dvd’s, flash sticks

Output Devices Text Graphics Audio Video