Bioinformatics (Nursing) Lecture (1)

Types of Computers & Computer Hardware A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions. Hardware Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that process the data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices.

Software A computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks. Network Two or more computers and other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs. Peripheral devices Used to expand the computer’s input, output and storage capabilities.

Types of Computers Desktop Microcomputer: This is a general purpose computer made up of separate components: ● monitor ● keyboard ● mouse ● processor and storage.

Mainframe: These are extremely large computers used in organizations (such as banks and government departments) where very large amounts of data are processed.

Laptop or notebook: This is a computer where all the components are together in a single unit. This means that they are portable; unlike desktop computers, they can be moved from one work area to another.

Hardware and software Computer systems are made up of hardware and software. Computer hardware is made up of the parts of the computer that you can touch: its physical components. Software is the programs, instructions and data that controls the operation of a computer and enables the computer to carry out a task.

Hardware When you look at a computer and all the peripheral devices that are attached to it, you can see examples of hardware such as: monitor keyboard mouse printer speakers scanner

There is other hardware that is built into, or inside the computer case (or tower) including: Memory chips (RAM and ROM) Processing chips A motherboard Video cards (note the connection sockets such as VGA, HDMI, DVI) Sound cards (note the sockets for such hardware as headphone and microphone) Internal hard disk drive

Software System software: These are programs and files that make up the computer’s operating system. Examples of system software include the software to connect with the printer, that controls the way the screen appears, the software that deletes a file or a folder. These run invisibly in the background so that you can do your work effectively.

Applications software Also known as applications programs. These programs allow users to write letters, solve problems, perhaps using spreadsheet and database software, or to play games.

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