1. COMPUTER SCIENCE AND THE FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE NURSING INFORMATICS CHAPTER 5 1

2. CHAPTER OBJECTIVES Describe the essential components of computer systems including hardware and software. Appreciate the rapid evolution of computer systems and the benefit of keeping up to date with current trends and developments. Analyze how computer systems function as tools for managing information and generating knowledge. Articulate how computers can support collaboration and information exchange. 2

3. CHAPTER INTRODUCTION The discipline of computer science is introduced through a focus on computers and the hardware and software that make up these evolving systems. Computer science offers extremely valuable tools that can facilitate the acquisition and manipulation of data and information by nurses, who can then synthesize these into an ever evolving knowledge and wisdom base. 3

4. THE COMPUTER AS A TOOL Computers was first appeared in the mid 1940s. Computers has introduced us to the Information Age Computer technology has ushered in what has been called the “information age” An age when data, information and knowledge are both accessible and usable by more people than ever before in history 4

5. A computer is an electronic information-processing machine that serves as a tool to manipulate data and information. Computers are universal machines, since they are general-purpose, symbol-manipulating devices that can perform any task represented in specific programs. Computers can be used for data and information storage, retrieval, analysis, generation and transformation 5

6. COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS Hardware The actual physical “body” of the computer and its components Outer Protection The Casing: The most noticeable component of any computer is the outer case. Laptop computers combine the casing in a flat rectangular casing that is attached to the hinged LCD monitor. 6

7. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Called the “brain” of the computer. It is the computer component that actually executes, calculates, and processes the data and information as 0s and 1s configurations using specific mechanical units such as arithmetic and logic units The inner components is the central processor. The speed and power of a CPU is measured in Megahertz Gigahertz 7

8. In recent years, processor manufacturers such as Intel have moved to multi-core microprocessors which are chips that combine two or more processors. Multiple microprocessors have replaced many formerly popular computer types. 8

9. Motherboard The mother board has been called the “central nervous system” of the computer. The essential structures of the motherboard include the major chipset, and the ROM (Read Only Memory) 9

10. Hard Disk Is the rigid hard disks in the computer The hard disk acts as a permanent data storage area that holds the data, information, documents, and programs saved on the computer, even when the computer is shut off. 10

11. Main Memory (RAM) RAM is the temporary storage system that allows the processor to access program codes and data while working on a task. RAM memory is lost once the system is rebooted, shut off, or loses power. 11

12. ROM Read-only memory or ROM is essential permanent or semi-permanent non-volatile memory that stores saved data and is critical in the working of the computer's operating system and other activities. Virtual Memory This special type of memory is stored on the hard disk to provide temporary data storage so data can be swapped in and out of the RAM as needed. 12

13. Software: Software are the application programs developed to facilitate various user functions. User friendliness is a critical condition for effective software adoption. User goals: operating systems should be convenient to use, easy to learn, reliable, safe and fast. System goals: operating systems should be easy to design, implement, and maintain, as well as flexible, reliable, error-free and efficient. 13

14. Modem The modem is a component that can either be situated externally (external modem) or internally (internal modem) and enables internet connectivity via a telephone line or cable connection through network adaptors situated within the computer apparatus. 14

15. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connects to a large number of plug-in devices, such as portable Flash drives, digital cameras, Mp3 players, graphics tablets, light pens, using a Plug and Play connection (the ability to add devices automatically). Graphic Card Most computers come equipped with a graphics accelerator card slotted in the microprocessor of a computer to process image data and output it to the monitor. 15

16. Video Adapter Cards : This component provides video memory, a video processor, and a digital-to-analog converter that works with the CPU to output higher quality video images to the monitor. Sound Card : The sound card converts digital data into an analog signal that is then outputted to the computer's speakers or headphones. 16

17. Other components: such as: 1. DVD/CD Drive 2. Floppy drive 3. Flash Drive 4. Connection Ports 5. Keyboard 6. Mouse 7. Monitor 8. Printer 9. Speakers 17

18. Relationship of Computer Science to Knowledge Scholars and researchers are just beginning to understand the effect that computer systems, architecture, applications, and processes have on the potential for knowledge acquisition and development. The development of an understanding of computer science principles as they apply to technology used in nursing can facilitate optimal usage of the technology for knowledge development in the profession. 18

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