Chapter 4 Flashcards
Levels of computers
Raw data, process data, produce output
Local area networks (LANs)
Network that links personal computers together. Shared access to data, printers, etc.
Client/server LAN
Uses a centralized server, usually for more than 10 computers
Peer-to-peer LAN
No server, each computer is connected through ethernet to each other and can access data from each other
Wide area networks (WANs)
Extremely large networks. ex: the internet, email, web browsing
Internet of things
Equipping everyday hardware with technology to make it a ‘smart’ item. ex: smart mug, smart lightbulbs
Hardware
Tangible components that input, process, output and store data. ex: laptop
Binary digits (bits)
Series of 1s and 0s to represent data
Bytes
8-bits = 1 byte. Group of 8 bits represent one character
Data hierarchy
- Bit (0)
- Byte (11010010)
- Field (course)
- Record (multiple fields)
- File (series of records)
- Database (many files)
Motherboard (mainboard)
Connects computer hardware together. Contains: CPU, primary memory, buses, ports and expansion slots
Central processing unit (CPU)
Transfers program data from disk to main memory via buses. Selects, processes, performs arithmetic on instructions and stores data in memory. There can be more than one CPU
Random access memory (RAM)
Volatile working memory (RAM goes away when computer turns off). Contains running program and operating system instructions
Read-only memory (ROM)
Non-volatile memory (stays when power is off). Used to ‘boot- up’ machine
Client
Individual devices that review and process information that have access to servers. ex: laptops, cell phones, computers
Server
Serve the clients by providing access to information. ex: database servers, email servers, video servers
Software types (2)
- Operating system (OS)
- Application programs
Application software acquisition
- Buy if you can
- Outsource
- Build yourself
Horizontal-market application software
Common software across organization. ex: microsoft word, photoshop
Vertical-market application software
Specific software that serves industry. ex: dental billing system
One-of-a-kind application software
Software for specific needs. ex: Quicktax software (income tax preparation software)
Other (dual category) application software
Software that doesn’t fit clearly into other categories. ex: customer relationship software
Custom developed software
Created by the company for the company. ex: home depot inventory app
Cache memory
Helps speed up the overall throughput of the CPU.
The most frequently used data is stored in the cache memory
BIO
Is an important piece of firmware that checks to make sure the memory and input devices are functional before the operating system is loaded
