Computer Systems and Programs

A computer system as shown below:

A computer system consists of hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical equipment such as the case, floppy disk drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, and printers. The term software describes the programs that operate the computer system. Computer software, also called Programs, instructs the computer on how to operate. These operations can include identifying, accessing, and processing information.

Application Software

Application software accepts input from the user and then manipulates this input to achieve a result. This result is known as output. Applications are programs that are designed to perform a specific function for the user or for another application program. Some examples of programs are Word Processors, database programs, spreadsheets, web browsers, web development tools, and graphic design tools. We will get into applications later.

Operating Systems (OS)

An OS is a program that manages all the other programs in a computer. The OS also provides the operating environment for applications that access the resources on the computer. The OS performs basic tasks like recognizing input from the keyboard or mouse, sending output to the video screen or printer, keeping track of files on drives, and controlling peripherals such as printers and modems. The Disk Operating System (DOS), Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux, Mac OS X, are some examples of operating systems.

Operating Systems are platform specific, meaning that they are designed for specific types of computers. For example, the Windows OS is designed for an IBM-compatible personal computers (PC). The Mac OS only works with Macintosh computers. PC and Macintosh are called platforms.

Firmware

Firmware is a program that is embedded in a silicon chip rather than stored on a floppy disk. Any change to either the hardware or software can cause firmware to become outdated. This can lead to device failure, system failure, or data loss. When this happens to older firmware, the only solution is to replace it. Modern firmware is flashable, meaning that the contents can be upgraded or flashed.