Thursday, October 27, 2011

Software

Systems software

System software are the files that make up your computers operating system.

Systems software works as a connection between computer system hardware and the application software.

You can update the systems software on Microsoft by using windows update or software updates on mac computers.

Applications software

Application software is a program designed to perform a specific function.

For example, games, Instant messengers, Word processors, Adobe Photoshop, and antivirus programs.

Software Utilities

These are programs that clean up your computer from virus to wasted space on your hard drive.

They analyze, configure, optimize and maintain your computer. some of these programs come preinstall on your computer like disk clean up and disk defragmenter and some you have to download like antivirus programs like avg or norton.

Antivirus

Anti-virus is a program that runs all the time on your computer and looks for activity which might have been caused by a virus and if any threats are detected, it will try to neutralise any malicious software.

It also allows you to scan your computer for threats stored in your folders. Some antivirus programs can protect your internet browsers and your emails.

Firewall

A firewall is a device that controls the stream of communications across networks of computers by examining their source, intention and type and comparing these with fixed lists of allowed and disallowed transactions.

Hardware Components

Processor

processor, also known as C.P.U (central processing unit) is like the brains of a computer, its tell the computer what to do and when to do it.

The speed of a processor is measured in megahertz or gigaherts and 1 Gigahert is the same as 1000 Megaherts.
Gigaherts are used to measure cycles a processor does each second

Ram

Ram is also known as (random access memory)

It is used as temporary storage for information when you launch an application.

it is volatile, which means when you turn off your computer the stored information is forgotten.

Graphics card

A graphics card manages signals that are sent to a monitor.

It is responsible for generating text and images that are displayed on your monitor.

some motherboards come with a built it graphics card but if you are really into gameing you can install one into one of your motherboard slots, i.e. pci,pci express or agp.

Data Flow Diagram

Friday, October 21, 2011

Computer Systems

PC (base unit)

Pc stands for Personal computer.

Base unit is the case hold all the hard ware needed for your pc to work.

Laptop

A laptop is a small personal computer designed for portability.
All the hardware needed to operate a laptop is built in.

Net book

A net book is like a laptop but is used for general computing and accessing internet.
Net books are getting better and there really is starting to be very little difference between a laptop and a net book.

P.D.A

P.D.A is a Personal digital assistant.

You could use a P.D.A to keep your class schedule and your assignments

Mobile phone

A mobile phone is a wireless device that is used to call or receive calls to or from other telephones.
Most new mobile phones can do the same things P.D.As can do.

Games console

A games console is a computer designed for playing games
Some new games consoles can do most of the stuff Pc’s can do, E.g. play music, videos and access the internet.

Tablet pc

A tablet pc is like a laptop but it doesn't have a keyboard or touch pad, instead it is all touch screen with an on screen keyboard.
They are very useful for artist or architects and many other job roles.

Server

A server is a computer or a group of computers used to store documents and information

Embedded devices

There are now embedded devices in are cars and in some domestic appliances like washing machines, dish washers and ovens.

For example there are now cars that stop the engine when you have stop at traffic lights and then start when you go to drive off.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Devices For Network Connection

Devices for Network Connection

In this assignment I have been asked to talk about the different ways that you can connect to the internet and the devices that you can use for network connectivity. Below i will be talking about the four different network connections and they are 3G/4G, Bluetooth, Network interface cards and also wireless.

3G/4G

3g/4g is a fast Internet connection for mobile phones, laptops and other devices. 3G is the third generation of the mobile phone wireless network. 4G is the same as 3G but 4G is up to 2mbps fast. A disadvantage of 4G is that it is very expensive for your service provider to get setup and is only starting to become available to people in some places.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is wireless and automatic connection, it has a number of interesting features, and one of these features includes transferring information wirelessly from one enabled device to another. Bluetooth has a range of up to ten meters (32 feet), and a data rate close to 300kbps. Some of the main disadvantages of Bluetooth would be that it is not as fast as any of the other network connections and it also hasn’t got as high a range as any of the other network connections.

N.I.C (Network interface cards)

Using layers of electronic circuitry a N.I.C card will allow for networks to connect over a LAN Network. The low cost of the Ethernet standard means that most new computers have a network interface built into the motherboard. The advantages of N.I.C are that it is the most stable and the fastest network connection that you can get. The disadvantage of N.I.C is that your computer has to be connected to the router via Ethernet cable in order to get connected to a network.

Wireless

Wi-Fi provides service in homes as well as in public space at Wi-Fi hotspot set up either free of charge or commercially. Organizations, such as hotels and restaurants often provide free use of hotspot to attract or assist clients. Authorities who wish to provide services or even to promote business in selected places sometimes provide free Wi-Fi access to. Wireless would be the most popular way to connect your laptop to a network. Some disadvantages of wireless network would be that it isn’t as a fast or as stable as a wired connection.