Lesson 2: Hardware and Software

Digital technologies

being integrated into many everyday objects

Binary

processes electronics signals into discrete values

Byte

group of 8 bits

Gigaherts

billions of cycles per second

Central Processing Unit

part of computer that sequences and executes intructions

Multiprocessing

involves the simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time

Coprocessors

speeds processing by executing specific types of instructions while the CPU works on another processing activity

Multicore Processor

has two or more independent processing units

Moore’s Law

number of transistors on a chip will double every two years

Main Memory

provides the processor with a working storage area to hold program intructions and data

Random Access Memory

temporary and volatile

Read-only Memory

nonvolatile; provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change

Storage Area Networks

high speed, special purpose network that integrates different types of data storage devices

Cloud computing storage

data storage model where a data storage service provider rents space to individuals and organizations; accessed via internet

System Software

includes operating system, utilities and middleware that coordinate the activities and functions

Application Software

programs that help users solve particular computing problems

Sphere of Influence

the scope of problems and opportunities addressed by a particular organization

Systems Software

controls the operations of computer hardware

Operating Systems

set of programs that controls computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs

Personal Computing OS

operating systems that are found on personal computers, portable computers

Workgroup OS

operating systems that are needed to run the servers that meet the business needs for workgroups

Enterprise OS

operating systems for mainframe computers

Smartphone OS

operating systems for smartphones

Embedded OS

operating systems for computer systems that is implanted in and dedicated to the control of another device

Utility Programs

programs that helps to perform maintenance or correct problems with a system

Middleware

software that allows different systems to communicate and exchange data

Application Software

to apply the power of the computer to enable people, workgroups, and the entire enterprise to solve problems and perform specific tasks

Proprietary Software

one of a kind program for a specific application

Off the shelf software

software mass-produced by software vendors

Software as a service

business subscribe to wed-delivered business application software

Quantum Computing

ability of computer to be in multiple states at once

Virtualization

process of presenting a set of computing resources so that they can all be accessed in ways that are not restricted by physical configuration or geographic location

Cloud Computing

model of computing in which computer processing, storage, software, and other services are provided as a shared pool of virtualized resources over a network

Edge Computing

allows data from internetof things devices to be analyzed

Green computing

green IT; program concerned with a efficient and environmentally responsible design

Open Source Software

free and can be modified by users

Linux

leading OS for servers

Java

leading interactive programming environment for the web