Hardware and Software

input-process-output

The basic computer model; an input is received, this is then processed and an output is produced

Input

Data that is entered into the computer system via an input - mouse, keyboards...

Process

Software on the computer processes the input

Output

The result of the process is output; this could be to a screen or a printer

Software updates

These include bug fixes, additional security, additional functionality

Simulation

A computer model of the real world; the weather forecast or a flight simulator

GUI

Graphical user interface; interface that relies on graphics to communicate with the user - icons, windows and folders for instance

Software

Programs or applications that run on a device

Application software

Computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task - Microsoft Office, for instance

System software

Divided into Operating System and Utility Software

Operating System

Sometimes called OS - it controls how the device works

iOS 12

The current version of OS an an iphone

Android

The OS on some phones

Windows 10

The current OS on Windows devices

Utility Software

Divided into Basic Tools, File management and Security software

Basic tools

Examples are - calculator, calendar, accessibility options (changing text size, screen reader, etc)

File management

Programs that look after the files on a device; creating back-ups, repairing corrupt files, etc

Security tools

Programs that protect a device from potentially damaging attacks; anti-virus software for example