Hardware and Systems Technology

Hardware definition

Tangible components of a computer system that can be physically touched

System unit

The main computer housing containing internal components

Peripheral device

Hardware that surrounds the system unit such as keyboards and monitors

Internal device

Components inside the system unit that process data

Input hardware

Devices used to enter data such as keyboards scanners and microphones

Output hardware

Devices that display processed information such as monitors and printers

Storage hardware

Devices used to save data such as hard drives and USB drives

Wired peripherals

Devices connected through physical cables

Wireless peripherals

Devices connected through wireless technology

Software interaction

Peripherals communicate with system unit through installed software

Operating system role

Directs hardware to execute tasks and run applications

System software

Software that manages hardware and system resources

Application software

Programs that allow users to perform tasks such as word processing

Examples of application software

iTunes Microsoft Word Adobe Reader

Network hardware

Equipment used to connect computers for resource sharing

Computer network definition

Group of connected computers sharing resources

Wireless network

Network using wireless signals to connect devices

Wired network

Network using cables to connect devices

Data input

Entering raw data into a system for processing

Data processing

Converting raw data into meaningful information

Data output

Presenting processed information in usable form

Data storage

Saving data for future retrieval

Importance of storage

Prevents data loss and allows long term access

Storage examples

Hard disks USB drives CDs

Data example

First name last name address and other fields

Record example

A complete set of related data fields

Information example

A processed employee list created from records

Stakeholder in IS

Anyone with interest in a system or process

Network communication tools

Email and other electronic communication systems

Role of hardware in IS

Provides physical foundation for processing and storing data