Computer systems

Computer System: A combination of all the components required to process and store data.
Hardware: The physical equipment associated with the computer system.
Software: Computer instructions that direct the hardware on what actions to perform.
- Programs: Sets of detailed instructions written by programmers.
- Programming: The process of writing software instructions.
Logic: The complete sequence of tasks and steps that lead directly to a problem solution.
Software Classifications:
- Application Software: Computer programs designed for end-user tasks. Examples include word processing programs, spreadsheets, payroll programs, inventory management programs, and games.
- System Software: Computer programs that manage system hardware and operations. Examples include operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, Apple OS, and Google Android.

Three Major Computer Operations:
- Data Input: Data items such as text, raw numbers, and raw materials entered into the computer system to be processed.
- Processing: The organization, sorting, accuracy verification, or mathematical calculation performed on data using the Central Processing Unit ( $\text{CPU}$ ).
- Output: The resulting information generated after data processing that is transmitted to an output device such as a printer, a monitor, or a storage device.
The Cloud: Remote hardware devices accessed over the Internet for processing or storage