Concise Summary of Hardware and Software

Objectives

  • Functions of four fundamental hardware components
  • Differences in multiprocessing, parallel processing, and grid computing
  • Usage of primary classes of computers in organizations
  • Subclasses of each primary class of computer
  • Features distinguishing data center tiers
  • Goals of green computing program
  • Basic kinds of software and subclasses
  • Role of operating systems and cost savings of server virtualization
  • Service-oriented architecture for software and microservices
  • Advantages of off-the-shelf vs proprietary software
  • Advantages of the SaaS model
  • Examples of application software usage in personal, workgroup, and enterprise settings
  • Tasks for programming languages
  • Types of end-user license agreements
  • Comparison of open-source and licensed software

Anatomy of a Computer

  • Components: CPU, memory, bus, I/O devices
  • Instruction phases: Fetch, decode, execute, store

Processor Types

  • Multicore processors enable dual processing units
  • Clock speed measured in GHz determines processing speed
  • Types of processing:
    • Multiprocessing: Execute multiple instructions simultaneously
    • Parallel processing: Multiple processors execute the same task
    • Grid computing: Coordinated computing across multiple systems

Main Memory

  • Provides rapid storage for CPU
  • Storage capacity:
    • Byte (B) = 1 character
    • 1KB = 1000B
    • 1MB = 1000^2B
    • 1GB = 1000^3B
    • 1TB = 1000^4B

RAM and Cache

  • RAM: Volatile storage, various types (SRAM, DRAM, etc.)
  • Cache memory: High-speed access for the processor
  • ROM: Nonvolatile memory, types include PROM and EEPROM

Secondary Storage

  • Permanent storage for large data sets
  • Examples: HDD, SSD, RAID, magnetic tape

Input/Output Devices

  • Allow interaction with computers
  • Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanners
  • Output devices: Displays, printers, 3D printers

Computer System Classes

  • Classes: Special-purpose vs general-purpose
  • Types: Portable (smartphones, laptops) and nonportable (desktops, workstations)

Servers, Mainframes, and Supercomputers

  • Servers for specific tasks; can scale
  • Mainframes share resources with multiple users
  • Supercomputers designed for intensive computations

Green Computing

  • Focused on efficient IT design, manufacture, operation, and disposal
  • EPEAT system for environmental performance ranking

System Software vs Application Software

  • System software includes OS, utilities, middleware; manages hardware and software functions
  • Application software enables users to perform specific tasks

Operating Systems

  • Control computer hardware; manage tasks and resources
  • Types include enterprise OS and embedded systems

Software Licensing

  • EULA defines terms of use
  • Types of licenses: Single-user, multiuser, network
  • Open-source software is free but may have hidden costs

Summary

  • Select hardware meeting needs and consider green computing
  • Off-the-shelf vs proprietary software for business needs
  • Software upgrades are important for ongoing support and development