Notes on Computer Systems and Software

Page 1: Introduction to Computer Operations

• Essential settings for computer operations.

• Importance of selecting operator classes.

Page 2: Operating System

• Role of the Operating System (OS)

  • Acts as the traffic controller of the computer.

  • Manages input/output operations and peripheral commands.

  • Provides access to applications (e.g., office software, email).

• Types of Operating Systems

  • Microsoft Windows OS: Holds the majority market share.

  • Mac OSX: First OS released by Apple in 1984.

  • Linux: Free and open-source, primarily for web servers.

  • Google Chrome OS: Released in 2011 for Chromebooks.

Page 3: Cloud Computing

• Definition

  • Access to software and file storage on remote computers via the Internet.

• Features

  • Create and edit files collaboratively.

  • File visibility options: public, link-accessible, or private.

  • Shared user capabilities: view, edit, comment.

Page 4: Advantages of Cloud Storage

• Backup

  • Importance of having duplicate copies of files in different locations.

• Collaboration

  • Ability to share and edit files from any Internet-connected device.

Page 5: Limitations of Cloud Storage

• Challenges

  • Lack of control over cloud sites.

  • Dependence on Internet access.

  • Vulnerability to cyber threats.

  • Users must assess their comfort level with cloud computing.

Page 6: Software Program Copyright

• Open Source

  • Copyright protection with available source code for improvements.

• Shareware

  • Trial use with fees for continued access; piracy is illegal.

• Freeware

  • Freely available but with restricted usage rights; copyright maintained by the author.

Page 7: Software Program Copyright Continued

• Public-Domain Software

  • No copyright restrictions; can be used freely.

• Commercial Software

  • Significant financial impact due to piracy (global rate ~39%).

  • Legal consequences for piracy include fines and jail terms.

Page 8: Keyboard Shortcuts

• Links to resources for Windows and Apple keyboard shortcuts.

Page 9: File Extensions & Data Encryption

• Managing File Extensions

  • File extensions indicate which program opens a file.

  • Compatibility through file extension translators in office software.

• Data Encryption

  • Protects sensitive information (e.g., banking, passwords).

  • Encrypted files require decryption for access.

Page 10: Speech Recognition

• Overview

  • Converts spoken words into text; has evolved over decades.

• Examples

  • Google Voice Search, Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and built-in features in Windows and Apple computers.

Page 11: Helping with Minor Problems

• Troubleshooting

  • Methods to handle unresponsive programs on Windows and Mac.

  • Importance of saving work frequently to prevent data loss.

Page 12: What is Cloud Computing?

• Utilization

  • Accessing software and storage remotely.

  • Performing calculations and predictions.

  • Using external hardware and mobile devices for information transport.

Page 13: Speech Recognition in Healthcare

• Role in Nursing Informatics

  • Enhances data accuracy by converting spoken words into text for documentation.

Page 14: Reference

• Sewell, J. P. (2019). Informatics and nursing: Opportunities and challenges (eBook 6th ed.). Wolters K