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Fundamentals of Computer Systems (Importance of Computer Systems (Business…
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Define a computer system
A computer system is one that is able to take a set of inputs, process them and create a set of outputs. This is done by a combination of hardware and software.
Importance of Computer Systems
Business
Education
Travel
Retail
Safety
Communication
Reliability
Designed with safety
Make tests easy
Designed to defined standards
Failsafe Mechanisms
Maintenance carried out after system goes live
Professional standards
Rules that everyone follows in developing computer systems, rather than everyone doing their own thing.
e.g. USB ports and cables; many manufacturers produce them separately, but they all produce them to the same specifications, or they wouldn’t fit.
Ethical /Legal/Environmental Considerations
Legal
Computer Misuse Act
This makes hacking illegal. Hacking is gaining access to computer material that you are not allowed to have access to, possibly by stealing a password.
Data Protection Act
If you (or the company you work for) store the personal data of anyone, you are required to keep it secure and up to date.
Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act
It is illegal to make a copy of any publication (including written works, music and computer programs) without the permission of the copyright owner.
Health and Safety at Work Act
Concepts such as:
Trailing cables that are a trip hazard
Too much time spent at a computer which can cause eye strain from looking at the screen or repetitive strain injury (RSI) from typing or using the mouse
Environmental
require raw materials, as well as energy to make
Old Computers not easy to dispose
computers not always recycled
Ethical
outsourcing?
government holding electronic profile of entire population
not everyone has access to computers