ELEMENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
Software
Hardware
people
Data
Procedures
Connectivity
The physical components of a computer constitute its Hardware. These include keyboard, mouse, monitor, and processor. The hardware consists of input devices and output devices that make a complete computer system.
The most important element of a computer system is its users. They are also called live-ware of the computer system.
System Analysts - People who design the operation and processing of the system. Systems analysts may serve as change agents who identify the organizational improvements needed, and train and motivate others to use the systems.
System Programmers - People who write codes and programs to the working of the system. Prepares system software installation by studying software capabilities and operations, including task scheduling, memory management, file system, and input and output requirements. Installs system software by loading software into computer.
System Operators - People who operate the system and use it for purposes. Also called the end-users. System operators manage the power grid from a set of computer consoles within a control center.
Software - A set of programs that form an interface between the hardware and the user of a computer system are referred to as Software
System software - A set of programs to control the internal operations such as reading data from input devices, giving results to output devices, and ensuring proper functioning of components is called system software. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.
Operating system - A set of tools and programs to manage the overall working of a computer using a defined set of hardware components. It is the interface between the user and the computer system. Operating systems communicate with the device's hardware.
Utility software - Certain special purpose programs that are designed to perform a specialized task, such as functions to copy, cut or paste files in a computer, formatting a disk, etc. It is used to support the computer infrastructure - in contrast to application software, which is aimed at directly performing tasks that benefit ordinary users.
Language processors - It ensures the correctness of language syntax and errors. It's a software program designed or used to perform tasks such as processing program code to machine code. Language processors are found in languages such as Fortran and COBOL.
Connectivity software - A set of programs and instructions to connect the computer with the main server to enable the sharing of resources and information with the server and other connected computers.
The facts and figures that are fed into a computer for further processing are called data. Data is raw until the computer system interprets it using machine language, stores it in memory, classifies it for processing, and produces results in conformance with the instructions given to it. Processed and useful data is called information that is used for decision making.
When two or more computers are connected, they can share information and resources such as sharing of files (data/music, etc.), sharing of the printer, sharing of facilities like the internet, etc. This sharing is possible using wires, cables, satellite, infra-red, Bluetooth, microwave transmission, etc.
Procedure is a step by step series of instructions to perform a specific function and achieve the desired output.
Hardware oriented procedure - It defines the working of a hardware component. Instructs the hardware components of the system, ensures they work smoothly.
Software oriented procedure - It is a set of detailed instructions for using the
software. Provides instructions to launch and run software programs
Internal procedure - It maintains the overall internal working of each part of a computer system by directing the flow of information. Directs the flow of information and sequences the data.
Application software - (app for short) is a program or group of programs designed for end users. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, an email client, a media player, a file viewer, simulators, a console game or a photo editor.
