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A computer
is a device that performs the information-processing cycle.
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The information-processing cycle
consists of four basic operations: input, processing, output, and storage.
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A computer system is
a group of associated components that work together.
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Computer system components are categorized into two main groups:
Hardware
Software
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Hardware is
made up of the physical parts of the computer and includes such components as the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and printer.
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Software is
made up of all the programs that instruct the computer.
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System software
includes the programs that assist with the proper functioning of the computer.
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Application software
includes the programs used to perform tasks.
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Input is..
the first operation of the information-processing cycle, enables the computer to accept data.
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Data refers to
facts that are raw and unorganized
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Data is entered into the computer for processing through the use of ____ ____ such as a keyboard or mouse.
input devices
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Processing,
the second operation of the information-processing cycle, converts data into information.
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Information refers to
consolidated, organized, processed data.
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The central processing unit (CPU)
processes data into information.
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Random access memory (RAM)
temporarily stores programs and data needed by the CPU.
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Output,
the third operation of the information-processing cycle
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Output requires ____ ____ such as monitors and printers to display results for people to see or hear.
output devices
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Storage,
the fourth operation of the information-processing cycle, holds programs, software, and data that the computer system uses.
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Storage devices
include hard drives, CD and DVD drives, and media card readers that are used with USB drives and flash memory cards.
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Communications is
the high-speed movement of data or information.
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A communication device is
a hardware component that moves data into and out of a computer
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A network connects two or more computers to share input/output devices and other resources through the use of a ____ ____ ______.
network interface card
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Computers can be separated into two main types:
Computers for individuals are normally designed for one user at a time.
Computers for organizations are designed to be used by many people at the same time
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Personal computers (PCs)
are generally either Mac (Apple’s Macintosh) systems or IBM-compatible systems.
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Desktop computers,
designed for home or office desk use, now include all-in-one computers that combine the system unit and the monitor.
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all-in-one computers
combine the system unit and the monitor.
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Notebook computers
are small enough for easy computer mobility.
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Subnotebooks
run full desktop operating systems but have fewer components than notebooks, weigh less, and are smaller.
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Tablet PCs
can be used to input data with a keyboard or mouse, and the user can write on the monitor with a special pen or stylus.
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Netbooks are
small, inexpensive notebooks designed primarily for wireless Web browsing and e-mail.
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Smartphones
combine the capabilities of handheld computers, such as PDAs, and mobile phones.
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Professional workstations
are intended for technical applications that need powerful processing and output.
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Servers
- enable users connected to a computer network to have access to the network’s programs, hardware, and data.
- this is a type of computer for organizations
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Clients
include the user computers connected to the network. Organizationz computer
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A client/server network includes
the use of client computers with centralized servers.
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