Chapter 1 BTE

Graphical User Interface (GUI)-

A graphical user interface (GUI) is an interface through which a user interacts with electronic devices such as computers, hand-held devices and other appliances through icons, menus and other visual indicator (graphics) representations to display information and related user controls. GUI representations are manipulated by a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or a finger on a touch screen.

Software (SW)-

A set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. You cannot touch nor feel software. Software is developed by writing instructions in programming language, creating a 'program.' Programs that control the operation of the hardware and the processing of data.

Application Software-

Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to carry out operations for a specific application.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)-

Hard Drives is the principal means of data storage on most computers Hard Disk Drive, Solid State Drive

Output Devices-

Hardware that conveys information to a user or another computer. - Monitors, Screens - Printers, Plotters - Speakers - Projectors

Input Devices-

Hardware that receives data from users. Keyboards Mouse Optical Mouse Trackball Pointing Stick Touchpad Graphics Tablet

Inter-Organizational System (IOS)-

Inter-Organizational Systems connects two or more organizations Automated information systems shared by more than one organization and allowing information flow across organizational boundaries, improving business processes.

Fat Client

Less Dependency on Server, runs more SW in offline mode - Desktop - Laptop

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems-

Provide communication among functional areas in a business, like Sales, Human Resources, etc. SAP, JD Edwards, Quickbooks, Sage

Storage (data and file)-

Required to permanently store programs and data, that is passed to Main Memory, when CPU requires them. It is non-volatile

Open-Source Software-

Software made available in source-code form for FREE to developers and users. Source code ALWAYS available to the general public with relaxed or non-existent copyright restrictions. Often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Examples: Android, Linux, Firefox, etc.

Main Memory (RAM)-

Stores instructions and data that is needed by the CPU now; It does not permanently stores data. It is volatile. - It performs extremely fast read and write functions - It is always inside the computer system

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)-

Support the "real time" monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of data from the organization's day to day operations ATMs Time and Attendance (Kronos) Fedex or UPS Delivery Dorm Entrance

Client/Server Architecture-

The computing device which requests for service is known as client. Computing devices include desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet etc. The computing device which offers or provides service is known as server. Usually servers can be big computers. At times, a Desktop personal computer could also function as server; e.g. streaming music to iPhone or receiver.

Operating Systems (OS)-

The main system control program. Required in ALL computers. Supervises the overall operations of the computer: allocates CPU time and main memory to programs. Provides the interface between any other software and the hardware. Examples: iOS, Android Windows, Mac OS X Linux

Proprietary Software-

The opposite of Open Source Software Often, the source code of proprietary software is not made available, and modifications are only contracted with the developing company. Software that has been developed by a company and has restrictions on its use, copying, and modification. Example: Microsoft Office, iTunes, Adobe Photoshop, etc.

Hardware (HW)

The physical components of a computer system. You can touch, see and feel hardware.

Thin Client

Very dependent on Server to run SW Very network (Internet) dependent - Mobile - Wearable - Embedded

Augmented Reality-

a type of interactive, reality-based display environment that takes the capabilities of computer generated display, sound, text and effects to enhance the user's real-world experience.

Mobile:

a very small, lightweight, low-cost, energy-efficient, very portable computer. Generally optimized for cellular-network based functions - phone call, texting; and Internet-based services such as Web browsing and e-mail; e.g. smart phones, tablets, Kindle, etc. Wearable Computers: miniature computers that people wear under, with, or on top of their clothing; e.g. Apple Watch, Google glasses,

MainframeComputers

fast performing computers that are highly reliable (outage measure in decades), handling millions of transactions per day in a highly secured environment. Largest banking institutions run their daily financial transactions in mainframes. Others uses are airline reservation systems, like Radixx, which is the processing arm of 45+ airlines.

Midrange Computers:

have less processing power than mainframes, thus, many are required (server farm) to perform to a limited extent similar mainframe functions. Most of them are Intel based.

Digital Reality-

it's essentially an umbrella term for a bunch of technologies including augmented reality, virtual reality, 360-degree video and more

Desktop PC:

the familiar microcomputer system that has become a standard tool for business and the home. A desktop generally includes a central processing unit—which you will learn about later—and a separate but connected monitor and keyboard.

Supercomputers

the most powerful and fast computers. Since they are very expensive to buy and maintain, they are mostly used by governments and large organizations. They are mostly utilized to execute complex computational task and handle large datasets. Used in the military, research, etc.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)-

the processor' (microprocessor), 'the chip'; elements that make up a computer; Carries out the instructions of a computer program and it is the primary component that executes the computer's functions. The more processing (CPU) power the faster the computer system will produce output - Examples: Intel, Sam, AMD, MICRON, NVIDIA, etc.

Virtual Reality-

three-dimensional computer-generated environment that simulates a particular reality utilizing human senses like vision, hearing, etc.