Chapter 4 (Informatics): Hardware and Software

Bioprinting/3D printing

3D printing using cells. Customizable scaffolds, implants.

Memory

A component of the computer that provides the processor with a working storage area to hold program instructions and data.

Input/Output devices

A computer component that provides data and instructions to the computer and receives results from it.

Server

A computer that awaits and responds to requests for data.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A direct access storage device used to store and retrieve data from rapidly rotating disks coated with magnetic material.

Organic light emitting diode (OLED)

A display technology that projects light through an electroluminescent (a blue/red/green-emitting) thin film layer made of up of organic materials. ***(Does not employ a backlight, which enables improved contrast and lower power consumption than LCD and LED LCD displays)***

semiconductor foundry

A factory where integrated circuits are manufactured; also called a fab or a foundry.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

A form of memory in which instructions or data can be temporarily stored.

Mainframe computer

A large, multi-user computer commonly used in large businesses and government agencies; more powerful than a minicomputer.

Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)

A memory chip on which a programmer can write code.

Redudant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)

A method of storing data that generates extra bits of data from existing data, allowing the system to create a "reconstruction map" so that if a hard drive fails, the system can rebuild lost data.

Workstations

A more powerful personal computer used for mathematical computing, computer-assisted design, and other high-end processing but still small enough to fit on a desktop.

Multicore processor

A processor that has two or more independent processing units, called cores, that are capable of sequencing and executing instructions.

Clock speed

A series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affects machine cycle time.

Blade server

A server that houses many individual computer motherboards that include one or more processors, computer memory, computer storage, and computer network connections.

Integrated Circuit (IC)

A set of electronic circuits on one small piece of semiconductor material, normally silicon.

Application Programming Interface (API)

A set of software routines that allows one software system to work with another.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

A small computer chip that is attached to the item. The tag contains product information such as price, style, model number, etc., and allows channel members to track the item's movement from the time it leaves the production line to the point of purchase

Virtual tape

A storage device for less frequently needed data so that it appears to be stored entirely on tape cartridges, although some parts of it might actually be located on faster hard disks

four tiers of data center classification

A system that enables organizations to quantify and qualify their ability to provide a predictable level of performance.

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)

A system that enables purchasers to evaluate, compare, and select electronic products based on a total of 51 environmental criteria.

massively parallel processing systems

A system that speeds processing by linking hundreds or thousands of processors to operate at the same time, or in parallel, with each processor having its own bus, memory, disks, copy of the operating system, and applications.

Multiprocessing

A system with more than one processor, to increase its performance.

Quantum computing

A technology that applies the principles of quantum physics and quantum mechanics to computers to direct atoms or nuclei to work together as quantum bits (qubits), which function simultaneously as the computer's processor and memory.

Cache memory

A type of highspeed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than main memory.

Gigahertz (Hz)

A unit of frequency that is equal to one billion cycles per second; a measure of clock speed.

Multithreading

Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

An LCD display that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as backlight on the screen rather than a fluorescent lamp ***(Provides better contrast and lower energy consumption than LCDs)***

Nettop computer

An inexpensive desktop computer designed to be smaller, lighter, and consume much less power than a traditional desktop computer.

Magnetic tape

An older secondary storage medium that uses a strip of thin plastic coated with a magnetically sensitive recording medium

Multitasking

An operating system feature that allows more than one application to run at a time.

Enterprise application

Company-wide applications, such as order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communications networks. Enterprise applications support processes in logistics, manufacturing, human resources, marketing and sales, order processing, accounting, inventory control, customer relationship management, and other essential business functions.

***Notes***:

Computer system hardware components include devices that perform input, processing, data storage, and output. These include the processor, memory, buses, and input/output devices that all cooperate to execute program instructions following a fetch, decode, execute, and store process.

System software

Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

End User License Agreement (EULA)

Gives the purchaser the right to use the software

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Handles graphics and image processing

Multiuser

In reference to operating systems, enables two or more users to run programs simultaneously.

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

Memory built as an integrated circuit; it provides random access to any location.

Properitary Software

Needs to be installed or owned on your computer

Thin client

Networking system whereby client computers rely on servers to perform their processing tasks.

Portable computers

Notebooks, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones qualify as portable computers.

read-only memory (ROM)

Permanent storage; instructions are burned onto chips by the manufacturer.

Utility programs

Programs that allow the user to monitor and improve system performance.

Core

Receives instructions and performs calculations, or actions, based on those instructions.

Real-time

Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems, such as DOS and UNIX, are not real-time.

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)

Retains memory for as long as power is being supplied; does not need to be constantly refreshed; used to access the most frequently used data, as it is faster.

Programming languages

Sets of keywords, commands, symbols, and rules for constructing statements by which humans can communicate instructions to a computer.

Work application software

Software designed to support teamwork, whether team members are in the same location or dispersed around the world.

Off-the-Shelf Software (Packaged Software)

Software produced by software vendors to address needs that are common across businesses, organizations, or individuals.

Hypervisor

Software that creates and manages virtual machines on a server or on a local computer. Also called virtual machine manager (VMM).

Open Source Software (OSS)

Software that is distributed, typically for free, with the source code also available so that it can be studied, changed, and improved by its users. Example: Firefox browser, customizing plugins, homepage, overall user experience

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software that is owned, delivered, and managed remotely and delivered over the Internet to contracted customers on a pay-for-use basis or as a subscription based on use metrics. (Example: Google's Chromebook line of personal computers employ the SaaS model. Built by Samsung and Acer, Chromebooks include only an Internet browser—with all software applications accessed through an Internet connection. Rather than installing, storing, and running software on the Chromebook, users access software that is stored on and delivered from a Web server. Typically, the data generated by the software is also stored on the Web server.)

Solid-State Storage Devices

Solid state storage devices (like a USB stick) are expensive so have smaller capacity than magnetic storage devices.

Secondary Storage

Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as a hard drive.

Backward compatibility

The ability to take advantage of complementary products developed for a prior generation of technology.

Main memory

The component of a computer that provides the CPU with a working storage area for program instructions and data.

Kernel

The heart of the operating system that controls the most critical processes of the OS.

Bus

The paths, or lines, on the motherboard on which data, instructions, and electrical power move from component to component.

Parallel processing

The simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors to obtain results faster.

Multiprocessing

The simultaneous execution of two or more instructions at the same time.

Operating System (OS)

The system software that controls the way in which a computer system functions, including the management of hardware, peripherals, and software.

Grid computing

The use of a collection of computers, often owned by multiple individuals or organizations, that work in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem.

Single computer with a single user

This system is commonly used in personal computers, tablets, and smartphones that support one user at a time. Examples of OSs for this setup include Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Google Android.

Special-purpose computers

This type of system is typical of a number of computers with specialized functions, such as those that control sophisticated military aircraft, digital cameras, or home appliances. Examples of OSs designed for these purposes include Windows Embedded, Symbian, and some distributions of Linux.

Multiple computers with multiple users

This type of system is used in computer networks, including home networks with several computers attached as well as large computer networks with hundreds of computers attached, supporting many users, who may be located around the world. Network server OSs include Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server, Windows Server, and Mac OS X Server.

Single computer with multiple simultaneous users.

This type of system is used in larger server or mainframe computers that support hundreds or thousands of people, all using the computer at the same time. Examples of OSs that support this kind of system include UNIX, z/OS, and HP-UX.

Complier

Translating the source code into machine language

Plasma

Uses electricity to excite gas atoms to light up appropriate phosphors on the screen to emit light and color

Service-oriented architecture (SOA)

a business-driven enterprise architecture that supports integrating a business as linked, repeatable activities, tasks, or services

Software suite

a collection of individual applications available together as a unit

Embedded system

a computer system that is part of a larger machine and which controls how that machine operates.

Byte (B)

a group of 8 bits

Server farm

a network of several servers together in a single location

Desktop computer

a personal computer small enough to fit conveniently in an individual workspace

Superposition

a principle of quantum mechanics that says instead of thinking about a particle being in one state or changing between a variety of states, particles are thought of as existing across all the possible states at the same time.

Tablet

a thin, lighter-weight mobile computer that has a touch screen

Single-user license

allows the program to be installed and used on one CPU that is not accessed by other users over a network. The software can be used only on a single computer, and other users cannot access or run the software while connected to your computer.

The primary function of application software is to:

apply the power of a computer system to enable people, workgroups, and entire enterprises to solve problems and perform specific tasks.

Data center

are physical or virtual infrastructures used by enterprises to house computer, server and networking systems and components for the company's IT (information technology) needs

Green computing

involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer Goals: 1) reduce the use of hazardous material, 2) allow companies to lower their power-related costs, and 3) enable the safe disposal or recycling of computers and computer-related equipment.

Supercomputer

largest and fastest computers, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data.

Network/multiuser

require that you have a single copy of the software residing on a file server. With per server licensing, a specified number of client access licenses (CALs) are associated with a particular server. The number of devices that can legally access that server simultaneously is limited to the number of CALs purchased for that particular server.

Middleware

several types of software that sit between and provide connectivity for two or more software applications

Application software

software program that helps you use the computer to do particular tasks

Software consists of computer programs that control the workings of computer hardware. Software can be divided into two types ____ and ____

systems software and application software

computer graphics card

takes binary data from the CPU and translates it into an image you see on your display device

Scalibility

the capacity for the system to change in size and scale to meet new demands

liquid crystal display (LCD)

thin, light electronic display which employs the light modulating properties of liquid crystals ***(The viewing angle tends to be worse than that of plasma displays)***

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)

user-modifiable read-only memory that can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly through the application of higher-than-normal electrical voltage.

Individual/multiuser license

volume licenses that allow the licensee to install the software on a certain number of computers. The licensee must satisfy a minimum purchase requirement to receive a reduced price. When purchasing the licenses, the licensee usually receives one copy of the media and documentation, with the option of purchasing more.