 |
 |
 |
|
Computer Appreciation | |
 |
|
 |
 |
 | |
|
1.5
Application of computers
Scientific: Number
Crunching, Astronomical Calculations, Monitoring of Space vehicles. Engineering: Computer Aided
Design(CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing(CAM). Medical: Medical
Diagnosis, Patient Management. Training
and Education: Computer Aided Instructions (CAI), Computer Aided Learning (CAL). 1.6
Commonly used terms a)
Hardware :-
The physical parts of a computer system are called
hardware. Even though many different manufacturers make personal computers and
they come in just as many shapes and sizes, they all have the same building
blocks.
You use an input
device, such as a keyboard or mouse, to enter instructions and information into
the computer. The system unit, sometimes called a Central Processing Unit or
CPU, is the box that contains all of the electronic components that process
your data. An output device, such as a monitor, is the way you get information
out of your computer. b) Software
:- A
computer requires a set of detailed step by step instructions called software
or computer program that directs a computer how to perform a specific task. At
one
time
organizations
and
individuals
had
to
write
most
of
the
software
they
wanted
to
use.
But
today
most
organizations
purchase
commercially
written
programs.
Even
then
working
as a
computer
programmer
for
a
business,
government
agency
or
software
publisher
is a
challenging
carrier.
In
practice
the
term
software
is
used
to
describe
a
commercial
product,
which
might
include
more
than
a
single
program.
There
is
no
such
thing
as
"software’s"
or
"one
software".
The
term
"SOFTWARE
PACKAGE"
is
used
when
dealing
with
a
particular
example
of
software.
Software
package
contains
disks
or a
CD-ROM
and
a
reference
manual. c)
Firmware :-
Firmware is programming that is inserted into programmable read-only memory,
thus becoming a permanent part of a computing device. Firmware is created and
tested like software (using microcode simulation). When ready, it can be
distributed like other software and, using a special user interface, installed
in the programmable read-only memory by the user. Firmware is sometimes
distributed for printers, modems, and other computer devices.
| |
 |
|
 |
|
Copyright © 2001 Selfonline-Education. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|