A system is a collection of parts that work together for a common purpose. A computer system works on processing data and producing information. Computers require software, such as an OS (Operating System), in order to be of any use.
Examples of Computer Systems:
Examples of Computer Systems:
- Networks
- Game consoles
- Mobile phones
- TV remote
- Digital watch
- Electronic Instruments
Washing Machines before using a Computer System:
Washing clothes was originally done by hand, in either a tub or bucket of water, or in a lake or river. Eventually, manually powered machines were made for washing clothes, such as a wringer, which let you squeeze water out of clothes without having to do it yourself. Electric Washing Machines were first advertised in 1904, and were controlled by a separate engine, or an electromechanical timer.
An example of Input, Process, and Output with a Washing Machine:
Input: Setting the timer, speed, temperature, etc - Process: Motors to spin the washing, timer counts down - Output: Clean clothes :)
An example of Input, Process, Output with a computer keyboard:
Input: Key is pressed down - Process: Key press is registered with the computer, does some magical processing trickery - Output: The letter/key is displayed on screen.
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Reliability is making sure that the system won't break during use. Due to several factors, computer system failures can be catastrophic, and are often the main cause of plain crashes. If a bank has a broken IT system, then peoples credit car details could be at risk.
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An Embedded System is a system programmed to have many different functions. For example, the system that controls a washing machine, or a car engine. Cars use many of these systems to ensure safety and make driving a more pleasurable experience.
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Why is Reliability Important?
Computer systems need reliability to avoid accidents. For example, if a computer in a hospital were to fail due to a power cut, peoples lives could be lost. To avoid this, these systems have a way of keeping power temporarily in the few seconds it takes the hospitals generators to turn on.
On airplanes, reliability has been the cause of many crashes. On a flight in the Mulhouse-Habsheim Air Show, the pilot insisted that the altimeter read 100 feet above the runway, when it actually was 30. This lead to the death of three people. Computer Systems of this importance need a lot more testing and backup systems before use.
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Regulations
There are a number of regulations in place to ensure data is both secure, and correct. If data is lost or stolen, then people can obtain valuable information such as credit card information, passwords, and even information about a persons identity which can be used to impersonate and steal from them.
The Computer Misuse Act became law in 1990, and makes it illegal to gain unauthorised access to computer material; unauthorised access with the intent of committing a crime; unauthorised modification of data and computer material, and making, supplying or obtaining anything that could be used in computer misuse offences.
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act makes it illegal to copy software, images, video and a variety of other media.
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The Kernel is the central part of the Operating System and remains loaded in memory while the computer is on. The Kernel is responsible for memory, disk and hardware management, as well as communicating between hardware and software. An example of a popular Kernel is the Linux Kernel, which is used in many Operating Systems, the most popular of which is Ubuntu.
An example of Input, Process, and Output with a Washing Machine:
Input: Setting the timer, speed, temperature, etc - Process: Motors to spin the washing, timer counts down - Output: Clean clothes :)
An example of Input, Process, Output with a computer keyboard:
Input: Key is pressed down - Process: Key press is registered with the computer, does some magical processing trickery - Output: The letter/key is displayed on screen.
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Reliability is making sure that the system won't break during use. Due to several factors, computer system failures can be catastrophic, and are often the main cause of plain crashes. If a bank has a broken IT system, then peoples credit car details could be at risk.
--------
An Embedded System is a system programmed to have many different functions. For example, the system that controls a washing machine, or a car engine. Cars use many of these systems to ensure safety and make driving a more pleasurable experience.
--------
Why is Reliability Important?
Computer systems need reliability to avoid accidents. For example, if a computer in a hospital were to fail due to a power cut, peoples lives could be lost. To avoid this, these systems have a way of keeping power temporarily in the few seconds it takes the hospitals generators to turn on.
On airplanes, reliability has been the cause of many crashes. On a flight in the Mulhouse-Habsheim Air Show, the pilot insisted that the altimeter read 100 feet above the runway, when it actually was 30. This lead to the death of three people. Computer Systems of this importance need a lot more testing and backup systems before use.
--------
Regulations
There are a number of regulations in place to ensure data is both secure, and correct. If data is lost or stolen, then people can obtain valuable information such as credit card information, passwords, and even information about a persons identity which can be used to impersonate and steal from them.
The Computer Misuse Act became law in 1990, and makes it illegal to gain unauthorised access to computer material; unauthorised access with the intent of committing a crime; unauthorised modification of data and computer material, and making, supplying or obtaining anything that could be used in computer misuse offences.
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act makes it illegal to copy software, images, video and a variety of other media.
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The Kernel is the central part of the Operating System and remains loaded in memory while the computer is on. The Kernel is responsible for memory, disk and hardware management, as well as communicating between hardware and software. An example of a popular Kernel is the Linux Kernel, which is used in many Operating Systems, the most popular of which is Ubuntu.
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ReplyDeleteAn excellent start Ethan, try to be a little bit more dynamic and include links to websites that support your research. Make use of youtube/other websites and images to really help create a resource library for your work. I cannot seem to find your research on standards on your blog, please update/publish.
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