1. Chapter 3 by June Kaminski
Computer Science and
the Foundation of Knowledge Model

2. Chapter Objectives
Describe the essential components of computer systems including hardware and software.
Appreciate the rapid evolution of computer systems and the benefit of keeping up to date with current trends and developments.

3. Objectives, cont.
Analyze how computer systems function as tools for managing information and generating knowledge.
Define the concept of human – technology interfaces.
Articulate how computers can support collaboration and information exchange.

4. Key Terms Defined Acquisition Application Arithmetic Logic Unit
Binary System
BIOS
Acquisition - The act of acquiring, to locate and hold; We acquire data and information.
Application -Refers to the implementation software of a computer system. This software allows users to complete tasks such as word processing, developing presentations, and managing data.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - Essential building block of the central processing unit (CPU) that digitally performs arithmetic and logical functions.
Binary System - System used by computers, a numeric system using two symbols: 0 and 1.
BIOS - Basic input/output systems, binary input/output systems, basic integrated operating system or built in operating system that resides or is embedded on a chip that recognizes and controls the computer's devices.

5. Key Terms Defined Bit Bus Byte Cache Memory CD-R
Bit - unit of measurement that holds one binary digit, 0 or 1; the smallest possible chuck of data memory used in computer processing, exhibited as either a 1 or a 0, making up the binary system of the computer.
Bus - Subsystem that transfers data between a computer's internal components or between computers.
Byte - Is equal to eight bits or eight informational storage units and represents one keystroke e.g., any push of a key on a keyboard such as pressing the space bar, a lower case a or an upper case T for example; a chunk of memory that consists of eight bits, and is considered to be the best way to indicate computer memory or storage capacity.
Cache Memory - Smaller and faster memory storage used by the central processing unit (CPU) to store copies of frequently used data in main memory.
CD-R - Compact disc recordable, you can record once.

6. Key Terms Defined CD-RW Central Processing Unit Communication Software
Compatibility
Computer
CD-RW - Compact disc recordable and rewritable, can record many times.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Processors that execute computer programs, thought of as the brains, controlling the functioning of the computer; the computer component that actually executes, calculates, and processes the binary computer code instigated by the operating system and other applications on the computer. It serves as the command center that directs the actions of all other components of the computer, and manages both incoming and outgoing data.
Communication Software - Technology programs used to transmit messages via , telephonically, paging, broadcast such as MP3, Internet such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VOIP), or Lists, etc.
Compatibility - refers to the ability to work with each other, other devices or systems, e.g., software that is compatible with your computer.
Computer - A machine that stores and executes programs; a machine with peripheral hardware and software to carryout selected programming.

7. Key Terms Defined Computer Science Conferencing Software
Creativity Software
Database
Degradation
Computer Science - Branch of engineering (application of science) that studies the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their implementation and application in computer systems; study of storage/memory, conversion and transformation, and transfer or transmission of information in machines, that is computers, through both algorithms and practical implementation problems, algorithms are detailed unambiguous action sequences in the design, efficiency and application and practical implementation problems deal with the software and hardware.
Conferencing Software - Electronic communications system or software that supports and facilitates two or more people meeting for discussion. One of the high-end systems offer telepresence.
Creativity Software - Programs that support and facilitate innovation and creativity (intellectual process relating to the creation or generation of new ideas, concepts or new relationships between currently existing ideas or concepts); allow users to focus or concentrate more on creating new things in our digital age and less on the mechanics or workings of how they are created or developed.
Database - A collection of related records stored in a computer system using software that permits a person or program to query the data in order to extract needed information; consist of one or more related data files or tables; “1. A file created by a database manager that contains a collection of information. The basic database contains fields, records, and files: a field is a single piece of information; a record is one complete set of fields; and a file is a collection of records. 2. A collection of stored data typically organized into fields, records, and files and associated descriptions (schema) (HIMSS, 2006b, p. 21).”
Degradation - loss of quality; e.g., in telecommunications, it is the loss of quality in the electronic signal.

8. Key Terms Defined Desktop Digital Video Disc Dissemination DVD-R
DVD-RW
Desktop - Computer’s interface that resembles your desk’s top where you keep things you want to access quickly such as paper clips, pens, paper, etc. On your computer’s desktop, you can customize the look and feel to have easy access to the programs, folders and files on your hard drive that you use the most.
Digital video disc (DVD) - Optical disc storage format that can generally hold or store more than six times the amount of data that a CD can.
Dissemination - It is not simply the act of scattering or spreading but a thoughtful, intentional, goal-oriented communication of specific, useful information or knowledge.
DVD-R - Digital video disc recordable, you can record once.
DVD-RW - Digital video disc recordable and rewritable, can record many times.

9. Key Terms Defined Dynamic random access memory
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
Client
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) - type of RAM chip requiring less space to store same amount on a similar SRAM (static RAM) chip but DRAM requires more power than SRAM since DRAM needs to keep its charge by constantly refreshing.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) -"is a non-volatile storage chip used in computers and other devices to store small amounts of volatile data, e.g. calibration tables or device configuration. When larger amounts of more static data are to be stored (such as in USB flash drives) other memory types like flash memory are more economical" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1) .
- Electronic mail; to compose, send, receive and store messages in electronic communication systems.
Client - Program that manages functions.
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) -"type of computer memory chip that retains its data when its power supply is switched off. In other words, it is non-volatile. It is an array of floating-gate transistors individually programmed by an electronic device that supplies higher voltages than those normally used in electronic circuits. Once programmed, an EPROM can be erased only by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

10. Key Terms Defined Execute Extensibility Fire Wire Firmware
Flash Memory
Execute - to carryout software's or a program's instructions.
Extensibility - "means that the system has been so architected that the design includes all of the hooks and mechanisms for expanding/enhancing the system with new capabilities without having to make major changes to the system infrastructure; system design principle where the implementation takes into consideration future growth" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 2 and ¶ 1).
Fire Wire - "a very fast external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b). Products supporting the IEEE 1394 standard go under different names, depending on the company. Apple, which originally developed the technology, uses the trademarked name FireWire" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Firmware - Consists of both hardware and software; programs or data written onto ROM, PROM and EPROM.
Flash Memory - "special type of EEPROM that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time. Many modern PCs have their BIOS stored on a flash memory chip so that it can easily be updated if necessary. Such a BIOS is sometimes called a flash BIOS" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

11. Key Terms Defined Gigabyte Gigahertz Graphical User Interface
Graphics Card
Hard Disk
Gigabyte (GB) - used to measure bytes of data storage and capability in computer systems; 1 Gigabyte equals 1000 Megabytes.
Gigahertz (Ghz) - used to measure speed and power of some components such as the microprocessor; 1 Gigahertzs or Ghz is equal to 1000 Megahertzs.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - typical GUI provided by Windows or Mac's OS X provide a user-friendly desktop metaphor interface that is made up of the input and output devices as well as icons that represent files, programs, actions and processes.
Graphics card - "a board that plugs into a personal computer to give it display capabilities. The display capabilities of a computer, however, depend on both the logical circuitry (provided in the video adapter) and the display monitor. A monochrome monitor, for example, cannot display colors no matter how powerful the video adapter" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Hard disk - Magnetic disk that stores electronic data.

12. Key Terms Defined Hardware Information Information Age
Input/Output System
Instant Messaging
Hardware - physical or tangible parts of the computer; computer parts that you can touch and are involved in the performance or function of the computer such as the keyboard and monitor.
Information - Data that are interpreted, organized, or structured; data that is processed using knowledge or data made functional through the application of knowledge.
Information Age - at the end of the 20th century, information was easily accessible using computers, networkds and Internet.
Input/Output system (I/O) - "Short for input/output (pronounced "eye-oh"). The term I/O is used to describe any program, operation or device that transfers data to or from a computer and to or from a peripheral device. Every transfer is an output from one device and an input into another. Devices such as keyboards and mouses are input-only devices while devices such as printers are output-only. A writable CD-ROM is both an input and an output device" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Instant Messaging (IM) - "form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

13. Key Terms Defined Integrated Drive Electronics Internet Browser
Keyboard
Knowledge
Laptop
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) - technology where the drive controller is located on the drive itself instead of being a separate controller connected to the motherboard.
Internet Browser - software used to locate and display Web pages; also known as Web browser or browser.
Keyboard - Set of keys resembling an actually typewriter that permits you to input data into a computer.
Knowledge - The awareness and understanding of a set of information and ways that information can be made useful to support a specific task or arrive at a decision; abounds with others’ thoughts and information; information that is synthesized so that relationships are identified and formalized; understanding that comes through a process of interaction or experience with world around us ; info that has judgment applied to it or meaning extracted from it; processed information that helps to clarify or explain some portion of our environment or world that we can use as a basis for action or upon which we can act; internal process of thinking or cognition; external process of testing, senses, observation, interacting.
Laptop - Portable battery-powered computer also known as a notebook that can be taken with you.

14. Key Terms Defined Mainframe Main Memory Megabytes Megahertz Memory
Mainframe - Smaller than supercomputer, extremely high performance computer used for high-volume, processor-intensive computing; computers used by some large businesses and/or for scientific processing purposes.
Main Memory - computer's internal memory.
Megabytes (MB) - Used to measure bytes of data storage and capability in computer systems; 1 Megabyte equals 1000 Kilobytes.
Megahertz (MHz) - Used to measure speed and power of some components such as the microprocessor.
Memory - Data stored in digital format; generally refers to random access memory (RAM).

15. Key Terms Defined Microprocessor Modem Monitor Motherboard Mouse
Microprocessor - Integrates the processor onto one circuit incorporating the functions of central processing unit (CPU) and continues to evolve processing capacity.
Modem - Allows you to send and receive information over the phone or cable lines for example, with your computer; enables internet connectivity via a telephone line or cable connection through network adaptors situated within the computer apparatus.
Monitor - computer display or "computer output surface and projecting mechanism that shows text and often graphic images to the computer user, using a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode, gas plasma, or other image projection technology" (Whatis?com, 2008, ¶ 1).
Motherboard - A key foundational component since all other components are connected to it in some way (either directly via local sockets, attached directly to it, or connected via cables). The essential structures of the motherboard include the major chipset, Super I/O hip, BIOS ROM (read only memory), bus communications pathways, and a variety of sockets that allow components to plug into it.
Mouse - A small device that you can roll along or scroll to control the movement of the pointer or cursor on a display and click to search for and/or execute features.

16. Key Terms Defined MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 Non-synchronous Office Suite
Open Source Software
Operating System
MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) - digital or electronic audio programming format.
Non-synchronous - That which is not synchronous; not in real time or does not occur or exist at the same time, having the same period or time frame; learning anywhere and anytime using Internet and World Wide Web software tools (course management systems, , electronic bulletin boards, Web pages, etc.) as the principal delivery mechanisms for instruction.
Office Suite - Software that is generally distributed together with a consistent user interface that is designed for knowledge workers and clerical personnel, these software packages can interact with each other to enhance productivity and ease of use.
Open Source Software (OSS) - "computer software for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright license (or arrangement such as the public domain) that meets the Open Source Definition. This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Operating System (OS) - The most important software on any computer. It is the very first program to load on computer start up, and is fundamental for the operation of all other software as well as the computer's hardware.

17. Key Terms Defined Palmtop or Palm Computer Parallel Port
Peripheral Component Interconnection
Personal Computer
Personal Digital Assistant
Palmtop or Palm computer - Miniature or small computer that fits in your palm.
Parallel Port- Interface for connecting an external device that is capable of receiving more than one bit at a time, most printers are parallel.
Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI) - mechanism for attaching peripheral devices to a motherboard that can be via computer bus, expansion slots or integrated circuits.
Personal Computer (PC) - Computer made for individual use or directly used by an end user; since their inception in the 1970s, there capabilities and uses have greatly expanded.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - A handheld device, miniature or small computer or palmtop that uses a pen for inputting instead of a keyboard; also called a handheld computer.

18. Key Terms Defined Plug and Play Port Portability
Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX
Presentation
Plug and Play - refers to being able to add new devices to a computer easily without having to be able to manually install and reconfigure the computer to accept the device as in the past.
Port - Interface between a computer and other devices or other computers.
Portability - Being able to be transported easily; handheld computers are easily taken with you wherever you go, they are highly portable.
Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX (POSIX) - "set of IEEE and ISO standards that define an interface between programs and operating systems. By designing their programs to conform to POSIX, developers have some assurance that their software can be easily ported to POSIX-compliant operating systems. This includes most varieties of UNIX" Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Presentation - Act of presenting or showing; typically uses presentation software in a slide show format.

19. Key Terms Defined Processing Productivity Software
Professional Development
Programmable Read Only Memory
Publishing
Processing - To act on something by taking it through established procedures in order to convert it from one form to another; for example: information is processed data or we process a credit application to get a loan.
Productivity Software - Programs or software that help us compose, create, or develop; an example is the Microsoft Office Suite of productivity tools, they offer word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and web tools to help us complete our tasks both professionally and personally.
Professional Development -"refers to skills required for maintaining a specific career path or to general skills offered through continuing education, including the more general skills area of personal development. It can be seen as training to keep current with changing technology and practices in a profession or in the concept of lifelong learning. Developing and implementing a program of professional development is often a function of the human resources or organization development department of a large corporation or institution" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) - "form of digital memory where the setting of each bit is locked by a fuse or antifuse. Such PROMs are used to store programs permanently. The key difference from a strict ROM is that the programming is applied after the device is constructed. They are frequently seen in video game consoles, or such products as electronic dictionaries, where PROMs for different languages can be substituted" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1); also known as field programmable read-only memory (FPROM).
Publishing - "process of production and dissemination of literature or information – the activity of making information available for public view. In some cases authors may be their own publishers" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

20. Key Terms Defined QWERTY Random Access Memory Read Only Memory
Security
Serial Port
QWERTY - Stands for the typical computer keyboard layout, getting its name from the 6 letters in the first row below the numeric or number row (QWERTY).
Random access memory (RAM) - Is “volatile” memory since it is a temporary storage system that allows the processor to access program codes and data while working on a task. RAM memory is lost once the system is rebooted, shut off, or loses power.
Read Only Memory (ROM) - Is essential permanent or semi-permanent, non-volatile memory that stores saved data and is critical in the working of the computer's operating system and other activities. ROM is primarily stored in the motherboard but may also be available through the graphics card, other expansion cards, and peripherals.
Security - Protection from danger or loss; in informatics, you must protect against unauthorized access, malicious damage, incidental and accidental damage, and enforce secure behavior and maintain security of computing, data, application, information and networks.
Serial Port - Interface for connecting an external device that is capable of receiving only one bit at a time, such as mouse, modem and some printers.

21. Key Terms Defined Small Computer System Interface Software Sound Card
Spreadsheet
Supercomputer
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) - "set of standards for physically connecting and transferring data between computers and peripheral devices. The SCSI standards define commands, protocols, and electrical and optical interfaces. SCSI is most commonly used for hard disks and tape drives, but it can connect a wide range of other devices, including scanners and CD drives. The SCSI standard defines command sets for specific peripheral device types; the presence of "unknown" as one of these types means that in theory it can be used as an interface to almost any device, but the standard is highly pragmatic and addressed toward commercial requirements" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Software - Anything that can be stored electronically; divided into two types, system (software that includes the operating system and other software necessary for the computer to function) and application (software that allows users to complete specific tasks e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and media players).
Sound Card - "a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to/from a computer under control of computer programs. Typical uses of sound cards include providing the audio component for multimedia applications such as music composition, editing video or audio, presentation/education, and entertainment (games). Many computers have sound capabilities built in, while others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1); also known as an audio card.
Spreadsheet - Text and numbers located in cells on a grid and the software necessary to process formulas and other computations such as creating graphs and charts.
Supercomputer - Fastest computer; "The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

22. Key Terms Defined Synchronous Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Technology
Throughput
Touch screen
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
User Friendly
Synchronous - That which is not asynchronous; real time or occurring at the same time, having the same period or time frame; learning anywhere and anytime in real time using any real time delivery modalities such as traditional face to face, Internet and World Wide Web software tools (course management systems, chat, , electronic bulletin boards, audio-video communication tools, etc.)
Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) - Most common type of DRAM memory found in personal computers.
Technology - Broad term used to describe how people use knowledge and tools; Knowledge used to solve problems, control and adapt to our environment and extend human potential; generally people use technology to refer to machines or devices such as computers and the infrastructure that supports them; a simplistic example, examining cell phones and planes, they are technologies that are tangible, you can see and touch them but you cannot see and touch the vast infrastructures supporting them such as the wireless communications between your device (cell phone) and the cell towers nor can you see and touch the electronic guidance used by the device (plane) to navigate the skies.
Throughput - “amount of digital data per time unit that is delivered over a physical or logical link. The throughput is usually measured in bit per second (bit/s or bps), occasionally in data packets per second or data packets per timeslot. The term corresponds to digital bandwidth consumption. (Wikipedia, 2007, ¶ 1,
Touch screen-The display used as an input device for interacting with or relating to the display’s materials or content. The user can touch or press on the designated display area to respond, execute, or request information or output.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) –That which connects to a myriad of plug-in devices, such as portable Flash drives, digital cameras, MP3 players, graphics tablets, light pens, and so on using a plug and play connection without rebooting the computer.
User Friendly - Refers to programs and peripherals that make it easy to interact or use computers; design of a program to enhance the ease with which the user can utilize and maximize the productivity from computer programs; some people believe it relates only to facilitating novice computer users.

23. Key Terms Defined User Interface Video Adapter Card Virtual Memory
Web-Based
Wisdom
User Interface - mechanisms or systems used by users to interact with programs.
Video Adapter Card - A board or card that is inserted or plugged into a computer to provide display capabilities.
Virtual Memory - "An imaginary memory area supported by some operating systems (for example, Windows but not DOS) in conjunction with the hardware. You can think of virtual memory as an alternate set of memory addresses. Programs use these virtual addresses rather than real addresses to store instructions and data. When the program is actually executed, the virtual addresses are converted into real memory addresses" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
Web-Based - originating from the www or web.
Wisdom - Knowledge applied in a practical way or translated into actions; uses knowledge and experience to heighten common sense and insight to exercise sound judgment in practical matters; sometimes thought of as the highest form of common sense resulting from accumulated knowledge or erudition (deep thorough learning) or enlightenment (education that results in understanding and the dissemination of knowledge); it is the ability to apply valuable and viable knowledge, experience, understanding and insight while being prudent and sensible; is focused on our own minds; the synthesis of our experience, insight, understanding and knowledge; the appropriate use of knowledge to solve human problems.  It is knowing when and how to apply knowledge.

24. Key Terms Defined Word Processing World Wide Web
Word Processing - creating documents using a word processing software package such as Microsoft Word.
World Wide Web (www) - " system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a markup language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files. This means you can jump from one document to another simply by clicking on hot spots. Not all Internet servers are part of the World Wide Web" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).

25. The Computer As A Tool The advent of the computer Computer technology
What is a computer?
When was the first electronic computer used?
The advent of the computer is one such milestone, one that has sparked an intellectual metamorphosis whose boundaries have yet to be fully understood.
Computer technology has ushered in what has been called the “information age” - an age when data, information and knowledge are both accessible and manipulatable by more people than ever before in history.
A computer is an electronic information-processing machine that serves as a tool to manipulate data and information.
Since the advent of the first electronic computer in the mid 1940s, computers have evolved to become essential tools in every walk of life, including the profession of nursing.

26. The Computer As A Tool Computers as universal machines
What can computers be used for?
Computers are universal machines, since they are general-purpose, symbol-manipulating devices that can perform any task represented in specific programs.
Computers can be used for data and information storage, retrieval, analyzation, generation and transformation.

27. Components Hardware Outer Protection Laptop computers
Palm computers or Personal Digital Assistants
Hardware : Computer hardware refers to the actual physical “body” of the computer and its components.
Outer Protection : The Casing: The most noticeable component of any computer is the outer case.
Laptop computers combine the casing in a flat rectangular casing that is attached to the hinged LCD monitor.
Palm computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) also have a protective outer plastic and metal case with an embedded LCD screen.

28. Components Central Processing Unit Common CPUs What is a CPU?
Inner components
Central Processing Unit : Sometimes conceptualized as the “brain” of the computer, the CPU is the computer component that actually executes, calculates, and processes the binary computer code (comprised of various configurations of 0s and 1s) instigated by the operating system and other applications on the computer.
Common CPUs include the Pentium, K6, PowerPC and Sparc models.
The CPU contains specific mechanical units, including registers, arithmetic and logic units or ALU, a floating point unit or FPU, control circuitry, and cache memory.
The inner components form the computer's central processor.

29. Components The speed and power of a CPU Gigahertz measurement
What makes a computer program operate faster?
The use of multi-core microprocessors
The speed and power of a CPU used to be measured in Megahertzs and was written as a value in Mhz.
Now it is more common to see the speed measured in Gigahertzs.
The more cycles a processor can engage in per second, the faster computer programs can run.
In recent years, processor manufacturers such as Intel have moved to multi-core microprocessors which are chips that combine two or more processors.

30. Components Multiple microprocessors Mainframes Motherboard
The essential structures of the motherboard
Multiple microprocessors have replaced many formerly popular computer types.
Mainframes have been almost replaced with multiprocessors consisting of small numbers of off-the-shelf microprocessors.
Motherboard : The mother board has been called the “central nervous system” of the computer.
The essential structures of the motherboard include the major chipset, Super I/O hip, BIOS ROM (read only memory), bus communications pathways, and a variety of sockets that allow components to plug into it.

31. Components Power Supply Hard Disk What does the hard disk do?
Main Memory or RAM
Power Supply : The power supply unit converts the 240 volt AC main power provided via the power cable from the wall socket the computer is plugged into, into low voltage DC power.
Hard Disk : This component is so named because of the rigid hard disks that reside in it, which are mounted to a spindle that is spun by a motor when in use.
The hard disk acts as a permanent data storage area that holds the data, information, documents, and programs saved on the computer, even when the computer is shut off.
Main Memory or RAM : RAM is considered to be “volatile” memory since it is a temporary storage system that allows the processor to access program codes and data while working on a task.

32. Components When is RAM memory lost? What is the Main Memory? ROM
BIOS Input/Output System
RAM memory is lost once the system is rebooted, shut off, or loses power.
A select portion of the RAM is called the Main Memory which serves the hard disk, and facilitates the interactions between the hard disk and central processor.
ROM : Read-only memory or ROM is essential permanent or semi-permanent non-volatile memory that stores saved data and is critical in the working of the computer's operating system and other activities.
BIOS Input/Output System : This is a specific type of ROM used by the computer when it first boots up, to establish basic ommunication between the processor, motherboard and other components.

33. Components Virtual Memory Integrated Drive Electronics Controller
Peripheral Component Interconnection Bus
SCSI or Small Computer System Interface
Virtual Memory : This special type of memory is stored on the hard disk to provide temporary data storage so data can be swapped in and out of the RAM as needed.
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller : This component is the primary interface for the hard drive, CD-ROM or DVD drive, and the floppy disk drive.
Periphereal Component Interconnection (PCI) Bus: This component is important for connecting additional plug-in components to the computer, since it utilizes a series of slots on the motherboard that allow PCI cards plugins.
SCSI or Small Computer System Interface : This component provides the means to attach additional devices such as scanners, extra hard drives, and so on to the computer.

34. Components DVD/CD Drive Digital Video Disc Floppy drive Flash Drive
DVD/CD Drive : The CD-ROM drive reads and records data to portable compact discs (CD).
A digital video disc (DVD) drive can do everything a CD drive can do, plus it can play (and if it is a recordable unit) record onto blank DVDs.
Floppy drive : This disk drive is becoming less commonly used on many contemporary computers, since its permanent storage space is very limited (usually up to 2 Megabytes (MB) or less).
Flash Drive : A portable memory device that uses electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) to provide fast permanent memory.

35. Components Modem Connection Ports Parallel Serial
Modem : The modem is a component that can either be situated externally (external modem) or internally (internal modem) and enables internet connectivity via a telephone line or cable connection through network adaptors situated within the computer apparatus.
Connection Ports : All computers have connection ports made to fit only one type of plug-in device.
Parallel – connects to a printer
Serial – connects to an external modem

36. Components Universal Serial Bus FireWire Graphics Card
Video Adapter Cards
Universal Serial Bus (USB) – connects to a myriad of plug in devices, such as portable Flash drives, digital cameras, Mp3 players, graphics tablets, light pens, and so on using a Plug and Play connection (the ability to add devices automatically). .
FireWire - is often used to connect digital-video devices to the computer
Graphics Card : Most computers come equipped with a graphics accelerator card slotted in the microprocessor of a computer to process image data and output it to the monitor.
Video Adapter Cards : This component provides video memory, a video processor, and a digital-to-analog converter that works with the CPU to output higher quality video images to the monitor.

37. Components Sound Card Bit Byte Software
Sound Card : The sound card converts digital data into an analog signal that is then outputted to the computer's speakers or headphones.
Bit : This is the smallest possible chuck of data memory used in computer processing.
Byte : A byte is a chunk of memory that consists of eight bits, and is considered to be the best way to indicate computer memory or storage capacity.
Software: Software are the application programs developed to facilitate various user functions.

38. Components The importance of user friendliness User goals System goals
Keyboard
User friendliness is a critical condition for effective software adoption.
User goals – operating systems should be convenient to use, easy to learn, reliable, safe and fast.
System goals – operating systems should be easy to design, implement, and maintain, as well as flexible, reliable, error-free and efficient.
Keyboard : Computer keyboards are very similar to old typewriter keyboards, and usually serve as the prime input device that enables the user to type words, numbers, and commands into the computer's programs.

39. Components Mouse Monitor Printer Speakers
Mouse : The mouse is the second most common input device, manipulated by the user's hand to point, click, and move objects around on the computer screen.
Monitor : The monitor is the visual display that serves as the landscape for all interactions between user and machine.
Printer : Printers are external components that can be attached to a computer using a printer cord that is secured into the computer's printer port.
Speakers : All computers have some sort of speaker set up, often small speakers embedded in the monitor, case, or in the case of the laptop, close to the keyboard.

40. Relationship of Computer Science to Knowledge
The effect of computer systems
The understanding of computer science principles
Scholars and researchers are just beginning to understand the effect that computer systems, architecture, applications, and processes have on the potential for knowledge acquisition and development.
The development of an understanding of computer science principles as they apply to technology used in nursing can facilitate optimal usage of the technology for knowledge development in the profession.

41. Human Technology Interface
The Human – Technology Interface
The Graphical User Interface
In the context of using a computer system, the human – technology interface is facilitated by the input and output devices discussed earlier in this chapter.
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) afforded by the operating system of a computer provides the on-screen environment for direct interaction between the user and the computer.

42. Thought Provoking Questions
How can knowledge of computer hardware and software help nurses to participate in information technology adoption decisions in the practice area?

43. Thought Provoking Questions
How can new computer software help nurses engage in professional development, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination activities at their own pace and leisure?