Understanding Computer Functions

Sarah Burns
Computer Literacy
Livia Muse-Johnson
May 11, 2009

1(a) Describe all the parts of an information system.

There are five parts to an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware,
and data. People (end users) use information systems to make themselves more
productive. Procedures are the rules or guidelines people follow when using software
hardware and data. Software is another name for program; it consists of step-by-step
instructions that tell the computer how to do its work. The purpose of software is to
convert data into information. Hardware is the equipment that processes data to create
information. Data is the raw unprocessed facts. Processed data yields information.

2(c) What is an operating system? Give two examples.

An operating system is a program that coordinates computer resources, provides an

interface between users and the computer, and runs applications. Two examples of an
operating system are Windows XP and Mac OS

3(d) What is application software? Give three examples.

Application Software could be described as end user software. These programs can be
put into two categories: Basic Applications and Specialized Applications. Basic are used
in most computers and you need to know them to be considered computer literate. An
example of a basic application is a browser. Specialized applications are thousands of
other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations.
Three examples of application software are: browsers, they connect to web sites and
display web pages, spreadsheets, they analyze and summarize numerical data,
presentation graphics, and they communicate a message or persuade other people.

4(h) List three common output devices.

Three common output devices are: Monitors, printers, and Mp3 players

5(j) What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web.

The difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web is the Internet is a
network that connects millions of people throughout the world. The Web provides a multi
media common boundary to the numerous resources available on the internet.

6(l) Describe briefly the evolution of the internet and the World Wide Web
 The Internet was launched in 1969 when the Us funded a project called Advanced
Research Project Agency Network (ARPANET). The Internet is a large network that
connects other networks all over the world. The Web was developed in 1992 at the
Center for European Nuclear Research (CERN). Before the Web the Internet was all text.
No graphics, pictures, or videos existed.

7(r) Describe what electronic commerce is, and explain the three basic types.

Electronic commerce is the buying and selling of products over the internet. Electronic
commerce is also known as e-commerce. There are three basic types of e-commerce and
they are as follows: Business-to-Consumer (B2C), which involves the sales of goods and
service to the general public, often eliminating the wholesaler and letting end user buy
directly from the manufacture. Consumer-to-consumer (C2C), which is when individuals
sell to other individuals. Business-to-business (B2B), which involves the sales of a
product or service from one business to another.

8(u) What are the three basic functions of an operating system?

The three basic functions of an operating system are: Managing resources, Providing
user interface, and running applications. Managing resource programs coordinate all the
computers resources including memory, processing, storage, and devices such as printers
and monitors. Providing user interface is a way for the end user to communicate with the
computer. Running applications load and run applications like word processors and
spreadsheets.

9(w) Describe the three categories of operating systems.

The three categories of an operating system are: Embedded operating systems, Network
operating systems, and stand-alone operating systems. Embedded operating systems are
used for handheld computers. The entire operating system is stored within the device,
which are stored on ROM or read-only memory chips. Network operating systems are
used to control a series of computers that are linked together. Stand-alone operating
systems are generally are controlled by a single desktop or notebook computer.

10(aa) The next major version of Windows is Windows Vista, expected to be released in
2007. What are the improvements over Windows XP?

Windows Vista promise to have several improvements. It should have more advanced
system security to protect against malicious files and programs. Also, three-dimensional
workspace capable of displaying transparent cascading windows. Lastly, better filtering
for parents to block out unwanted websites.