Selda,Lennier Arvin A.

BSA-BGC | BCO 113

#31

DATA - it is distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way. It can exist in a variety
of forms: as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits and bytes stored in electronic memory. The
term data is often used to distinguish binary machine-readable information from textual human-
readable information. In database management systems, data files are the files that store
the database information, whereas other files, such as index files and data dictionaries, store
administrative information, known as metadata.

HARDWARE - A generic term used to describe any component of a computer system with a physical
presence and which can, therefore, been seen and touched.

Hardware components are often categorised as being either input, output, storage or processing
components. Devices which are not an integral part of the CPU are referred to as being peripherals.
Peripherals are usually used for either input, storage or output (such as a hard
disk, keyboard or printer). A device does not necessarily have to be outside the same physical box as
the CPU. The best example of this is the hard disk, which is a peripheral even though it is not usually
housed within the main case.

Input devices are hardware devices which take information from the user of the computer
system, convert it into electrical signals and transmit it to the processor. The primary function of input
devices is to allow humans to interact with the computer system. For instance a mouseallows the user
to control the movement of the pointer (a common element in user interface design).
Output devices take data from the computer system and convert it to a form that can be
interpreted by humans. For instance a monitor creates a visual electronic display to output information
created by the processor to the user.
Processing devices are the components responsible for the processing of information within
the computer system. This includes devices such as the CPU, memory and motherboard.
Storage devices are components which allow data to be stored within a computer system. This
includes devices such as hard disk drives and compact disk drives.

SOFTWARE - A set of instructions, stored digitally within the computer's memory, which tells the
computer system what to do.

Software components of a computer system have no physical presence, they are stored in digital form
within computer memory. There are different categories of software, including system
software, utilities and applications software. Software can also be described as being
either generic or bespoke.
 System software is the software used to manage and control the hardware components and which
allow interaction between the hardware and the other types of software. The most obvious type of
system software is the computer's operating system but device drivers are also included within
this category.

Utility software is software such as anti-virus software, firewalls, disk defragmenters and so on
which helps to maintain and protect the computer system but does not directly interface with the
hardware.
Applications software (also known as 'apps') are designed to allow the user of the system
complete a specific task or set of tasks. They include programs such as web browsers, office
software, games and so on. They are usually the reason you bought the computer system in the
first place and aren't concerned with the management or maintenance of the system itself.

Any individual software package, whichever of the above types it falls into, can be either generic (or
'off-the-shelf') or it can be bespoke(custom-built). Generic software is mass produced with the
intention that it will be used by a wide variety of different users in a range of different situations.
Bespoke software is created for a specific purpose which will be used in a known environment.

Often generic software is used when there is a package available that meets the needs of the user.
Because it is used by many more people the cost of creating it is spread over a greater number of
people or organisations and so the cost to the individual is much lower. It also has the advantage that it
is available immediately there's no waiting time involved while the software package is designed,
created and tested. Bespoke software has the advantage that it can be tailor made to exact
specifications but it significantly more expensive and will take time to create.

PEOPLEWARE - A term first coined by Peter G. Neuman in 1977, peopleware refers to the role
people play in technology and the development of hardware or software. It can include various aspects
of the process such as human interaction, programming, productivity, teamwork, and other factors.

NETWORK - A network is defined as a group of two or more computer systems linked together.
There are many types of computernetworks, including the following:
local-area networks (LANs): The computers are geographically close together (that is, in the
same building).
wide-area networks (WANs): The computers are farther apart and are connected by telephone
lines or radio waves.
campus-area networks (CANs): The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a
campus or military base.
metropolitan-area networks MANs): A data network designed for a town or city.
home-area networks (HANs): A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's
digital devices.

REFERENCES:
Data - http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/data.html
Hardware - https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/A-
level_Computing/CIE/Computer_systems,_communications_and_software/Components_of_a_comput
er_system_and_modes_of_use/Types_of_hardware
Software - https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/A-
level_Computing/CIE/Computer_systems,_communications_and_software/Components_of_a_comput
er_system_and_modes_of_use/Types_of_software
Peopleware - http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/peopware.htm
Network - http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network.html
Source: Internet