HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND THE

ROLES OF SUPPORT PERSONNEL:

Prepared by: Jeffrey

Esteron

Hardwareis the physical part of the computer

and its associated equipment. Computer
hardware can comprise many different parts,
these include:

Input Devices: used to enter data; keyboard,

mouse, trackball, touch screen, light pen,
microphone, bar code reader, fax modem card,
joystick, and scanner.Output Devices: used to
view and hear processed data; video monitor
screens, printers, speakers, and fax.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)"brain" of the

computer, three components:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): number "crunching"
Memory: is the storage area in which program instruction
(code) reside during execution.

Read-only memory (ROM) is permanent; it

remains when the power is off. Start-up
instructions for the computer is an example of
ROM.

Random access memory (RAM) is a temporary

storage area for program instructions and data
that is being processed, it is only active while the
computer is turned on. (located on the
motherboard not part of CPU)

Control Unit: manages instructions to other parts

of the computer, including input and output
devices "traffic cop"

Secondary Storage: provides space to retain

data in an area separate from the computer's
memory after the computer is turned off, these
include; hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, zip
drives, optical drives and CD-ROM drives.

COMPUTER CATEGORIES:

Super computers, are the largest and most expensive, can perform
billions of instructions every second
Mainframes, large computers capable of processing several millions
instructions per second. They support organizational functions,
therefore have been the traditional equipment in hospitals.
Customized software results in high cost.
Minicomputer, is a scaled-down version of the mainframe, since
they are now becoming more powerful they can now be found in
hospitals and HMO's
Microcomputers(PCs), inexpensive processing power for an
individual user.
Laptop or Notebook, Handheld, and Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs)

A network is"a combination of hardware and

software that allows communication and electronic
transfer of information between computers"(as
cited in Hebda, 1998, p. 19).Hardware may be
connected permanently by wire (Ethernet), or
temporarily by wireless communication, and
modems/telephone lines. This allows the sharing of
computer and software resources, through the use
of the network. For example, several computers may
share one computer, or a word processing program
could also be accessed by many different users.
Networks, no matter how small or large, operate
with theclient/server technology.

AServerstores files and programs that are

accessed by the client on the network. When you
access the Internet from home, you the client
(your computer), requests files from a Server
(another computer), you see the results displayed
on your screen through a browser. You may also
access a network in your clinical practice; you the
client, accesses a patient record on the floor from
a server, which stores the patient record.

TYPES OF NETWORKS:
Home Networks- within a homeLocal Area Networks
(LAN)- networks within a area, location or business.
The University connects all its computers on a LAN.
Wide Area Networks (WAN)- several LAN connected
together
Internet- many WAN connected together around the
globe to give us the Internet that we use today

Intranets- private company networks that are

protected from outside access Kaiser HMO and its
clinics and hospitals is an example.Extranets- several
Intranets connected together, Kaiser maintains
Extranet a network connection with its suppliers

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT:
When selecting a computer system or related hardware,
you must take into consideration the following:The
types of applications requiredSome people need word
processing, while others may need database or spread
sheet software.
The program execution time and computer capacity
needed to process jobsComplex jobs require more
processor speed and memory.
Storage CapacityNeeds are determined by the amount
of information that must be kept and the length of time
that it must be retained.
Backup OptionsWhen information is critical to conduct
daily business, another backup system may be need if
the primary one fails.

Operating Systems:A collection of programs

that manage all of the computer's activities,
including the control of hardware, execution of
software, and management of information.

Operating Systemsprovides auser interfaceby

which the individual interacts with the computer.
Types include; text based commands,graphical
user interfaces(GUI), andobject-oriented
interfaces(OOI) a graphic interface in which
visual metaphors are employed.

ROLES OF SUPPORT
PERSONNEL:

Supportfor computer systems and networks is

extremely important in order to maintain system
functionality, support includes: 1) planning
system upgrades, 2) installation of upgrades for
operating systems and various applications, 3)
troubleshooting, and 4) user education and
training.

Superuser:This person has additional experience

over the average employee and serves as a local
resource person. In the hospital setting this is user
who know the clinical area and the computer
system.
Microcomputer Specialist:Provides PC
information and training; has special training and
degree in computer science or a related area.
Analyst:They are frequently clinicians, who
become involved in system selection and training.
Many have learned their role on the job and
furthered their education by taking computer or
information science classes.

Programmer:Writes code, computer instructions;

they often lack the clinical experience. For this reason
the analysts are responsible for communicating user
needs to programmers
Network Administrator:They are responsible for the
planning, management and expansion of networks.
Director, Information Services:These individuals
should have a board view of the needs of the institution
and the design, implementation, and evaluation of
information systems. Responsibilities include
planning, policy development, budgeting, information
security, and overall management of the information
systems.