Chapter 1 - Fundamentals Of Computer Systems Flashcards
(41 cards)
What cycle does a system carry out?
Input, process, output. (+ sometimes stores data for later use or transmitted to another computer system)
What is a system boundary?
A system is separated from the outside world by a system boundary, also called interfaces.
What are benefits of computer systems?
- improved quality in manufacturing, robotic machinery is more accurate than humans
- faster access to information
- new ways of communicating eg email SMS etc.
- cheaper manufacturing, automation reduces wage cost and allows 24/7 working
What is a general purpose system?
A personal computer designed to perform various tasks.
Various applications can be loaded so that they can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
What is a dedicated system?
Specially produced to perform a single function or set of functions.
What is an embedded system?
Computer systems which are part of a larger system , they usually also control systems.
They can be highly complex or very simple.
What is an expert system?
Computer systems designed to behave like a human expert. They have three main component parts.
What are the three main component parts of an expert system?
They have three parts:
- a knowledge base (a database of facts)
- an interface engine (software that makes deductions using the knowledge base)
- an interface (to allow a human user access to the system)
Examples of an embedded system?
Digital watches Cameras MP3 players Controllers of machinery in factories Traffic lights
Examples of uses of an expert system?
Finding faults in machinery
Choosing complex products such as mortgages and insurance policies
Suggesting products to customers
Examples of a general purpose system?
Desktop Laptop Notebooks Tablet computers Smartphones
Example of a dedicated system?
Ticket vending machine
Why is reliability important?
Because computers are central to most of our work and leisure activities and play a central part in many life or death situations (aircraft navigation, railway signalling and medical situations).
What can mistakes in design and production of systems lead to? (Making computer less reliable)
Down time
Expensive errors
Data loss
Compromised privacy
What is data integrity?
When data is accurate and consistent throughout its life. Also mean arhat the stored data reflects real world reality.
Database systems normally have rules that prevent inconsistent changes being made to the underlying data.
How can data integrity be compromised?
Human error when data is entered
Errors that occur when data is transmitted from one computer to another
Software bugs
Viruses and other malware
How can you reduce the risks to data?
Backing up data regularly
Controlling access to data via security mechanisms
Using validation rules to prevent the input of invalid data
Using error detection and correction software when transmitting data
How can you improve reliability?
Through thorough testing - testing is designed to uncover errors.
Why can testing never be complete?
Software is too complex
Testing is expensive
Testing is time consuming
What are standards?
Conventions and rules.
Why are standards important?
- They enable equipment from different manufacturers to work together
- Make learning new systems easier because they have similar characteristics
- minimise waste
- Help to ensure fair play and access to markets
- Bring costs down by opening markets to competition
What are the 5 type of standards?
De facto De jute Propriety Industry Open
What are de facto standards?
Standards which have developed over time because of common usage. They are important because they ensure that files and systems can be see by anyone.
Examples of a de facto standards?
The QWERTY keyboard
Microsoft word
