Case Study : THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

1. Distinguish between hardware and software

Hardware
Definition : Device that are required to store execute the software
Type : Input, storage, processing, control and output device.
Examples : Printer, video card, scanner, monitor, cd rom, modern, routers
Software
Function : Hardware serve as the delivery system for software solutions
Definition : Is a program that enable a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical component to the system (hardware)
Type : System software, programming software and application software
Examples : Internet explorer, microsoft word, adobe acrobat
Function : To perform specific task you need to complete. Software generally not needed to perform its basic level task such as turning on and responding to input

2. Identify the functions of each fundamental computer hardware component


žThe most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor,
which acts as the "brain" of your computer.
žAnother component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that
the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the
computer is turned off.
Hard drive: storage that store anything such as programs, pictures and files.
žAnother hardware is the interface for the computer, such as keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers,
printers.
3. Explain  the concept of Input-Process-Output (IPO) Cycle

The concept of IPO cycle is the input(s) - anything we wish to embed in a system for some type of
use such as keyboard, scanner, microphone, mouse etc.
žThe process- act of taking inputted data and converting it to something usable
žThe output - for process information and usable format , come in many different form such as
monitor, speaker, printer etc. 
žStorage - saving data for a period time such as hard disc, usb drive, cd etc.
 4. Explain  the recent development of hardware and software technologies

žThe recent development of hardware and software technologies are wearable technology. One of the
famous wearable technology is the google glass, žwearable technology can help in treating health
probs such as Parkinson disease, FDA, heart pump, and cochlear implant.