Computing systems: computers, software, networks and the Internet

Hardware, software, electricity

Your book defines a computer system as a structured set of hardware and software for processing data. It needs three basic requisites: hardware, software and electricity.

Hardware is the tangible part: CPU, RAM, storage and input and output devices. Software is the instructions. System software, like Windows, macOS and Linux, manages resources; application software, like web browsers and games, does tasks for the user.

Your book lists four types of computing systems: computers, software systems, computer networks and the Internet. Computers were covered earlier; the section then describes networks and the Internet.

A computer network connects computers to share resources, communicate and manage data. Its hardware is routers, switches and cables; its software is protocols like TCP/IP and network operating systems like Windows Server. A LAN covers a building; a WAN covers cities or continents.

The Internet connects networks worldwide to share data globally. Its protocols include TCP/IP (the core), UDP (faster but less reliable), FTP (transferring files) and POP (retrieving emails). Your book says over 1.5 billion websites exist.

Three requisites: hardware, software, electricity. Four computing systems: computer, software, network, Internet. Know one protocol job each: TCP/IP core, UDP fast, FTP files, POP email.

Key terms

System software

The OS and utilities that manage the computer's resources.

Application software

Programs built to carry out specific tasks for the user.

Router

Transmitting data packets between networks.

Protocol

Rules and conventions for exchanging data.

Short questions with model answers

1. Q1. Describe a computer network as a system: objective, components and environment.

   • Objectives.
   • Components.
   • Environment.

   A network shares resources using hardware and software that work together, in an environment that shapes its design.

2. Q2. What are the three main requirements for a computing system to function?

   • Hardware.
   • Software.
   • Electricity.

   Hardware, software and electricity (Short Question 10).

Common mistakes

• ✗ Calling a web browser system software because everyone uses it.

  ✓ A browser does a task for the user, so it is application software. The OS is system software.

• ✗ Saying UDP is the most reliable protocol.

  ✓ Your book: UDP is faster but less reliable. TCP/IP is the core protocol.

• ✗ Calling a school's network a WAN.

  ✓ A single building or school is a LAN; a WAN spans cities, nations or continents.

MCQs

1. 1. Which is system software, in your book?

   1. (a) A word processor
   2. (b) A web browser
   3. (c) A game
   4. (d) Windows
   Show answer

   (d) Software, p. 18.

2. 2. Which protocol is used for retrieving emails from a server?

   1. (a) POP
   2. (b) FTP
   3. (c) UDP
   4. (d) LAN
   Show answer

   (a) Section 1.6.3.1, p. 20.

3. 3. A network connecting computers across cities, nations and continents is a:

   1. (a) LAN
   2. (b) Switch
   3. (c) WAN
   4. (d) Motherboard
   Show answer

   (c) Section 1.6.2.4, p. 19.

4. 4. Which device transmits data packets between networks?

   1. (a) Monitor
   2. (b) Router
   3. (c) Keyboard
   4. (d) RAM
   Show answer

   (b) Section 1.6.2.2, p. 19.

5. 5. The three basic requisites to run a computing system are:

   1. (a) CPU, RAM, monitor
   2. (b) Hardware, software, electricity
   3. (c) Routers, switches, cables
   4. (d) TCP/IP, UDP, FTP
   Show answer

   (b) Section 1.6, p. 18.

Quick revision

• A computing system needs hardware, software and electricity.
• A network shares resources using routers, switches, cables, protocols and a network OS; LANs are local, WANs span regions.
• The Internet links networks worldwide through protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, FTP and POP.