Computer Software and Hardware
BUSINESS 1
ComputerSoftware and Hardware
Computersrequire specific things such as software and hardware to performuser-assigned tasks. The development of an enterprise, workgroup, andpersonal computing is based on the availability of software andhardware components that support specific operations (Patterson &Hennessy, 2013).The smooth running of activities in organizations isinfluenced by the implementation of computing technology in theprocesses. The paper discusses the functions of operating system,software, and hardware on a computer.
Roleof Operating Systems and Computer Hardware
Theoperating system is the most important system software program thatoffers a platform that connects computer software and hardware.Computers must have an operating system for them to run. Operatingsystems help in the execution of tasks such as recognizing andaccepting input from the keyboard and displaying the results on thescreen. Moreover, peripheral devices such as printers and mouse aremanaged by the operating system (Organick, 2014). Software componentsof the computer help users to accomplish specific tasks. Besides, thehardware components of the computer system depend on the specificsoftware to function. For instance, the use of keyboard requires theinstallation of the Microsoft Office application. A bus consists ofmany cables that connect various parts of a computer. The hardwarecomponent helps in the accomplishment of specific tasks. The CentralProcessing Unit is a hardware component that performs calculation andenables the computer to operate smoothly. Computer hardware isgrouped into processing, input, and output devices that must existfor the software to function (Patterson & Hennessy, 2013). Themouse and keyboard make up the input devices that are used to enterdata into the computer system. The printer or monitor are outputdevices that promote the display of data and information. In summary,a computer cannot function effectively if the appropriate operatingsystem, software, or hardware are not installed.
HardwareConsideration when Installing Applications
Thephysical parts of the computer make up the hardware. Compatibility isan aspect that must be achieved when installing applications into acomputer. Effective functioning of a computer system is evaluated bychecking if the installed software fits with the relevant hardware(Organick, 2014). The CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse are parts ofa computer that are considered when installing software such as theoperating system. The capabilities of the computer hardware areevaluated before installing applications. The speed of the hardwaremay not match with some applications. For instance, some applicationsrequire a Random Access Memory of more than 4 gigabytes to run andfunction smoothly. The capability of the hardware influences thespeed or functionality of the computer after installing a specificsoftware (Sharma, Shastri, & Biswas, 2012). The motherboard mustbe working properly because defects on it may hinder the installationof software. A computer that has a damaged motherboard cannot bootsuccessfully and may limit the installation and use of any software.
Thetype and model of hardware must be determined before some softwarelike the operating system are installed. Many companies develophardware components allow installation of only software from specificvendors. Compatibility issues arise when vendor oriented hardware ispurchased because it must be use software from the same producer.Software installation may be a nightmare in such cases, and opensource devices need to be purchased to eliminate compatibilityproblems (Patterson & Hennessy, 2013). The specifications of allhardware components including the peripheral devices such as themouse must be considered to ensure that software installation issuccessful.
OperatingSystem Utilities for Customization and Maintenance of Computer
Theoperating system is among the key components of a computer system.The smooth running of devices that have processors such as video gamesystems, cell phones, and laptops depends on proper functioning ofthe operating system. The processor is controlled by the operatingsystem to manage system aspects such as the memory, and disk space(Sharma, Shastri, & Biswas, 2012). A utility program is importantbecause it performs specific tasks that help in managing theprocessor, computer programs, and devices. The main task of theoperating system is to facilitate the management of computer hardwareand software. Resources are assigned to applications in a controlledmanner with the help of the operating system. The flexibility of theoperating system facilitates the management of computer componentsfrom diverse manufacturers. The booting process relies on theoperating systems for the computer to start or restart. Electricalsignals are transmitted to the hardware components when the computeris turned on (Organick, 2014). The computer chip and the ROM resetthemselves during the booting process. The BIOS firmware can bemodified to ensure that instructions are held after they areestablished.
Efficacyprograms are contained in operating systems that perform specifictasks that are associated with the supervision of computer programs,and other tools. A file watcher is an operating system utility thatallows users to display and copy the contents of a file. Besides, afile bulk is shrunk effectively using a file solidity efficacy.Furthermore, scientific information concerning the hardware componentof the computer is compiled using the analytic utility (Sharma,Shastri, & Biswas, 2012). As a result, the issue with thehardware is identified and communicated appropriately. A utilityknown as uninstaller helps to eliminate applications and entriesconnected in the files. The disk scanner plays the role ofidentifying and correcting logical and physical troubles witnessed ona hard disk. Needless files are also explored and eliminated by theutility.
Theoperating system has a disk defragmenter utility that modifies filesand streamlines free space on a computer hard disk. As a result,access of information is enhanced and running of programs fastened.Data safety is promoted by a backup utility located in the operatingsystem. The data backup efficacy facilitates copying and storage offiles in a safe media. Tapes and disks are used to offer storagespace for backup (Patterson & Hennessy, 2013). Differentutilities of the operating system play a critical role for smoothrunning of the hardware and software components. The screen saver isa utility that is used to display a moving picture on the monitorwhen the computer is in an idle state.
BasicHardware Components
Motherboard – A hardware component offers a platform in which other computer components interface.
Power supply – it includes the cooling fan, and a case control, and provides power to the computer components. An example is the micro ATX, and mechanic shed.
Hard disk – a component located inside the computer system that stores data and facilitates its retrieval and access (Organick, 2014).
Monitor – it relies on a video display controller to show output as an image, words, and other forms. Graphics cards are needed for the display to be visible.
Keyboard – it is an external device that is used to enter data into the computer system through pressing keys.
In conclusion, the computer cannot function correctly without theincorporation of appropriate hardware and software. Softwareinstallation is accomplished effectively if the relevant hardware isevaluated to check the compatibility aspect. Different operatingsystem utilities are used to maintain and customize the computer. Theoperating system is among the key components of the computer.
References
Organick, E. I. (2014). Computer system organization: theB5700/B6700 series. Academic Press.
Patterson, D. A., & Hennessy, J. L. (2013). Computerorganization and design: the hardware/software interface. Newnes.
Sharma, H. K., Shastri, A., & Biswas, R. (2012). A Framework forAutomated Database TuningUsing Dynamic SGA Parameters and BasicOperating System Utilities. Database Systems Journal, 3(4),25-32.
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