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BS. Computer Science
Computer System
= A computer system is the combination of hardware and software.A typical computer system
has memory and set of states that define the relationship between the system's inputs and outputs.
Although in earlier times the personan computer or PC was an example of a computer system, in
practice a person considered a Computer Systems Engineer these days deals with a range of
different computer architectures.
Even the simplest computer classifies as a computer system, because at least two components
(hardware and software) have to work together. But the real meaning of "computer system" comes
with interconnection. Many computer systems can interconnect, that is, join to become a bigger
system. In industry these days the interconnection of varible-speed drives and programmable logic
controllers (PLCs) to automate production lines and control motors is a common example of a
computer system.
Interconnecting different computer systems can prove difficult due to incompatibilities. Sometimes
these difficulties occur due to incompatibilities between differing hardware and sometimes between
differing software. Technically knowledgeable people can configure disparate computers to
communicate using a set of rules and constraints known as protocols. Protocols attempt to precisely
define the communication within and between computing endpoints. If two computer systems define
the same protocols, they may be capable of interconnecting and become a part of a larger system.
Hardware
= is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the
computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently
changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily
created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if
ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read only memory (ROM)
where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").
Software
= consisting of programs, enables a computer to perform specific tasks, as opposed to its physical
components (hardware) which can only do the tasks they are mechanically designed for. The term
includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users,
system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to run the necessary
services for user-interfaces and applications, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates
distributed systems.