Chapter 3

Computer Science and the

Foundation of Knowledge Model
 Objectives
• Describe the essential components of
computer systems including hardware and
software.
• Appreciate the rapid evolution of computer
systems and the benefit of keeping up to date
with current trends and developments.
 Objectives
• Analyze how computer systems function as
tools for managing information and
generating knowledge.
• Define the concept of human – technology
interfaces.
• Articulate how computers can support
collaboration and information exchange.
 Key Terms Defined
• Acquisition - The act of acquiring, to locate
and hold; We acquire data and information.
• Application -Refers to the implementation
software of a computer system. This software
allows users to complete tasks such as word
processing, developing presentations, and
managing data.
 Key Terms Defined
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - Essential
building block of the central processing unit
(CPU) that digitally performs arithmetic and
logical functions.
• Binary System - System used by computers, a
numeric system using two symbols: 0 and 1.
 Key Terms Defined
• BIOS - Basic input/output systems, binary
input/output systems, basic integrated operating
system or built in operating system that resides
or is embedded on a chip that recognizes and
controls the computer's devices.
• Bit - unit of measurement that holds one binary
digit, 0 or 1; the smallest possible chuck of data
memory used in computer processing, exhibited
as either a 1 or a 0, making up the binary system
of the computer .
 Key Terms Defined
• Bus - Subsystem that transfers data between a
computer's internal components or between
computers.
• Byte - Is equal to eight bits or eight informational
storage units and represents one keystroke e.g.,
any push of a key on a keyboard such as pressing
the space bar, a lower case a or an upper case T
for example; a chunk of memory that consists of
eight bits, and is considered to be the best way to
indicate computer memory or storage capacity.
 Key Terms Defined
• Cache Memory - Smaller and faster memory
storage used by the central processing unit
(CPU) to store copies of frequently used data
in main memory.
• CD-R - Compact disc recordable, you can
record once.
• CD-RW - Compact disc recordable and
rewritable, can record many times.
 Key Terms Defined
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Processors that
execute computer programs, thought of as the
brains, controlling the functioning of the
computer; the computer component that
actually executes, calculates, and processes the
binary computer code instigated by the operating
system and other applications on the computer.
It serves as the command center that directs the
actions of all other components of the computer,
and manages both incoming and outgoing data.
 Key Terms Defined
• Communication Software - Technology
programs used to transmit messages via
email, telephonically, paging, broadcast such
as MP3, Internet such as instant messaging,
voice over IP (VOIP), or Lists, etc.
• Compatibility - refers to the ability to work
with each other, other devices or systems,
e.g., software that is compatible with your
computer.
 Key Terms Defined
• Computer - A machine that stores and
executes programs; a machine with peripheral
hardware and software to carryout selected
programming.
 Key Terms Defined
• Computer Science - Branch of engineering (application
of science) that studies the theoretical foundations of
information and computation and their
implementation and application in computer systems;
study of storage/memory, conversion and
transformation, and transfer or transmission of
information in machines, that is computers, through
both algorithms and practical implementation
problems, algorithms are detailed unambiguous action
sequences in the design, efficiency and application and
practical implementation problems deal with the
software and hardware.
 Key Terms Defined
• Conferencing Software - Electronic communications
system or software that supports and facilitates two or
more people meeting for discussion. One of the high-
end systems offer telepresence.
• Creativity Software - Programs that support and
facilitate innovation and creativity (intellectual process
relating to the creation or generation of new ideas,
concepts or new relationships between currently
existing ideas or concepts); allow users to focus or
concentrate more on creating new things in our digital
age and less on the mechanics or workings of how they
are created or developed.
 Key Terms Defined
• Database - A collection of related records stored in a
computer system using software that permits a person
or program to query the data in order to extract
needed information; consist of one or more related
data files or tables; “1. A file created by a database
manager that contains a collection of information. The
basic database contains fields, records, and files: a field
is a single piece of information; a record is one
complete set of fields; and a file is a collection of
records. 2. A collection of stored data typically
organized into fields, records, and files and associated
descriptions (schema) (HIMSS, 2006b, p. 21).”
 Key Terms Defined
• Degradation - loss of quality; e.g., in
telecommunications, it is the loss of quality in the
electronic signal.
• Desktop - Computer’s interface that resembles
your desk’s top where you keep things you want
to access quickly such as paper clips, pens, paper,
etc. On your computer’s desktop, you can
customize the look and feel to have easy access
to the programs, folders and files on your hard
drive that you use the most.
 Key Terms Defined
• Digital video disc (DVD) - Optical disc storage
format that can generally hold or store more
than six times the amount of data that a CD
can.
• Dissemination - A thoughtful, intentional,
goal-oriented communication of specific,
useful information or knowledge.
 Key Terms Defined
• DVD-R - Digital video disc recordable, you can
record once.
• DVD-RW - Digital video disc recordable and
rewritable, can record many times.
• Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) - type
of RAM chip requiring less space to store same
amount on a similar SRAM (static RAM) chip but
DRAM requires more power than SRAM since
DRAM needs to keep its charge by constantly
refreshing.
 Key Terms Defined
• Electrically Erasable Programmable Read
Only Memory (EEPROM) -"is a non-volatile
storage chip used in computers and other
devices to store small amounts of volatile
data, e.g. calibration tables or device
configuration. When larger amounts of more
static data are to be stored (such as in USB
flash drives) other memory types like flash
memory are more economical" (Wikipedia,
2008, ¶ 1) .
 Key Terms Defined
• Email - Electronic mail; to compose, send, receive and
store messages in electronic communication systems.
• Email Client - Program that manages email functions.
• Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
-"type of computer memory chip that retains its data
when its power supply is switched off. In other words, it
is non-volatile. It is an array of floating-gate transistors
individually programmed by an electronic device that
supplies higher voltages than those normally used in
electronic circuits. Once programmed, an EPROM can
be erased only by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light"
(Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Execute - to carryout software's or a program's
instructions.
• Extensibility - "means that the system has been
so architected that the design includes all of the
hooks and mechanisms for expanding/enhancing
the system with new capabilities without having
to make major changes to the system
infrastructure; system design principle where the
implementation takes into consideration future
growth" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 2 and ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Fire Wire - "a very fast external bus standard
that supports data transfer rates of up to
400Mbps (in 1394a) and 800Mbps (in 1394b).
Products supporting the IEEE 1394 standard
go under different names, depending on the
company. Apple, which originally developed
the technology, uses the trademarked name
FireWire" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Firmware - Consists of both hardware and
software; programs or data written onto ROM,
PROM and EPROM.
• Flash Memory - "special type of EEPROM that
can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks
instead of one byte at a time. Many modern PCs
have their BIOS stored on a flash memory chip so
that it can easily be updated if necessary. Such a
BIOS is sometimes called a flash BIOS"
(Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Gigabyte (GB) - used to measure bytes of data
storage and capability in computer systems; 1
Gigabyte equals 1000 Megabytes.
• Gigahertz (Ghz) - used to measure speed and
power of some components such as the
microprocessor; 1 Gigahertzs or Ghz is equal
to 1000 Megahertzs.
 Key Terms Defined
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) - typical GUI provided
by Windows or Mac's OS X provide a user-friendly
desktop metaphor interface that is made up of the
input and output devices as well as icons that
represent files, programs, actions and processes.
• Graphics card - "a board that plugs into a personal
computer to give it display capabilities. The display
capabilities of a computer, however, depend on both
the logical circuitry (provided in the video adapter) and
the display monitor. A monochrome monitor, for
example, cannot display colors no matter how
powerful the video adapter" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Hard disk - Magnetic disk that stores
electronic data.
• Hardware - physical or tangible parts of the
computer; computer parts that you can touch
and are involved in the performance or
function of the computer such as the
keyboard and monitor.
 Key Terms Defined
• Information - Data that are interpreted,
organized, or structured; data that is
processed using knowledge or data made
functional through the application of
knowledge.
• Information Age - at the end of the 20th
century, information was easily accessible
using computers, networkds and Internet.
 Key Terms Defined
• Input/Output system (I/O) - "Short for
input/output (pronounced "eye-oh"). The term
I/O is used to describe any program, operation or
device that transfers data to or from a computer
and to or from a peripheral device. Every transfer
is an output from one device and an input into
another. Devices such as keyboards and mouses
are input-only devices while devices such as
printers are output-only. A writable CD-ROM is
both an input and an output device" (Webopedia,
2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Instant Messaging (IM) - "form of real-time
communication between two or more people
based on typed text. The text is conveyed via
computers connected over a network such as
the Internet" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
• Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) - technology
where the drive controller is located on the
drive itself instead of being a separate
controller connected to the motherboard.
 Key Terms Defined
• Internet Browser - software used to locate
and display Web pages; also known as Web
browser or browser.
• Keyboard - Set of keys resembling an actual
typewriter that permits you to input data into
a computer.
 Key Terms Defined
• Knowledge - The awareness and understanding of a set of
information and ways that information can be made useful
to support a specific task or arrive at a decision; abounds
with others’ thoughts and information; information that is
synthesized so that relationships are identified and
formalized; understanding that comes through a process of
interaction or experience with world around us ; info that
has judgment applied to it or meaning extracted from it;
processed information that helps to clarify or explain some
portion of our environment or world that we can use as a
basis for action or upon which we can act; internal process
of thinking or cognition; external process of testing, senses,
observation, interacting.
 Key Terms Defined
• Laptop - Portable battery-powered computer
also known as a notebook that can be taken
with you.
• Mainframe - Smaller than supercomputer,
extremely high performance computer used
for high-volume, processor-intensive
computing; computers used by some large
businesses and/or for scientific processing
purposes.
 Key Terms Defined
• Main Memory - computer's internal memory.
• Megabytes (MB) - Used to measure bytes of
data storage and capability in computer
systems; 1 Megabyte equals 1000 Kilobytes.
• Megahertz (MHz) - Used to measure speed
and power of some components such as the
microprocessor.
 Key Terms Defined
• Memory - Data stored in digital format;
generally refers to random access memory
(RAM).
• Microprocessor - Integrates the processor
onto one circuit incorporating the functions of
central processing unit (CPU) and continues to
evolve processing capacity.
 Key Terms Defined
• Modem - Allows you to send and receive
information over the phone or cable lines for
example, with your computer; enables
internet connectivity via a telephone line or
cable connection through network adaptors
situated within the computer apparatus.
 Key Terms Defined
• Monitor - computer display or "computer
output surface and projecting mechanism that
shows text and often graphic images to the
computer user, using a cathode ray tube
(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-
emitting diode, gas plasma, or other image
projection technology" (Whatis?com, 2008, ¶
1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Motherboard - A key foundational component
since all other components are connected to it
in some way (either directly via local sockets,
attached directly to it, or connected via
cables). The essential structures of the
motherboard include the major chipset, Super
I/O hip, BIOS ROM (read only memory), bus
communications pathways, and a variety of
sockets that allow components to plug into it.
 Key Terms Defined
• Mouse - A small device that you can roll along
or scroll to control the movement of the
pointer or cursor on a display and click to
search for and/or execute features.
• MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) - digital or
electronic audio programming format.
 Key Terms Defined
• Non-synchronous - That which is not
synchronous; not in real time or does not
occur or exist at the same time, having the
same period or time frame; learning anywhere
and anytime using Internet and World Wide
Web software tools (course management
systems, e-mail, electronic bulletin boards,
Web pages, etc.) as the principal delivery
mechanisms for instruction.
 Key Terms Defined
• Office Suite - Software that is generally
distributed together with a consistent user
interface that is designed for knowledge
workers and clerical personnel, these software
packages can interact with each other to
enhance productivity and ease of use.
 Key Terms Defined
• Open Source Software (OSS) - "computer
software for which the human-readable
source code is made available under a
copyright license (or arrangement such as the
public domain) that meets the Open Source
Definition. This permits users to use, change,
and improve the software, and to redistribute
it in modified or unmodified form. It is often
developed in a public, collaborative manner"
(Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Operating System (OS) - The most important
software on any computer. It is the very first
program to load on computer start up, and is
fundamental for the operation of all other
software as well as the computer's hardware.
• Palmtop or Palm computer - Miniature or
small computer that fits in your palm.
 Key Terms Defined
• Parallel Port- Interface for connecting an
external device that is capable of receiving
more than one bit at a time, most printers are
parallel.
• Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI)
- mechanism for attaching peripheral devices
to a motherboard that can be via computer
bus, expansion slots or integrated circuits.
 Key Terms Defined
• Personal Computer (PC) - Computer made for
individual use or directly used by an end user;
since their inception in the 1970s, there
capabilities and uses have greatly expanded.
• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) - A handheld
device, miniature or small computer or
palmtop that uses a pen for inputting instead
of a keyboard; also called a handheld
computer.
 Key Terms Defined
• Plug and Play - refers to being able to add new
devices to a computer easily without having to be
able to manually install and reconfigure the
computer to accept the device as in the past.
• Port - Interface between a computer and other
devices or other computers.
• Portability - Being able to be transported easily;
handheld computers are easily taken with you
wherever you go, they are highly portable.
 Key Terms Defined
• Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX
(POSIX) - "set of IEEE and ISO standards that
define an interface between programs and
operating systems. By designing their
programs to conform to POSIX, developers
have some assurance that their software can
be easily ported to POSIX-compliant operating
systems. This includes most varieties of UNIX"
Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Presentation - Act of presenting or showing;
typically uses presentation software in a slide
show format.
• Processing - To act on something by taking it
through established procedures in order to
convert it from one form to another; for
example: information is processed data or we
process a credit application to get a loan.
 Key Terms Defined
• Productivity Software - Programs or software
that help us compose, create, or develop; an
example is the Microsoft Office Suite of
productivity tools, they offer word processing,
spreadsheet, database, presentation and web
tools to help us complete our tasks both
professionally and personally.
 Key Terms Defined
• Professional Development -"refers to skills
required for maintaining a specific career path or
to general skills offered through continuing
education, including the more general skills area
of personal development. It can be seen as
training to keep current with changing technology
and practices in a profession or in the concept of
lifelong learning. Developing and implementing a
program of professional development is often a
function of the human resources or organization
development department of a large corporation
or institution" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) -
"form of digital memory where the setting of
each bit is locked by a fuse or antifuse. Such
PROMs are used to store programs permanently.
The key difference from a strict ROM is that the
programming is applied after the device is
constructed. They are frequently seen in video
game consoles, or such products as electronic
dictionaries, where PROMs for different
languages can be substituted" (Wikipedia, 2008,
¶ 1); also known as field programmable read-only
memory (FPROM).
 Key Terms Defined
• Publishing - "process of production and
dissemination of literature or information –
the activity of making information available
for public view. In some cases authors may be
their own publishers" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
• QWERTY - Stands for the typical computer
keyboard layout, getting its name from the 6
letters in the first row below the numeric or
number row (QWERTY).
 Key Terms Defined
• Random access memory (RAM) - Is “volatile”
memory since it is a temporary storage
system that allows the processor to access
program codes and data while working on a
task. RAM memory is lost once the system is
rebooted, shut off, or loses power.
 Key Terms Defined
• Read Only Memory (ROM) - Is essential
permanent or semi-permanent, non-volatile
memory that stores saved data and is critical
in the working of the computer's operating
system and other activities. ROM is primarily
stored in the motherboard but may also be
available through the graphics card, other
expansion cards, and peripherals.
 Key Terms Defined
• Security - Protection from danger or loss; in
informatics, you must protect against
unauthorized access, malicious damage,
incidental and accidental damage, and
enforce secure behavior and maintain security
of computing, data, application, information
and networks.
 Key Terms Defined
• Serial Port - Interface for connecting an
external device that is capable of receiving
only one bit at a time, such as mouse, modem
and some printers.
 Key Terms Defined
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) - "set of
standards for physically connecting and transferring
data between computers and peripheral devices. The
SCSI standards define commands, protocols, and
electrical and optical interfaces. SCSI is most commonly
used for hard disks and tape drives, but it can connect a
wide range of other devices, including scanners and CD
drives. The SCSI standard defines command sets for
specific peripheral device types; the presence of
"unknown" as one of these types means that in theory it
can be used as an interface to almost any device, but
the standard is highly pragmatic and addressed toward
commercial requirements" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Software - Anything that can be stored
electronically; divided into two types, system
(software that includes the operating system
and other software necessary for the
computer to function) and application
(software that allows users to complete
specific tasks e.g., word processing,
spreadsheets, presentations, databases and
media players).
 Key Terms Defined
• Sound Card - "a computer expansion card that
facilitates the input and output of audio signals
to/from a computer under control of computer
programs. Typical uses of sound cards include
providing the audio component for multimedia
applications such as music composition, editing
video or audio, presentation/education, and
entertainment (games). Many computers have
sound capabilities built in, while others require
additional expansion cards to provide for audio
capability" (Wikipedia, 2008, ¶ 1); also known as
an audio card.
 Key Terms Defined
• Spreadsheet - Text and numbers located in cells
on a grid and the software necessary to process
formulas and other computations such as
creating graphs and charts.
• Supercomputer - Fastest computer; "The chief
difference between a supercomputer and a
mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all
its power into executing a few programs as fast
as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power
to execute many programs concurrently"
(Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Synchronous - That which is not
asynchronous; real time or occurring at the
same time, having the same period or time
frame; learning anywhere and anytime in real
time using any real time delivery modalities
such as traditional face to face, Internet and
World Wide Web software tools (course
management systems, chat, e-mail, electronic
bulletin boards, audio-video communication
tools, etc.)
 Key Terms Defined
• Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) - Most
common type of DRAM memory found in personal computers.
• Technology - Broad term used to describe how people use
knowledge and tools; Knowledge used to solve problems,
control and adapt to our environment and extend human
potential; generally people use technology to refer to
machines or devices such as computers and the infrastructure
that supports them; a simplistic example, examining cell
phones and planes, they are technologies that are tangible,
you can see and touch them but you cannot see and touch
the vast infrastructures supporting them such as the wireless
communications between your device (cell phone) and the
cell towers nor can you see and touch the electronic guidance
used by the device (plane) to navigate the skies.
 Key Terms Defined
• Throughput - “amount of digital data per time
unit that is delivered over a physical or logical
link. The throughput is usually measured in bit
per second (bit/s or bps), occasionally in data
packets per second or data packets per
timeslot. The term corresponds to digital
bandwidth consumption. (Wikipedia, 2007, ¶
1, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throughput)
 Key Terms Defined
• Touch Screen –The display used as an input device
for interacting with or relating to the display’s
materials or content. The user can touch or press on
the designated display area to respond, execute, or
request information or output.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) –That which connects to a
myriad of plug-in devices, such as portable Flash
drives, digital cameras, MP3 players, graphics tablets,
light pens, and so on using a plug and play
connection without rebooting the computer.
 Key Terms Defined
• User Friendly - Refers to programs and
peripherals that make it easy to interact or
use computers; design of a program to
enhance the ease with which the user can
utilize and maximize the productivity from
computer programs; some people believe it
relates only to facilitating novice computer
users.
 Key Terms Defined
• User Interface - mechanisms or systems used by users to
interact with programs.
• Video Adapter Card - A board or card that is inserted or
plugged into a computer to provide display capabilities.
• Virtual Memory - "An imaginary memory area supported
by some operating systems (for example, Windows but not
DOS) in conjunction with the hardware. You can think of
virtual memory as an alternate set of memory addresses.
Programs use these virtual addresses rather than real
addresses to store instructions and data. When the
program is actually executed, the virtual addresses are
converted into real memory addresses" (Webopedia, 2008,
¶ 1).
 Key Terms Defined
• Web-Based - originating from the www or web.
• Wisdom - Knowledge applied in a practical way or translated
into actions; uses knowledge and experience to heighten
common sense and insight to exercise sound judgment in
practical matters; sometimes thought of as the highest form
of common sense resulting from accumulated knowledge or
erudition (deep thorough learning) or enlightenment
(education that results in understanding and the
dissemination of knowledge); it is the ability to apply valuable
and viable knowledge, experience, understanding and insight
while being prudent and sensible; is focused on our own
minds; the synthesis of our experience, insight, understanding
and knowledge; the appropriate use of knowledge to solve
human problems.  It is knowing when and how to apply
knowledge.
 Key Terms Defined
• Word Processing - creating documents using a word
processing software package such as Microsoft Word.
• World Wide Web (www) - " system of Internet servers
that support specially formatted documents. The
documents are formatted in a markup language called
HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports
links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio,
and video files. This means you can jump from one
document to another simply by clicking on hot spots.
Not all Internet servers are part of the World Wide
Web" (Webopedia, 2008, ¶ 1).
 Introduction
• The discipline of computer science is
introduced through a focus on computers and
the hardware and software that make up
these evolving systems.
• Computer science offers extremely valuable
tools that can facilitate the acquisition and
manipulation of data and information by
nurses, who can then synthesize these into an
ever evolving knowledge and wisdom base.
 The Computer As A Tool
• The advent of the computer is one such
milestone, one that has sparked an
intellectual metamorphosis whose boundaries
have yet to be fully understood.
• Computer technology has ushered in what has
been called the “information age” - an age
when data, information and knowledge are
both accessible and manipulable by more
people than ever before in history.
 The Computer As A Tool
• A computer is an electronic information-
processing machine that serves as a tool to
manipulate data and information.
• Since the advent of the first electronic
computer in the mid 1940s, computers have
evolved to become essential tools in every
walk of life, including the profession of
nursing.
 The Computer As A Tool
• Computers are universal machines, since they
are general-purpose, symbol-manipulating
devices that can perform any task represented
in specific programs.
• Computers can be used for data and
information storage, retrieval, analyzation,
generation and transformation.
 Components
• Hardware : Computer hardware refers to the
actual physical “body” of the computer and its
components.
• Outer Protection : The Casing: The most
noticeable component of any computer is the
outer case.
• Laptop computers combine the casing in a flat
rectangular casing that is attached to the
hinged LCD monitor.
 Components
• Palm computers and Personal Digital Assistants
(PDAs) also have a protective outer plastic and
metal case with an embedded LCD screen.
• Central Processing Unit : Sometimes
conceptualized as the “brain” of the computer,
the CPU is the computer component that actually
executes, calculates, and processes the binary
computer code (comprised of various
configurations of 0s and 1s) instigated by the
operating system and other applications on the
computer.
 Components
• Common CPUs include the Pentium, K6,
PowerPC and Sparc models.
• The CPU contains specific mechanical units,
including registers, arithmetic and logic units
or ALU, a floating point unit or FPU, control
circuitry, and cache memory.
• The inner components form the computer's
central processor.
 Components
• The speed and power of a CPU used to be
measured in Megahertzs and was written as a
value in Mhz.
• Now it is more common to see the speed
measured in Gigahertzs.
• The more cycles a processor can engage in per
second, the faster computer programs can
run.
 Components
• In recent years, processor manufacturers such
as Intel have moved to multi-core
microprocessors which are chips that combine
two or more processors.
• Multiple microprocessors have replaced many
formerly popular computer types.
• Mainframes have been almost replaced with
multiprocessors consisting of small numbers
of off-the-shelf microprocessors.
 Components
• Motherboard : The mother board has been
called the “central nervous system” of the
computer.
• The essential structures of the motherboard
include the major chipset, Super I/O hip, BIOS
ROM (read only memory), bus
communications pathways, and a variety of
sockets that allow components to plug into it.
 Components
• Power Supply : The power supply unit
converts the 240 volt AC main power provided
via the power cable from the wall socket the
computer is plugged into, into low voltage DC
power.
• Hard Disk : This component is so named
because of the rigid hard disks that reside in it,
which are mounted to a spindle that is spun
by a motor when in use.
 Components
• The hard disk acts as a permanent data storage
area that holds the data, information,
documents, and programs saved on the
computer, even when the computer is shut off.
• Main Memory or RAM : RAM is considered to be
“volatile” memory since it is a temporary storage
system that allows the processor to access
program codes and data while working on a task.
 Components
• RAM memory is lost once the system is rebooted,
shut off, or loses power.
• A select portion of the RAM is called the Main
Memory which serves the hard disk, and
facilitates the interactions between the hard disk
and central processor.
• ROM : Read-only memory or ROM is essential
permanent or semi-permanent non-volatile
memory that stores saved data and is critical in
the working of the computer's operating system
and other activities.
 Components
• BIOS Input/Output System : This is a specific
type of ROM used by the computer when it
first boots up, to establish basic
communication between the processor,
motherboard and other components.
• Virtual Memory : This special type of memory
is stored on the hard disk to provide
temporary data storage so data can be
swapped in and out of the RAM as needed.
 Components
• Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller : This
component is the primary interface for the hard
drive, CD-ROM or DVD drive, and the floppy disk
drive.
• Peripheral Component Interconnection (PCI) Bus:
This component is important for connecting
additional plug-in components to the computer,
since it utilizes a series of slots on the
motherboard that allow PCI cards plugins.
 Components
• SCSI or Small Computer System Interface : This
component provides the means to attach
additional devices such as scanners, extra hard
drives, and so on to the computer.
• DVD/CD Drive : The CD-ROM drive reads and
records data to portable compact discs (CD).
• A digital video disc (DVD) drive can do everything
a CD drive can do, plus it can play (and if it is a
recordable unit) record onto blank DVDs.
 Components
• Floppy drive : This disk drive is becoming less
commonly used on many contemporary
computers, since its permanent storage space
is very limited (usually up to 2 Megabytes
(MB) or less).
• Flash Drive : A portable memory device that
uses electrically erasable programmable read-
only memory (EEPROM) to provide fast
permanent memory.
 Components
• Modem : The modem is a component that can
either be situated externally (external
modem) or internally (internal modem) and
enables internet connectivity via a telephone
line or cable connection through network
adaptors situated within the computer
apparatus.
 Components
• Connection Ports : All computers have connection
ports made to fit only one type of plug-in device.
• Parallel – connects to a printer
• Serial – connects to an external modem
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) – connects to a myriad of
plug in devices, such as portable Flash drives, digital
cameras, Mp3 players, graphics tablets, light pens, and
so on using a Plug and Play connection (the ability to
add devices automatically).
• FireWire - is often used to connect digital-video
devices to the computer.
 Components
• Graphics Card : Most computers come equipped
with a graphics accelerator card slotted in the
microprocessor of a computer to process image
data and output it to the monitor.
• Video Adapter Cards : This component provides
video memory, a video processor, and a digital-
to-analog converter that works with the CPU to
output higher quality video images to the
monitor.
 Components
• Sound Card : The sound card converts digital data
into an analog signal that is then outputted to the
computer's speakers or headphones.
• Bit : This is the smallest possible chuck of data
memory used in computer processing.
• Byte : A byte is a chunk of memory that consists
of eight bits, and is considered to be the best way
to indicate computer memory or storage
capacity.
 Components
• Software: Software are the application programs
developed to facilitate various user functions.
• User friendliness is a critical condition for
effective software adoption.
• User goals – operating systems should be
convenient to use, easy to learn, reliable, safe
and fast.
• System goals – operating systems should be easy
to design, implement, and maintain, as well as
flexible, reliable, error-free and efficient.
 Components
• Keyboard : Computer keyboards are very
similar to old typewriter keyboards, and
usually serve as the prime input device that
enables the user to type words, numbers, and
commands into the computer's programs.
• Mouse : The mouse is the second most
common input device, manipulated by the
user's hand to point, click, and move objects
around on the computer screen.
 Components
• Monitor : The monitor is the visual display
that serves as the landscape for all
interactions between user and machine.
• Printer : Printers are external components
that can be attached to a computer using a
printer cord that is secured into the
computer's printer port.
 Components
• Speakers : All computers have some sort of
speaker set up, often small speakers
embedded in the monitor, case, or in the case
of the laptop, close to the keyboard.
 Relationship of Computer Science to
Knowledge
• Scholars and researchers are just beginning to
understand the effect that computer systems,
architecture, applications, and processes have on
the potential for knowledge acquisition and
development.
• The development of an understanding of
computer science principles as they apply to
technology used in nursing can facilitate optimal
usage of the technology for knowledge
development in the profession.
 Human Technology Interface
• In the context of using a computer system, the
human – technology interface is facilitated by
the input and output devices discussed earlier
in this chapter.
• The Graphical User Interface (GUI) afforded by
the operating system of a computer provides
the on-screen environment for direct
interaction between the user and the
computer.
 Thought Provoking Questions
• How can knowledge of computer
hardware and software help
nurses to participate in
information technology adoption
decisions in the practice area?
 Thought Provoking Questions
• How can new computer software
help nurses engage in
professional development,
collaboration, and knowledge
dissemination activities at their
own pace and leisure?