ICEV: Operating Systems & Networking Latest Update Graded A+

ICEV: Operating Systems & Networking Latest Update Graded A+ Computers - are machines able to store, retrieve and process information - can be classified by size and power - include the following characteristics: - respond to specific instructions in a precise manner - can perform a prerecorded set of instructions - able to store and retrieve large amounts of information - use operating systems to function effectively Personal Computer - personal computer: also known as PC - small single-user computer - used in homes and businesses - based on a microprocessor - ex: desktop/laptop Workstation - powerful - single-user computer - more powerful microprocessor than PC's Microprocessor the master control circuit of a computer Minicomputer - a multi-user computer - designed to handle hundreds of users at the same time Mainframe - a powerful multi-user computer - can support hundreds of thousands of users simultaneously Supercomputer - an extremely fast computer - can perform hundreds of millions of instructions every second Operating Systems - are programs acting as translators between a computer user and the computer itself - control and manage all other programs a computer contains - are the master program making everything else run - can be considered the core software on a computer linking the hardware, software and the computer user Hardware - the physical and mechanical components of a computer - ex: monitor, mouse, chips, keyboard, etc. Software - programs directing the operations