Module Components

• Overview
• Assignments

Topics

• Computer Hardware & Software
• Networks & Telecommunication Devices
• Database Models, Data Warehouses and Data Dashboards
• Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery

Nurs 310 - Professional Role of the Registered Nurse

Technology to Support Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration

Computer Hardware & Software

Learning Activities

Check out the Computer Tour video on http://computer.howstuffworks.com/23-computer-tour-video.htm

Need to look up an unfamiliar term? Try TechTerms.com online dictionary and search engine for computer and internet technology.

Definitions related to Hardware

Hardware: includes all physical artifacts of technology, especially computers and their associated devices, such as semiconductors, optoelectronics, high-performance computing and networking, satellites, and land-based wireless communication devices. Hardware Components include input devices, processors, memory, output devices, and storage.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): is the electronic circuitry that interprets and executes instructions. It communicates with the input, output, and storage devices.
• Hard Drive: contains numerous stacked disks and is what stores the data, files and folders.
• Input devices: accept data or commands in the form that a computer can use and send the data or commands to the processing unit. (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera, scanner).
• Memory: primary storage or RAM (Random Access Memory) is closely related to the CPU, but is separate and distinct from it. Memory holds the programs (operating system and application programs) needed by the CPU as well as the inputted data and the processed data before it goes to an output device.
• Mother Board: is the main circuit board of the computer.
• Output Devices: present people the processed data in an understandable and useable form (e.g., printers, monitors, speakers)
• Optical Drive: uses a laser to read or write CD’s or DVD’s
• Storage: secondary storage or permanent storage) stores data and programs on a long-term basis. (CDs, hard disks, magnetic tape, USB drives, DVDs).
• Video Card: processes the graphics portion of a program and creates images that appear on the monitor

Definitions related to Software

Software refers to a set of instructions written to tell a computer what to do. There are many different types of software ranging from operating systems to applications to games, all with a specific purpose. Software can be divided into four major categories:

• Operating Systems: A set of programs that mediate and support basic operating functions between hardware and application programs. Common operating systems include UNIX, Microsoft Windows products, Mac OS and Linux.
• Productivity Software: Basic programs used in offices, healthcare, and educational settings for data manipulation, information gathering and knowledge generation. Common applications include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. These may be bundled into an “Office Suite” so they are compatible with each other and include common navigation features to make them easier to use.
• Creativity Software: Multimedia programs that allow users to draw, paint, record music and sound, create digital video and other activities such as web design, desktop publishing, and graphics. Software examples include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Apple QuickTime, and CorelDraw.
• Communication Software: Software that allows users to dialogue, share, and network with other users. Examples include e-mail, internet, instant messaging, and conferencing software.