Computer Science Q&A

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  • Created by: Akhmed22
  • Created on: 11-05-17 12:53

Define a computer system

Something that is able to take a series of inputs, process them, and then display in a set of outputs.

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Describe the importance of computer systems in the

We rely on modern computer systems to keep us safe, enable us to do our jobs, entertain us, run our homes, store information and help communicate with others.

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Explain the need for reliability in computer syste

The importance of reliability within a computer system can be explained through the BlackBerry crash that happened in 2011. It caused thousands of customers to be in uproar and prevented users from using email and internet on their BlackBerry. BlackBerry told the media that their back up system failed, which is key to providing a reliable system. The effect of a computer failure is disastrous and effects both the individual and the business. 

A backup server is basically a copy of data stored in another computer in a compressed file. Many companies may have 2 or three backup servers in case their main servers catch fire, or malfunction. Having a copy, or backup is called redundancy.

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Explain the need for adherence to suitable profess

The software of a computer is designed by teams of programmers who write thousands, even millions lines of code. These programmers need knowledge in programming and require organization and discipline. For this to happen development standards are set, such as:

A way of capturing what the system needs to do
Ways of breaking up a system into manageable chunks
Ways of keeping track of changes
Ways of allocating staff
Ways of finding and correcting errors
Ways of planning and carrying out tests

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Explain the importance of ethical, environmental a

Ethical concerns - The only ethical concern about creating computer systems is that it is reducing employment. Automated production lines for example, reduce the need for workers. 

Environmental advantages - Modern computer systems consume less power with new, improved monitors and sleep modes. 

Environmental disadvantages - one study suggests that making the average PC requires 10 times its weight in chemicals and fossil fuels. Also discarded computer equipment is usually either dumped in landfill sites or recycled, often in poorly managed facilities in developing countries creating health risks.

There are 3 legal acts regarding computing
• The Data Protection Act 
o This includes keeping data no longer than necessary, keeping it safe, and keeping the data accurate and up to date. 
• The Computer Misuse Act
o This involves trying to access data or programs which are unauthorized, trying to access other computers to commit crime and the unauthorized changing of data. 
• The Copyright, Design and Patents Act
o This prevents people from copying other people's data.

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