Bits vs Bytes o A bit is a

Bits vs Bytes o A bit is a unit of data in the binary numbering system. o It can either be 0 or 1 o A byte is the unit that describes a single character in the computer

Meaning of Storage Size Terms Number of Bytes Term 1024 1 kilobyte 1, 048, 576 1 megabyte (MB) 1, 073, 741, 824 1 gigabyte (GB) 1, 099, 511, 627, 776 1 terabyte (TB)

Classes of Computers o Analog o Digital o Hybrid

Types of Computers o o Supercomputers Mainframes Microcomputers Handheld Computers

Basics of Computer Network o A network is a set of cooperative interconnected computers for the purpose of information interchange. o Most important components of network hardware are: n Adapter or interface card n Cabling n Server

Server o For a network to exist, there must be a server. Most networks today use the client/server approach; wherein one computer is the core or server computer that receives requests from the client(user) computer and fulfills those requests

Topology o Defines how the network computers in a LAN are interconnected within a physical interconnection o Topologies include: n BUS n STAR n RING

Computer Software and Systems

Software o General term applied to the instructions that direct the computer’s hardware to perform work

Types of Software o Systems Software o Application Software o Programming Languages

Operating System o A program that acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the users of the computer. o Examples are: n n DOS Windows OS UNIX LINUX

Windows desktop

Utility Programs o Are programs designed to enhanced the functions of the OS or perhaps to add facilities that the basic OS does not offer

Language Translation Programs o Compilers o Interpreters

Programming Language o Presents a simplified means, called a language, to execute a series of instructions. o It consists of a vocabulary and an accompanying set of rules that tell the computer how to work. o Permits user to develop programs that do specific tasks

Calculator Program

Another Calculator Program

A screen shot of the code of the modified calculator program

Common Software Useful to Nurses o Admission, discharge and transfer (ADT) systems that help with patient tracking and medication administration record (MAR) software o Charting software o Computer Physician Order Entry (CPOE) o Hospital E-mail system

Common Software Useful to Nurses o Chat Rooms o Electronic Bulletin Boards o Listserv

Computer Systems o System Elements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Set of interdependent parts Input System processes Output of the system System control feedback