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                                                                                                                                     Bryan Lozano

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Meaningful Topics I Learned in CISB11

 

 

            The first topic I will discuss and perhaps in coincidence one of the most meaningful to me will be RAM, random access memory.  Also known as “main memory”, RAM is used to store the programs and data that the computer is currently using, as well as the essential parts of the operating system while the computer is running.  Unfortunately, although RAM is the fastest way to retrieve data in a computer, it is volatile, meaning that once the power source to the computer in use is cut off the data in RAM is lost.  I never knew how important a factor RAM was to a computer in its memory, by adding extra RAM to your computer not only will you be adding more space for memory but allowing your computer to process faster.  I find that kind of information quite invaluable, for now I know more so why a computer may act the way it does if it moves to slow, it probably is the processor but it is not necessarily the processors fault.  I currently don’t have a job that requires computer skill, but I do go to school which demands lots of computer work and access which I need to know much about if a problem presents itself.  By knowing about the importance of RAM I now understand one more problem about computers that I may be able to conquer on my own instead of trembling in worry the night before a term paper is due.

            My second topic for discussion will be about internal, external, and portable hard drive systems.  Internal hard drives are permanently installed inside of the system unit and are not regularly removed unless a problem arises.  Basically, all computers have at least one internal hard drive installed that is used to store data and programs.  External and portable hard drives also store data and programs but in contrast can be used to transfer a large amount of data from one computer to another or simply just for extra storage.  This information is important to me because I did not understand before this the duties and tasks of the hard drive for example its “disk access time”.  I now know how the hard drive memory works and that it is not the fastest way to retrieve data from the computer which explains sometimes why it is so slow.  I am looking into a future career in computer networking and security systems but for now my job is a full time student and either way I feel this has an impact.  My career choice for obvious reasons but even for school lots of work is done and data and programs stored on a computer therefore I now am aware of the option of adding a hard drive for additional storage space if necessary.

            Next, the third topic I will discuss will be the difference between system software and application software.  System software are the programs that allow a computer to operate, and the most important system software is the operating system, which starts up the computer and regulates its operations.  Application software is made up of programs created to allow people to perform specific tasks using a computer such as creating a letter, preparing budgets, exchanging e-mail, recording or playing CDs, editing digital photos, managing inventory and databases, and playing video games.  This contrast of software is important to me because if I do continue to pursue a career in information systems I am positive this is a very basic tool of knowledge I will need to be able to differentiate.  It will be important for me to understand that system software runs in the background and keeps the computer operating, while application software is designed to allow someone to perform only a specific task, not all.  If I do chose my future career to be in information systems I’m sure it would be very hard for anyone to take me serious without this basic core knowledge of computer software.  It will be overall beneficial especially when troubleshooting, because if you can pinpoint what is disturbing the system, whether it be the system software or application software, it could make your job that much easier.

            Finally, the last topic of discussion will be networks, which in general is a connected system of objects or people.  A computer network is a collection of hardware devices and computers connected together so that users can share data, software, hardware along with communicate with one another electronically.  The internet is the largest computer network in the world.  This topic is meaningful to me because in the beginning of this course I only had a limited understand of what a network really was let alone a computer network.  Now I know how many computers can be connected together sharing peripheral devices such as printers, and operate with only monitors, keyboards and mouses at individual stations by being connected to a server.  Once again, if my future career does happen to be computer networking and security this knowledge will be invaluable in the details of my job and what I will need to do to fulfill my duties in it.  Such as the tasks of building and connecting the network, as well as supporting it and troubleshooting when errors occur with the server, since with computer networks, the clients cannot function without them.

 

 

 

 

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