Hardware/software

Hardware refers to items that perform the functions of input, processing, data storage, and output. Touch sensitive screens provide both input and output of information for the user and the machine. Using a touch screen is way to operate software programs installed on the device of choice. They are being used more frequently now on most mobile smart phones and portable tables. If visiting an Apple store your appointment and information is kept track of by an employee using a touch screen Ipad. They can bring up all of your account information prior to your visit to accommodate you better once you arrive. Another hardware example exists in the Ipad’s digital camera. Bank of America has an application that allows for the remote deposit of checks. All you have to do is snap a picture of both sides of the check, click submit, and the money is in your account. This is a great feature to support E-commerce. Siri is a type of Speech-Recognition on Apple products that allows for the computer to interpret human language and translate it into data for your phone or computer. These types of systems are also used by a lot of companies in customer service departments to direct a customer to the right department before they even speak to a person. Xbox live a great example of a single computer with multiple users operating system. Xbox live allows for hundreds of thousands of users to be that are connected through their own Xbox all playing on the same network or mainframe. It takes information from all the users and combines it into one game. The original Playstation is an example of a single computer with a single user operating system. It has no connected mainframe capabilities but is great for one or two users at a time drawing its information from the video game disk instead of the Playstation online network.