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System Administration

 Computer system introduction.

 CS components.

 Networking introduction.

 Administration overview.

 Summary (verbally).

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In a simple introduction we can say that :

A computer is an electronic machine (device) that capable of
performing arithmetic and logical operations.

 It can also store a large volume of information.

 accept data & instructions from a user (INPUT)

 store the data & instructions (STORAGE)

 manipulate the data according to the instructions (PROCESSING)

 store &/or output the results to the user (OUTPUT).

 Computer system is suppose to perform a useful operation, such as word

processing, retrieval and manipulation of data, bookkeeping, etc.
 i.e. a credit card transaction operation

 Regardless of the type of operation to be performed, the work of a

computer can be characterized as an input->process->output model:
 the program retrieves input from a disk file, mouse, keyboard or other type of input,

 processes the input

 produces the output to a disk, terminal, printer or some other type of output device

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 The computer system can be divided roughly into four

components:

 Hardware

 Software

 Data

 User

Application
Programs
Users Operating
System

Software
Hardware

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Mechanical devices in the computer.

Anything that can be touched.

Physical parts of the computer, including

processor and memory chips, input/output

devices, tapes, disks, modems, cable, etc.

 Hardware categorized into four types:

Processing devices
 Brains of the computer.
 Memory devices
 Stores data or programs.
 Input and output devices
 Allows the user to interact.
 Storage devices
 Hold data and programs permanently.

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 Theplace where the A circuit board that connects

computer is connected to the computer to the rest of the
the phone line. network usually using special
cables.

 Consists all of the programs that you and the computer use to
perform tasks. An essential piece of software on all computers is
the Operating System.

 We will use a WINDOWS operating system for communication

between the computer and the user and a variety of
specialized applications software packages for word processing,
data entry, management and statistical analyses.

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 Tell the computer what to do and how to look.

 Computer programmers write the codes/instructions that make-

up software applications/programs.

 Both application and system, which provides instructions that tell

the hardware exactly what tasks are to be performed and in
what order.

 Reason people purchase computers.

 System software consists of a variety of programs that support the

operation of a computer.

 Set of programs that coordinates activities and functions of the

hardware and various other programs.

 Programs that support the execution and development of other

programs.

 Support operation and use of computer.

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 Mostimportant software
 Operating system
 Windows 7, Windows 8, …etc.
 Network operating system (OS)
 Windows Server 2008
 Utility
 Symantec AntiVirus

 An Operating System sits between the user and the hardware

and contains all the code that deals directly with the hardware.

 Interface between application programs and the hardware

 “Hide” the complexities of hardware interfaces from application programs

 “Protect” the hardware from user mistakes and programming errors

(prevent “crashes”).

 Manage the resources of the computer system (CPU, memory, disk

space, input/output hardware)

 Protect users’ programs and data from each other

 Support inter-process communications

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 Programsthat help users solve particular computing

problems.
 Easy-to-use programs designed to perform specific tasks
 Accomplishes a specific task
 Most common type of software
 MS Word

 Covers most common uses of computers

 Programs that work with operating system software to help
the computer to do specific types of work.

There are many types of application software:

 Business software: word processors, spreadsheets, and database

programs.

 Communication software: allows computers to communicate with other

computers: fax software, Novell NetWare, AOL, Modem Software.

 Graphics software: software that allows users to create and manipulate

graphics...Photoshop, Print Shop, etc.

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 Education and Reference software: Programs that help teach new material
and ideas, and programs that can be used to find information...Encarta,

Worldbook Encyclopedia, Jumpstart Kindergarten, MicroType.

 Entertainment and Leisure software...Warcraft, Age of Empires, Barbie

Design Center, Mrs. Pacman, Solitair

 Integrated software: Combines several types of software into one program or

package...Quicken (Spreadsheet/data base/communications/reference) or

Print Shop (Graphics/Word processor).

There are many definitions of it:

A network is simply a collection of computers or other hardware

devices that are connected together, either physically or logically,
using special hardware and software, to allow them to exchange
information and cooperate.

 Networking is the term that describes the processes involved in

designing, implementing, upgrading, managing or working with
networks and network technologies.

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A network can be defined as two or more computers connected

together in such a way that they can share resources.

 The purpose of a network is to share resources.

A resource may be:
 A file

 A folder

 A printer

 A disk drive

 Or just about anything else that exists on a computer.

 In computer technology, a set of

functions that provides support

Network
services, ensures reliable operations,

promotes efficient use of the system,

Hardware

and ensures that prescribed service-

quality objectives are met.

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There are many definitions of it:

 Network and system administration is a branch of engineering that
concerns the operational management of human–computer systems.
 Not like engineering discipline, addresses both the technology and it’s users on an equal
basis.

It is about putting together a network of computers

(workstations, PCs and supercomputers), getting them running
and then keeping them running in spite of the activities of users
who tend to cause the systems to fail.

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