Need-to-Know Technologies for a Successful Future

Chapter 4 About Computer Applications

Systems, applications, and programs are all too confusing at times, especially when technicians seem to use these terms interchangeably when speaking about getting the computer to do what you want it to do. Let’s clear up any confusion and set the record straight. A system is a way of doing something, such as a plan for winning at poker. It seems everyone has a system—some work and some don’t. What’s important about a system is that it may or may not require a computer. You don’t need a computer to have a system for winning at poker. Likewise, you don’t need a computer for an accounting system; there was a time when accounting was done with paper and pencil. It is common to refer to a computer as a system. ...