It is a computer program that provides services to other computer programs in the same computer or in

other computers on a network.

Architecture- refers to the overall physical structure, peripherals, interconnections within the computer
and its system software, especially the operating system

5 Components / Computer subsystems:

1. Input/Output
2. Storage
3. Communication
4. Control
5. Processing
Network Architecture
Refers to how communication among various computers in the network is accomplished.
2 Types:
1. Broadcast
Communication is done by transmitting the same information to all computers in the network that are
expected to respond to it.
Typically used in LANs
2. Point-to-point
The computer for which information is intended is identified first and the communication is only to that
particular computer.
Typically used in dial-up networking

Topology
This defines how the network computer in a LAN are interconnected within a physical area and describes
their physical interconnection.
Examples:
Bus- structure is decentralized

If one of the computer fails, other computers can still access the information

Star- central structure where all computers are connected into a central computer or the server

If the central computer fails, information cannot be sent or received by any of the computers connecter to
this server.

Token Ring - having the server pass a marker or a “token” to the computer that is next in line to
communicate.
No computer can send or receive data unless it is the target of the token.
Collisions between 2 workstations that wish to transmit information at the same time are avoided.

Open source and free software

Cygnette S. Lumbo, RN, MN
Open Source software
Any software that satisfies the open software initiative (OSI) definition.