ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a typical computing environment to develop a common framework and foundation. The two main topics introduced are the technology layers comprising a typical computer and the basic operational components of the Internet. In most computers, the central processing unit, memory, and other hardware devices are located on a physical structure called a motherboard whose printed-circuit configuration interconnects many of the hardware components used in the computer. Computers can also connect and communicate with other computers and devices through several common standardized interfaces. The Universal Serial Bus is used to connect devices like keyboards and printers to a computer. The Output System is a highly complex computer program typically consisting of millions of lines of computer code. The most common type of direct interaction occurs with desktop or laptop computers. The concept of cloud computing is essentially to store computer files or process information on a third-party’s computer hardware.
