The Cambridge dictionary defines a computer as: an electronic machine that is used for storing, organising, and finding words, numbers, and pictures, for doing calculations, and for controlling other machines:
Computer hardware refers to the collection of physical components that constitute a complete computer system. Hardware encompasses a wide range of elements, including external peripherals like keyboards and mice, the outer components such as monitors and computer towers, as well as internal constituents like motherboards, graphics cards, and data storage devices.
Computer software enables a computer to execute tasks, and without it, computer hardware would entirely non-functional. Application software gives specific functions to an application, which subsequently runs on the operating software within a computer.
Although distinct in their physical attributes and roles, computer hardware and computer software are mutually dependent, relying on each other entirely to serve any meaningful purpose.
What is an Operating System?
An operating system is a form of software responsible for overseeing the hardware and software elements of a computer system. All programs, except firmware, rely on an operating system to operate. Operating systems are present in virtually every computing device, ranging from mobile phones and video game consoles to web servers and smartwatches.
Statistica research shows that the current dominant desktop operating system is Microsoft Windows, boasting a market share of 64.27%. Following closely is Apple's macOS then Linux OS which serves as the main option for users who prefer open-source software. Apple’s iOS comes in fourth place.
In the realm of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, throughout 2022 and 2023, Apple remained between 49.9% and 56.1% of the market share. Samsung remained second behind their technological rivals, with a UK mobile market share of between 27% and 30.8%.
Types of Operating System
Windows
"Windows" refers to a series of operating systems created, developed, marketed, and distributed by Microsoft. Windows emerged in November 1985, serving as a graphical user interface shell, in response to the burgeoning interest in graphical user interfaces.
As of June 2023, Windows retained its status as the most prevalent operating system for personal computers, accounting for 64.27% of the market. However, the increase in Android smartphones significantly diminished Windows' presence in the mobile device sector. In 2016, Microsoft introduced Windows 10, which was compatible with personal computers, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, a specialised version of Windows was tailored for use on Microsoft's Xbox One gaming console.
Mac
The Apple Mac operating system, known as macOS, is acclaimed for its user-friendly interface, stability, and seamless integration with Apple's hardware. Renowned for its sleek design and intuitive features, macOS offers a robust ecosystem with regular updates, enhancing security, performance, and productivity. Its exclusive functionalities like Siri integration, Continuity for seamless device connectivity, and the App Store contribute to an efficient and enjoyable user experience for Mac users worldwide.
Linux
Linux, an open-source operating system, is prized for its flexibility, stability, and security. Originally created for personal computers in 1991, its customisable nature caters to diverse user needs, fostering a vast community-driven development environment. Linux empowers users with a plethora of free software options, robust command-line capabilities, and unparalleled stability for diverse computing purposes.
Android
Android, developed initially by Android Inc. and later acquired by Google in 2005, is a mobile operating system specially designed for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets. Its user interface operates on the concept of direct manipulation, translating touch gestures, such as tapping, swiping, and pinching, into on-screen actions that mimic real-world interactions.
iOS
Originally named iPhone OS, iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc., designed specifically for its range of mobile and handheld devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The Apple App Store serves as the platform for more than 2.24 million apps and games.
Types of Hardware
Desktops
A desktop computer is a personal computer device designed for use at a fixed location. These computers are typically placed on or near a desk or table due to their size and power requirements.
The core of the computer, known as the "tower," contains essential components such as the power supply, motherboard, and memory. This tower can be oriented either horizontally or vertically, depending on the available space.
To operate the desktop computer, additional electronic peripherals are connected, including a keyboard, mouse, and most importantly, a monitor. Alternatively, there are "all-in-one" desktop computers that integrate both the tower and monitor into a single unit.
While desktop computers have historically been the predominant configuration, starting in the mid-2000s, laptop computers have gained greater prominence in the market due to their portability.
Monitors
Computer monitors, also known as displays, serve as visual interfaces for computers and can be connected using various methods like VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or DVI connections. In their early days, computer monitors were primarily employed for data processing, while television receivers were reserved for entertainment. However, starting in the 1980s, both televisions and computer monitors have found utility in both processing and entertainment roles.
Contemporary monitors are shifting away from the use of liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology, which relies on cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) for backlighting. Instead, developers are embracing light-emitting diode (LED) technology, employing smaller, brighter, and more energy-efficient LEDs to illuminate the screen.
Innovations in monitor technology continue to emerge, with organisations like Sharp leading the way. Sharp pioneered the production of 'IGZO' ultra-high-definition signage solutions, utilising artificial transparent crystalline oxide semiconductors composed of indium, gallium, zinc, and oxygen. Sharp UK's partnership with NEC, beginning in 2020, combines cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Leveraging NEC's expertise in display and visual technology, the collaboration enhances Sharp's product portfolio. This acquisition promises advanced solutions for businesses, education, and healthcare, providing customers with state-of-the-art, reliable, and high-performance display solutions.
Laptops
A laptop is a portable computer ideal for use while traveling or working on the go. They offer the same capabilities as desktop devices but come at a higher cost due to their more compact and intricate design. When opened, the lower part of the device contains the keyboard, while the upper part houses the screen. Laptops come with integrated screens, speakers, keyboards, trackpads, processors, memory, integrated webcams, and microphones.
Some laptops also incorporate touchscreen technology. They can operate on AC power or batteries, such as NiMH, NiCad, or Li-ion packs, allowing them to function unplugged for several hours before requiring a recharge. Apple Mac laptops employ a magnetised power port instead of the standard plug-in power cord.
Sharp offer a range of laptops within three categories; business ultimate, business advanced, and business essential. All our laptops are equipped with top-class security measures to keep your data and your teams safe.
The business essential laptop range is designed with productivity at the forefront. They are a range of affordable laptops that are fully equipped with the tools to get your job done. They are lightweight, reliable, and aesthetic.
The business advanced laptop range strikes a balance between quality, performance, and price. They are built to prioritise performance whilst being slim and durable, perfect for all employees.
The business ultimate laptop range is the best of the best. They’re ultra-light, ultra-slim and ultra-powerful. With their quick performance, charging, and processing power, these lightweight laptops are perfect for people who need heavyweight performance.
Thin Clients
A thin client is a basic computer specifically designed to connect to a server remotely, typically via the cloud.
They differ from conventional PCs in functionality, as thin clients heavily rely on another computer (server) to be productive, whereas PCs can perform computational tasks independently.
Thin clients are employed to access shared sets of virtual applications, shared or virtual desktops, and process data or access extensive stored data.
Tablets
A tablet computer is a slim mobile device with a touchscreen display. They are typically larger than smartphones but share similarities in using touch technology for navigation rather than relying on a keyboard or mouse.
The concept of tablets dates back to the mid-20th century but became part of everyday life in 2010 when Apple released the first mass-market tablet, the iPad. Since then, tablets have gained rapid popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after devices for both personal and professional applications.
Today, tablets are categorised into seven categories:
Slate
Slates vary in size, ranging from 6 inches to over 18 inches. The term "slate" implies a flat surface, and these devices are designed to be held in one hand while the other interacts with the device.
Phablet
A "phablet" is a crossover mobile phone that blurs the line between traditional smartphones and tablets, featuring touchscreens larger than 5 inches. These devices are informally dubbed "phablets," a combination of "phone" and "tablet," and are designed by companies to cater to individuals who favour larger screens on their mobile devices.
Convertible
There are three categories of convertible tablets, all of which bridge the gap between a tablet and a laptop. A key characteristic of convertible tablets is the presence of a keyboard.
Standard Convertibles: These tablets feature a built-in keyboard that can be folded away when not in use.
Hybrids: Hybrids come with a keyboard that can be completely detached, even while in use.
2-in-1s: 2-in-1 tablets may have a keyboard that is either detachable or integrated into the frame. These tablets are distinguished by their ability to run desktop operating systems.
Gaming Tablet
A gaming tablet is a customised touch-screen device specifically tailored for gaming purposes. These tablets often incorporate a directional pad (D-Pad) to enhance the gaming experience, providing users with greater control and smoother gameplay.
Booklet
Booklet tablets typically adopt a clamshell design, featuring touchscreens on both the inner sections of the upper and lower parts of the device. This innovative technology allows the device to be folded similarly to a laptop, enabling it to conveniently fit into a pocket while also offering the flexibility to unfold the device, revealing a spacious touchscreen surface.
Customised Tablets
Customised tablets, typically designed for business clientele, are tailored to modify the device’s hardware or interface to meet the specific requirements of a business.
E-readers
E-readers, also known as e-book readers, are tablet devices crafted for the sole purpose of reading digital e-books and other published materials. Any device capable of displaying text on a screen falls under the category of e-readers. These specialised tablets are promoted for their portability, readability under varying lighting conditions, impressive battery life, and the capacity to store thousands of books while remaining exceptionally lightweight, often weighing less than a single physical book.
Interactive Screens
Large interactive touchscreens, touch tables, and touch walls are scaled-up versions of handheld tablets and gained widespread attention in 2008 when Microsoft introduced its 'Surface' tabletop technology. These systems typically feature a glass panel coated with a transparent conductor like indium tin oxide, and modern interactive screens offer multi-touch functionality, enabling the detection of multiple touch points.
There are five prevalent types of touchscreen technology in use today:
5-Wire Resistive: Utilises two metallic layers that register a touch when pressed and come into contact.
Surface Capacitive: Employs a transparent electrode layer of glass to recognise touch through the static electricity generated by the human body.
Projected Capacitive: Operates similarly to surface capacitive technology but also allows users to wear surgical or thin cotton gloves.
Surface Acoustic Wave: Creates an invisible grid of ultrasonic waves on the surface. When touched, it partially absorbs the wave, enabling the receiving transducer to pinpoint the touch point.
Infrared: Uses infrared emitters and receivers to create invisible grids of light on a surface. When touch interrupts these grids, the internal computer can precisely locate the point of interruption.
Interactive screens are rapidly emerging as the ultimate communication medium in various settings, including control rooms, education, broadcast studios, training rooms, video conferencing environments, boardrooms, and interactive public signage. These screens are available in a range of sizes and shapes, with standard options spanning from 70 inches to as large as 100 inches.
Sharp has a range of interactive screens built to suit environments from a classroom to a boardroom. With a range of technologies to include Precision Touch, PCAP, In-glass, and Infrared, there are Interactive Display Boards for every application all with multi-touch technology ranging up to 30 points at a time.
Mobiles
A mobile phone is a portable communication device that enables users to make and receive calls over radio frequencies. Despite being considered indispensable by many today, these devices have only been in existence for the past 44 years.
The world's first handheld mobile phone was introduced by Motorola in 1973, weighing a hefty 2 kilograms. However, the first commercially available mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTac 8000x, did not hit the market until 1983.
Since the DynaTac 8000X, there has been significant advancement in mobile phones. Modern devices now dominate the consumer market, boasting advanced mobile operating systems that combine the functionalities of a personal computer with additional features tailored for handheld use.
Servers
A server is a computer program or hardware device that provides functionality and services to other programs or devices. Servers are typically categorised based on their specific purposes, such as:
Web Server: A web server is a computer program that serves requested HTML pages or files to users for internet access. It handles incoming requests from web browsers and delivers the appropriate web content.
Application Server: An application server is a framework that enables the creation and utilisation of applications. Applications run on the application server, which manages various aspects of their execution, including data processing and communication.
Proxy Server: A proxy server serves as an intermediary between a device (client) and another server, which the client accesses to retrieve information. The proxy server helps improve security, performance, and privacy by forwarding requests and responses on behalf of the client.
Mail Server: A mail server is software responsible for receiving incoming email messages from local users and external senders. It also forwards email messages for delivery to the intended recipients. Mail servers facilitate email communication.
Virtual Server: A virtual server is a program or configuration on a shared physical server that operates in a manner that makes it appear as if it is a dedicated server. Virtualisation technology allows multiple virtual servers to coexist on the same physical server, each with its own isolated environment.
These various types of servers play crucial roles in enabling communication, data processing, and the delivery of services in modern computing environments.
Sharp specialises in delivering comprehensive server-related services tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. From server installation and configuration, backup and disaster recovery, ongoing maintenance and support, and cloud solutions, Sharp UK ensures optimal performance and reliability.
With a team of skilled technicians and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, clients can trust Sharp UK to streamline their server infrastructure, enhance security, and maximise efficiency, enabling them to focus on their core operations with confidence.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
NAS drives provide users with the capability to access files from both inside and outside the home or office environment, rendering them ideal for storing documents, music, and video collections.
They provide ample storage capacity, making them popular for media playback. NAS drives allow media to be played on TVs without the need for a computer connection and are more energy-efficient than regular PCs, resulting in cost savings.
Projectors
A projector functions as an output device similar to a monitor, displaying computer-generated images onto typically large, flat, and lightly coloured surfaces.
They are commonly used for presentations or film screenings, capable of projecting both stills and moving images. Projectors typically connect to a computer via HDMI or VGA cables for input.
The earliest known projector, a carousel slide projector, was introduced in 1965. The modern digital projector, as we know it today, emerged in 1984, though its technology undergoes constant evolution and innovation. One notable advancement is the projector developed by Ricoh in 2012, which can project a screen up to 80 inches in size from a mere 20cm distance from the projected surface.
Sharp and NEC have partnered together to offer a range of projectors to suit every business's needs. Our selection comprises a wide array of projectors, including laser projectors, business projectors, and professional projectors. These options feature diverse technologies and brightness levels, catering to a wide spectrum of applications. They offer flexibility for both mobile and fixed installations, providing solutions for various needs. Additionally, they boast a remarkably low total cost of ownership, thanks to extended lamp and filter lifespans, ensuring prolonged, hassle-free operation with minimal maintenance requirements.
Commercial Displays
Commercial displays are intended for business applications rather than home use. They are progressively replacing projectors in environments such as classrooms and boardrooms. They often operate on a "plug and play" basis, allowing users to connect their laptops, tablets, or USB devices to the screen and display their content. These screens can also integrate with conferencing software, enabling remote participants to join meetings.
Sharp have a range of interactive displays that are designed for meeting rooms and classrooms to recreate a pen-on-paper experience that anyone can use. Whether facilitating collaborative brainstorming sessions or engaging educational experiences, these interactive displays empower users to be creative and interactive.
Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
Wireless access points are hardware devices that enable Wi-Fi-ready devices to connect wirelessly to a wired network. By connecting a WAP to a router and emitting radio signals, these devices facilitate wireless network access. Before wireless access points, setting up a network in a business required extensive cabling throughout the premises, whereas WAPs simplify network access, particularly in office and public environments.
Types of Software
Short-range wireless broadband technology, commonly known as Wi-Fi, is a vital element that facilitates global wireless internet access. It is employed across most homes and various environments such as educational institutions, workplaces, residences, cafes, and even transportation vehicles.
The rapid integration of Wi-Fi into modern devices has made internet access possible on a wide range of gadgets, including personal computers, video game consoles, digital cameras, tablets, mobile phones, digital audio devices, and modern printers.
The effectiveness and coverage of a Wi-Fi transmitter, like a router, are influenced by the surrounding conditions. Generally, Wi-Fi has an indoor range of approximately 20 meters, but it can reach significantly further outdoors, where there are fewer obstacles such as walls or metallic structures that may obstruct or attenuate the signal.
Certain devices have the capability to distribute Wi-Fi transmission through an ad hoc Wi-Fi connection, often referred to as a hotspot. In this scenario, a device emits a localised Wi-Fi signal in its vicinity. This functionality is particularly beneficial in regions lacking Wi-Fi coverage, enabling users to harness the internet connectivity of devices equipped with 3G or 4G, such as smartphones, to establish a Wi-Fi hotspot. This facilitates internet access on devices that aren't directly connected to a network, such as laptops.
Web Filter & Security
A web filter is a software program that examines incoming web pages to determine whether their content should be displayed to the user. These filters assess the source and content of web pages against a predefined set of rules established by a company or individual who has implemented the filter.
Web filters are designed to target various types of content or web pages, including objectionable advertising, spyware, viruses, and adult material.
The primary purposes of web filters include:
Enhancing Security: By blocking malicious content such as spyware and viruses, web filters help secure networks and protect users from online threats.
Promoting Productivity: Web filters can reduce non-work-related internet browsing among employees and students, thereby increasing productivity by limiting access to distracting or inappropriate websites.
Protecting Students: Web filters are commonly used in educational institutions to shield students from adult content, prevent access to social media during class hours, and reduce the risk of contact with potential online predators.
In summary, web filters serve as essential tools for managing and safeguarding internet access by screening web content and enforcing usage policies, ultimately contributing to a safer and more productive online environment.
Hosted Desktops
Transitioning to a hosted desktop is a key strategy for organisations that prioritise safeguarding their business data. A hosted desktop represents a virtual workspace that leverages the internet to securely store business data in the "Cloud," a cloud-based storage system. It offers immediate and secure access to business software, documents, and files from anywhere in the world and at any time.
Hosted desktop solutions are particularly advantageous for organisations looking to reduce costs by eliminating the need for extensive IT support and multiple sets of hardware, such as servers. They also prove valuable for large corporations and mobile workers who require multiple users to access files remotely, facilitating collaboration within a virtual environment.
One of the primary motivations behind choosing a hosted desktop solution is enhanced security. Some providers store business data in data centres located in the UK, ensuring protection against hackers due to stringent data protection laws. Therefore, selecting the right provider becomes crucial when opting for a hosted desktop solution.
Sharp offers hosted desktop services tailored for businesses, delivering secure and adaptable solutions to manage desktop environments. Recognising the uniqueness of each business's technological requirements, we provide personalised support and collaborate closely with you to comprehend your unique business objectives. Together, we craft an IT roadmap aimed at realising your goals effectively.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is Microsoft's comprehensive suite of software and service subscriptions, compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Microsoft 365 offers a wide array of functionalities, with one of its primary functions being email communication, facilitating connections between employees and customers via the internet. The Microsoft 365 package provides access to various software applications, including:
Word: A word processor for creating written documents.
Excel: Software designed for creating and managing data spreadsheets.
PowerPoint: A programme used to craft presentations.
Outlook: A comprehensive personal information manager that includes email, a calendar function, a task manager, and an address book.
OneNote: A versatile, note-taking programme that collects handwritten or typed notes, drawings, audio commentaries, and screen clippings.
Skype for Business: A communication client for real-time conferences and meetings.
Project: A project management application.
Visio: A diagram and flowcharting application.
Defender: An anti-virus software component of Microsoft Windows.
OneDrive: A file hosting service that allows registered users to store, share, and sync their files.
Editor: A closed-source AI-powered writing assistant available for Word, Outlook, and as a Chromium browser extension part of Office 365. It includes the essentials of a writing assistant, such as a grammar and spell checker.
Clipchamp: A non-linear editing software that allows users to import, edit, and export audio visual material in an internet browser window.
Microsoft 365 presents numerous advantages for potential clients, offering a comprehensive suite of productivity tools accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Its collaborative features streamline teamwork, while cloud storage ensures data accessibility and security. With regular updates and scalable subscription plans, Microsoft 365 empowers organisations of all sizes to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and flexibility in their operations.
Computer Security Threats
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, encompasses various intrusive and harmful software types, including worms, viruses, trojan horses, ransomware, adware, scareware, and spyware. Malware is often used by hackers or governments to steal financial, personal, or business information.
Virus
A virus is a malicious program that replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code. Motives for creating computer viruses vary and can include sending political messages, personal amusement, demonstrating software vulnerabilities, seeking profit, or sabotage. Viruses cause significant economic damage to businesses annually.
Spyware
Spyware comes in various forms, including system monitors, trojans, adware, and tracking cookies. It is software designed to gather personal or business information without the victim's consent or knowledge, often to gain control of a device covertly.
Ransomware
Ransomware is software that blocks a victim's access to their files or threatens to disclose sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. Even simple forms of ransomware are highly sophisticated and challenging to reverse.
Phishing
Phishing involves attempts to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and usernames for malicious purposes. Attackers disguise themselves as trustworthy entities, typically through emails or instant messages that lead victims to fake websites designed to mimic legitimate ones.
Social Engineering
Social engineering refers to the manipulation of a person to gain their confidence and gather information, commit fraud, or gain unauthorised access to a system. In an IT context, it involves coercing individuals into revealing confidential information or performing certain actions, often through a series of steps to achieve a desired outcome.
Spam
Spamming is the use of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited advertisements or messages repeatedly. The term originates from a Monty Python sketch featuring excessive use of the word "spam."
Password Cracking
Password cracking involves repeatedly attempting to recover passwords or data to gain unauthorised access to a system or retrieve forgotten passwords.
Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers are malicious software that alters a user's web browser settings, injecting unwanted advertisements onto their homepage without consent. Some browser hijackers may also install keylogger software to track sensitive information.
Computer Worm
A computer worm is a type of malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers and devices. It often exploits security vulnerabilities in the target device to gain entry and propagate.
Understanding these computer security threats is essential for individuals and organisations to protect their data and systems from potential harm.
Anti-Virus
Also known as anti-malware software, anti-virus software is a type of computer software that is installed to prevent, detect, and remove malicious software.
Anti-virus was originally developed to detect and eradicate computer viruses, however, modern anti-virus software can protect computers from other threats including, browser hijackers, ransomware, worms, fraud tools, infected and malicious URLs, spam, phishing attacks, and many more.
Antivirus software uses many different methods to protect computers, they often search for signs of viruses in websites that are visited, as well as conducting regular scans of all data and files on a computer’s hard drive.
Some people believe that having multiple anti-virus software will add more protection, however, the two different anti-virus software can interfere with each other and provide lower protection.
Anti-Virus Providers
With the rise in use and sophistication of malicious software, there has also been a drastic increase in the number of companies that focus their core offering around computer system defence.
Sharp offer a range of cyber security services aimed at safeguarding against contemporary threats. Our services incorporate user awareness training, incident response, and data recovery. These services ensure the protection of your systems and sensitive data, minimising business downtime. Our certified teams, stationed across the UK, are equipped with systems and tools, ready to provide expert advice to keep your organisation secure at all times.
AVG
AVG Technologies is a software development company that focusses on system security. Founded by Jan Gritzbach and Tomas Hofer in 1991, AVG is now headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company has over 200 million active users of its products, which include performance optimisation software, personal privacy and identity protection applications, and internet security software.
As of 2016, AVG Technologies became a subsidiary of fellow software developers Avast Software.
McAfee
Named after its founder John McAfee in 1987, McAfee was established to provide digital security tools for personal computer users and server devices. McAfee Inc., as it is known today, is an American computer software company that offers its service worldwide and is one of the world’s largest security technology companies in both revenue and market share.
Norton
Anti-virus developer Norton was acquired by the Symantec Corporation in 1990. During Symantec’s 2014 restructuring, which split into two businesses with separate core functions, Norton was incorporated into the area that focussed on security, whilst the other offers information management systems.
In the ever-evolving landscape of computer hardware and software, Sharp stands out as a leading provider with a comprehensive offering tailored to meet diverse business needs. From cutting-edge hardware solutions to robust software packages, Sharp delivers innovative technologies designed to enhance efficiency, productivity, and security. With a focus on reliability and scalability, Sharp's offerings empower organisations to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world. Whether it's equipping businesses with the latest hardware or providing advanced software solutions, Sharp remains committed to delivering excellence and driving success for our clients.
