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A computer system is the combination of hardware and software. A typical computer system has memory and set of states that define the relationship between the system's inputs and outputs. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... The NASA Columbia Supercomputer. ... Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Computer program. ...

Although in earlier times the personal computer or PC was an example of a computer system, in practice a person considered a Computer Systems Engineer these days deals with a range of different computer architectures.

Even the simplest computer classifies as a computer system, because at least two components (hardware and software) have to work together. But the real meaning of "computer system" comes with interconnection. Many computer systems can interconnect, that is, join to become a bigger system. In industry these days the interconnection of variable-speed drives and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to automate production lines and control motors is a common example of a computer system. System (from Latin systēma, in turn from Greek systēma) is a set of entities, real or abstract, comprising a whole where each component interacts with or is related to at least one other component and they all serve a common objective. ... Adjustable speed drive (ASD) is one of the most general terms applied to equipment used to control the speed of machinery. ... PLC & input/output arrangements A Programmable Logic Controller, PLC, or Programmable Controller is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines. ...

Interconnecting different computer systems can prove difficult due to incompatibilities. Sometimes these difficulties occur due to incompatibilities between differing hardware and sometimes between differing software. Technically knowledgeable people can configure disparate computers to communicate using a set of rules and constraints known as protocols. Protocols attempt to precisely define the communication within and between computing endpoints. If two computer systems define the same protocols, they may be capable of interconnecting and become a part of a larger system. For other senses of this word, see protocol. ...

Computing systems are commonly given female names by their owners due to the impact they have on our lives. Networks connecting computers, in contrast, are given male names.

Common computer system communications protocols include:

• Asi
• Profibus
• Modbus
• Canbus
• RS232
• RS485

Ethernet-based communications are also emerging as a computer systems communication protocol. ASI can refer to: Access Solutions, Inc. ... PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) is the most popular type of fieldbus with worldwide more than 10 million nodes (2004) in use. ... Modbus is a serial communications protocol published by Modicon in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs). ... Controller Area Network (CAN) is a multicast shared serial bus standard, originally developed in the 1980s by Robert Bosch GmbH, for connecting electronic control units (ECUs). ... RS-232 (also referred to as EIA RS-232C or V.24) is a standard for serial binary data interchange between a DTE (Data terminal equipment) and a DCE (Data communication equipment). ... EIA-485 (formerly RS-485 or RS485) is an OSI Model physical layer electrical specification of a two-wire, half-duplex, multipoint serial connection. ...