---
title: Introduction to Computer Systems
units: [AI and the Systems That Power It, Hardware and Software]
summary: Computer systems solve problems and impact the world around us.
weight: 150
---

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## Today's Objectives
- Describe innovations in computing in different disciplines.
- Explain how computer systems and people work together to solve problems.
- Identify career pathways in computing.

## Lesson Overview
### What is a computer system?
{{% define "Computer System" %}}

## Assignment
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{{% instructions-code-org-update %}}
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### Computer Innovations
Go to Code.org level 1 and record your answers to the following questions:

1. What industry did you select?
2. What innovation did you select?
3. Why did you choose this innovation?

### Industry Interviews
Go to the Code.org level that has your selected innovation.

Interview two industry professionals who interact with it.

Your goal is to understand how computer systems support their day-to-day work and the challenges they face in their industry.

Record the following information about both interviews:

- Industry professional title
- Role & responsibilities
- Key challenges
- How computing supports their work
- How your chosen innovation helps

### Your Role in Innovation
Record your answers to the following questions:

1. What is your assigned role?
2. How does this role contribute to building the selected innovation?
3. How do hardware engineers, software engineers, and product designers contribute to developing your selected innovation?

{{% unit-journal-define-terms "Computer System" %}}
{{% unit-journal-question-of-the-day question="How do computer systems solve problems and impact the world around us?" %}}