Final answer:
A computer system is a collection of interconnected subsystems ranging from physical hardware components to software programs used by individuals. The iterative design and use of computers to build more advanced technology have accelerated progress in computing. The analogy between the mind and computers illustrates the integral role computing plays in society and individual lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
A computer system can indeed be viewed as a group of subsystems linked together to form a complete system. On the physical level, a computer is seen through an engineer's eyes, revealing electronic changes that constitute the computer's operations. The design level encompasses the perspective of programmers, who interact with the computer primarily through software and the execution of programs. Lastly, the commonsense level represents the general user experience, where computers are used for tasks like word processing or solving equations.
The development of computer technology has greatly benefited from a positive feedback loop, where computers are used in the design and creation of even more sophisticated computers. This has led to an accelerated pace of advancement in the field. Historically, the diversity of materials and methods used in computer construction, from Charles Babbage's mechanical analytical engine to modern silicon-based transistors, underscores the versatility and evolutionary progress of computing devices.
Additionally, the analogy between the mind and computers can be drawn, where thinking is likened to computation, with the mind functioning similarly to software and the brain to hardware. This concept is bolstered by computers infiltrating almost every aspect of modern life, from personal computers becoming ubiquitous in homes and businesses to microprocessors being integrated into a wide array of electronic devices.
Recognizing an object or collection of objects as a system, especially in the realm of computing, allows for an understanding of said systems through properties and interactions that determine their function. Similar to conservation laws in physics, computing systems abide by rules that dictate the transfer and conservation of information within and between systems.