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1. Types and components of computer systems Flashcards

1
Q

what is a hardware?

A

physical components that makes up a computer system.

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2
Q

examples of external output devices?

A

mouse, keyboard,monitor,camera,printer,plotter

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3
Q

examples of internal output devices?

A

motherboard, CPU ,RAM, ROM, graphic card, soundcard, NIC, HDD/SSD

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4
Q

what is a motherboard?

A

to allows the processor and other computer hardware to communicate with each other.

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5
Q

what is RAM?

A

Random Access Memory
1. internal chip where data is stored temporarily when running applications.
2. This memory can be written to and read from.
3. It is volatile.
4. very fast
5. larger capacity than ROM.

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6
Q

what is ROM?

A

Read Only Memory
1. stores information that needs to be permanent.
2. cannot be altered
3. data cant be lost even if computer is off (non volatile)

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7
Q

what is a CPU?

A

executes instructions from a computer program.
The CPU is the brain of the computer and its job is to take an input, process data and produce an output

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8
Q

what is a NIC?

A

Network Interface Card
allows a computer to be connected to a network.
each NIC is hard-coded with a unique MAC address. (media access control).

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9
Q

what is a graphical card?

A

allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device eg: monitors. They usually connect to motherboards.

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10
Q

what does a graphical card consist of?

A
  1. processing unit
  2. RAM
  3. cooling disk
  4. connection to display
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11
Q

what is a HDD?

A

Hard Disk Drive
magnetic device that stores data.

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12
Q

what is a software?

A

program that controls computer system and process data.

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13
Q

what is SSD?

A

Solid State Drive
way of storing data.

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14
Q

what is an application software?

A

provides the services that the user requires to solve a given task

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15
Q

what is a system software?

A

is a software designed to provide a platform on which all other softwares can run.

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16
Q

examples of system softwares?

A

compliers
linkers
device drivers
operating system
utilities

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17
Q

what is a complier?

A

translating high-level programming languages into machine code

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18
Q

what is a linker?

A

combining object files into a single executable program

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19
Q

what is a device driver?

A

controlling hardware components and peripherals

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20
Q

what is a operating system

A

managing the computer’s resources and providing a user interface

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21
Q

what is a utilities?

A

tools for maintaining and optimising the computer’s performance

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22
Q

what does an OS do?

A

Controlling input/output devices
Oversees loading, running and storage of application software
Deals with errors
Maintains security
Keeps a log of events

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23
Q

what is a user interface?

A

how the user interacts with the operating system

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24
Q

examples of user interfaces?

A

Command Line Interface (CLI)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Dialogue-based
Gesture-based

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25
Q

what is CLI?

A

Text-based commands
Uses fewer system resources
Typing errors are common

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26
Q

what is GUI?

A

Visual elements
Information is visual, making it easier to understand
Uses more system resources

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27
Q

what is dialogue based?

A

Spoken word
Can be used by people with disabilities
Not always reliable

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28
Q

what is gesture based?

A

Human interaction
Can be used by people with disabilities
Can lead to discomfort

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29
Q

what is analogue data?

A

continuous data created from non-digital devices

sound waves when you talk
data collected by sensors

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30
Q

what is digital data?

A

data in binary format

software
documents/files

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31
Q

characteristics of analogue data

A

Values change smoothly and gradually
Quality can be lost during storage/transmission
Needs to be converted to digital to be used in digital devices

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32
Q

characteristics of digital data?

A

Values are limited (1s and 0s)
Quality is maintained during storage/transmission
Needs to be converted to analogue to use in analogue devices
Easily manipulated

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33
Q

ADC and DAC

A

analogue to digital converter, digital to analogue converter

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34
Q

what’s an input device?

A

hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer system
They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer then processes to produce an output

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35
Q

what are analogue sensors

A

Measure environmental data e.g. temperature, light, sound, humidity

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36
Q

what is direct data entry?

A

a device capable of inputting data into a computer with little/no human interaction

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37
Q

Magnetic stripe reader

A

Debit/credit cards
Fast
Simple to use
Secure (unreadable)

Magnetic stripes can get damaged and become unreadable
Reader must be in close contact

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38
Q

Chip and PIN reader

A

Secure
Reduced fraud risk

Requires PIN input
Potential for skimming
High payment limits an issue for stolen cards

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39
Q

RFID reader (read only)

A

contactless payment

Fast transaction (no pin)
Data wirelessly transferred securely
don’t have to access customer credit information

transaction limit is smaller
RFID signals can be intercepted

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40
Q

RFID reader

(Security tags on clothes, location tracking )

A

Very fast
Data can be sent both ways
Bulk detection

Radio waves can be blocked/jammed
Tag collisions
Possible to hack

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41
Q

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR, read marks on exam paper in pen/pencil)

A

Fast processing
Reduced human error

Limited to specific forms
Cannot read handwriting
Form must be completed accurately
Optical Character Recognition

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42
Q

Optical Character Recognition
(OCR, text to digital data)

A

Fast data entry
Accurate and less error prone

Can struggle with complex layouts
Font dependent
Not always 100% accurate
Expensive

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43
Q

Barcode reader

(reads barcode labels)

A

Fast and accurate
Low cost
Allows for automatic stock control
Tried & trusted

Requires line-of-sight
Barcodes are easily damaged
Barcodes can be swapped/altered by consumers

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44
Q

QR scanner
(QR codes)

A

Can store more data than barcodes
Versatile uses
Easy to read

Can be encrypted
QR codes can store malicious code
Different QR code formats

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45
Q

what is an output device?

A

Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer system and present it to the user

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46
Q

Laser printer
(Dry ink)

A

Fast
High-quality prints
Lower cost per page
Expensive initial cost
Limited to flat surfaces

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47
Q

Inkjet printer

(Four/five wet inks)

A

Lower initial cost
High-quality prints
Ink can be refilled
Slower
Higher cost per page
Ink may smudge

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48
Q

Dot matrix printer

(Inked ribbon)

A

Low cost
Can print multi-part forms
Very good for long print runs
Noisy
Low print quality
Slow

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49
Q

Plotters
(Drawing & blueprints)

A

High accuracy
Can print on various materials
Inexpensive to run
Slow
Expensive to buy
Large size

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50
Q

3D printer

A

Customisable designs
Rapid prototyping
Medical benefits
Limited materials
Slow process
Counterfeit items easier to produce
Very expensive

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51
Q

3D printer

A

Customisable designs
Rapid prototyping
Medical benefits
Limited materials
Slow process
Counterfeit items easier to produce
Very expensive

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52
Q

Actuators
(Control motors, pumps, switches etc.)

A

Precise movement
Programmable
Allow automatic control of many devices
Requires power
Potential mechanical wear
Requires DAC interface

53
Q

what’s a storage device?

A

storage device is the hardware that reads from and writes to different storage medias

54
Q

are storage devices secondary

A

non-volatile secondary storage

55
Q

what are the 2 types of storage devices?

A

optical
solid state
magnetic

56
Q

What is magnetic storage?

A

non-volatile media that uses magnets to store binary

57
Q

What are the advantages of magnetic storage?

A

High storage capacity, low cost per gigabyte, moderate speed

Magnetic storage is known for its economical price relative to capacity.

58
Q

What are the disadvantages of magnetic storage?

A

Moving parts can get damaged if dropped,
heavy and bulky
prone to mechanical failure,
loud noise

These factors limit the convenience and reliability of magnetic storage.

59
Q

What is solid state storage?

A

non-volatile media that uses electronic circuits to store binary

60
Q

What are the advantages of solid state storage?

A

Very fast read/write access, small size, no moving parts, silent operation

These features contribute to its efficiency and portability.

61
Q

What are the disadvantages of solid state storage?

A

Very high cost per gigabyte, limited read/write cycles

The cost and endurance limitations can be significant for some users.

62
Q

What is optical storage?

A

non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface of a disk, creating pits and lands suitable for storing binary

63
Q

What are the advantages of optical storage?

A

Very low cost per gigabyte, small size, no moving parts, silent operation

Optical storage is economical and compact, making it suitable for certain applications.

64
Q

What are the disadvantages of optical storage?

A

Very low capacity, very slow read/write access, prone to scratches

These limitations can affect the usability and longevity of optical media.

65
Q

Fill in the blank: Magnetic storage is prone to _______.

A

mechanical failure

66
Q

Fill in the blank: Solid state storage has _______ read/write cycles.

67
Q

True or False: Optical storage is silent.

68
Q

What is the speed of magnetic storage?

A

Moderate read/write access

69
Q

What is the capacity of solid state storage?

A

Medium/high storage

70
Q

What type of storage uses lasers to store data?

A

Optical storage

71
Q

What is storage media?

A

Storage media is the physical media that holds non-volatile data

Storage media includes various types such as magnetic, optical, and solid state

72
Q

What is the role of storage devices in relation to storage media?

A

Storage devices have a specific read/write mechanism built in to interact with a particular storage media

73
Q

What is the use of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?

A

ITS MAGNETIC
General-purpose storage in computers and servers

74
Q

What are the advantages of using a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?

A
  • Large storage capacity (5TB)
  • Relatively fast
75
Q

What are the disadvantages of using a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?

A
  • Moving parts
  • Vulnerable to physical damage
76
Q

What is the use of a Portable Hard Disk Drive?

A

MAGNETIC
External storage for data transfer and backup

77
Q

What are the advantages of a Portable Hard Disk Drive?

A
  • Portable (5TB)
  • Large storage capacity
78
Q

What is a disadvantage of a Portable Hard Disk Drive?

A

Slower than SSDs, vulnerable to physical damage

79
Q

What is the primary use of magnetic tape?

A

MAGNETIC
Backup and archiving, especially for large volumes of data

80
Q

What are the advantages of magnetic tape?

A
  • High storage capacity (10TB)
  • Low cost
81
Q

What is a disadvantage of magnetic tape?

A

Slow access time

82
Q

What is the use of a CD?

A

OPTICAL
Audio and data storage, software distribution

83
Q

What are the advantages of using CDs?

A
  • Affordable
  • Widely compatible
84
Q

What are the disadvantages of CDs?

A
  • Low capacity (700MB)
  • Susceptible to scratches
85
Q

What is the capacity of a DVD compared to a CD?

A

Higher capacity than CD (8.5GB)

86
Q

What are the advantages of using DVDs?

A
  • Affordable
87
Q

What is a disadvantage of DVDs?

A

Susceptible to scratches, lower capacity than Blu-ray

88
Q

What is the primary use of Blu-ray?

A

High-definition video and high capacity data storage

89
Q

What are the advantages of Blu-ray discs?

A
  • High capacity (50GB)
  • High-resolution video storage
90
Q

What is a disadvantage of Blu-ray?

A

More expensive, requires specific hardware

91
Q

What is the primary function of a Solid State Drive (SSD)?

A

Fast internal storage for modern computers

92
Q

What are the advantages of using an SSD?

A
  • Fast access time
  • No moving parts
  • High capacity (30TB)
93
Q

What is a disadvantage of an SSD?

A

More expensive, limited write cycles

94
Q

What is the use of a Portable Solid State Drive?

A

External storage for fast data transfer and backup

95
Q

What are the advantages of a Portable Solid State Drive?

A
  • Fast access time
  • Portable
  • No moving parts
  • High capacity (2TB)
96
Q

What is a disadvantage of a Portable Solid State Drive?

A

More expensive, limited write cycles

97
Q

What is the primary use of a USB memory stick?

A

Portable data storage and transfer for various devices

98
Q

What are the advantages of using a USB memory stick?

A
  • Small size
  • Fast read/write speeds
  • High capacity (1TB)
99
Q

What is a disadvantage of a USB memory stick?

A

Limited capacity compared to other storage devices

100
Q

What is Flash memory commonly used for?

A

Removable memory cards used in smartphones/digital cameras

101
Q

What are the advantages of Flash memory?

A
  • Very small
  • Durable
  • Large capacities
102
Q

What is a disadvantage of Flash memory?

A

Easy to lose due to size, expensive per GB compared to HDD

104
Q

What is a desktop computer?

A

A computer designed to stay in one place, typically consisting of a separate monitor, computer, keyboard, and mouse.

Desktop computers are generally more powerful than mobile computers and are upgradable.

105
Q

List three parts that traditionally make up a desktop computer.

A
  • Monitor
  • Computer
  • Keyboard & mouse
106
Q

What are two primary uses of desktop computers?

A
  • Office & Business
  • Gaming & entertainment
107
Q

What is a mobile computer?

A

A computer designed to be portable, such as a laptop.

Mobile computers are typically less powerful than desktop computers.

108
Q

What components are typically built into a mobile computer?

A
  • Monitor
  • Computer
  • Keyboard & trackpad or touchscreen keyboard & pointer
109
Q

What are two reasons mobile computers are less powerful than desktop computers?

A
  • Power constraints due to size
  • Focus on extending battery life
110
Q

True or False: Mobile computers are easily upgradable.

A

False

Mobile computers have integrated components for size and efficiency.

111
Q

What are three characteristics of mobile computers?

A
  • Lightweight
  • Small physical size
  • Long battery life
112
Q

List two uses of mobile computers in education.

A
  • E-books and digital textbooks
  • Educational apps and tools
113
Q

Mobile computers use?

A

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G.

114
Q

What is one advantage of mobile computers?

A

Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability)

115
Q

What is one disadvantage of mobile computers?

A

Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware)

116
Q

What is one advantage of desktop computers?

A

Typically more powerful than mobile computers.

117
Q

What is one disadvantage of mobile computers?

A

Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging)

118
Q

List two uses of mobile computers for remote access.

A
  • Remote access to office applications
  • Remote access to surveillance systems
119
Q

What is the primary focus of mobile computer design?

A

Portability and battery life efficiency.

120
Q

What is artificial intelligence?

A

A machine that can simulate intelligent behaviours similar to that of a human

AI can acquire new information, analyze and make choices, and take actions without human input.

121
Q

What are the two main types of AI?

A
  • Weak AI (narrow AI)
  • Strong AI (artificial general intelligence)

Weak AI is designed for specific tasks, while Strong AI can perform any intellectual task a human can do.

122
Q

What is a disadvantage of AI?

A

Job losses

Other disadvantages include potential for biased decision making and ethical concerns.

123
Q

What is extended reality?

A

An emerging technology that blends the virtual and real worlds to create immersion for a user

Extended reality includes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

124
Q

What is virtual reality?

A

Technology that immerses users in a fully simulated environment by blocking out the ‘real world’

Users wear headsets with built-in screens providing a 360-degree view.

125
Q

What is augmented reality?

A

Technology that overlays digital information or graphics into the ‘real-world’

Users can still see and interact with their real environment while viewing augmented reality.

126
Q

Fill in the blank: Extended reality can be applied in fields like _______, medicine, and retail for improved visualization and interaction.

A

architecture

127
Q

What are some advantages of AI?

A
  • Increased efficiency
  • Increased accuracy
  • Scalability

These advantages contribute to the effectiveness of AI in various applications.

128
Q

True or False: Users of augmented reality are fully immersed in a virtual world.

A

False

Augmented reality allows users to interact with both digital information and their real-world surroundings.

129
Q

What are potential issues with extended reality?

A

Addiction and excessive screen time

These issues raise concerns about the impact of XR on users’ health and well-being.

ICT (5 decks)

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