1.1 - Components Of A Computer System And Modes Of Use Flashcards
What is software?
This is the set of instructions that make the computer hardware usable
These instructions are also know as programs
What is hardware?
This is the physical, electronic and electrical components of a computer
What is a peripheral device?
These are devices that work with the CPU but are not a part of it
What are buses?
The internal wiring of a computer, they are used to transmit data
What is an input device?
This is a device that transmits data from the user to the processor. A computer is only of value if it is possible to give it data and processing instructions
What’s an output device?
A device that conveys the results of processing from the computer processor to the user
What’s a storage device?
This is a device that store data outside of the CPU. This is useful because data stored in the RAM is volatile (it’s lost when the computer is tuned off). Data needed in the future must be stored in a storage device.
What are the two types of software?
Generic application software and Operating system software
What is operating system software?
This is a set of instructions that make the hardware of a computer available for use.
What is Generic application software?
This is a set instructions designed to make the computer do something for the user, the software can be used for many tasks.
E.g. Microsoft office
Why is the Operating system important?
- It allows the user to communicate with the computer
- It controls the movement of data around the computer
- It turns instructions that people can understand into instructions computers recognise.
Why is Generic application software important?
It makes computers useful to people, without them the computers wouldn’t be able to complete tasks that we would like them to.
