1.1 Computer Systems Flashcards
What is the purpose of a computer
What two types are they categorised
Take data Process it Then output it
General purpose (many tasks e.g PCs and tablets) Dedicated systems (one particular function e.g an aeroplane or controlling traffic lights
What does a computer system consist of
Hardware and software
That work together to process data/ complete tasks
What is hardware
Physical stuff that makes up the computer systems
E.g CPU, motherboard, monitor and printer
What is software
Programs or applications that a computer system runs
E.g operating system, video game, word processor
Examples of external pieces of hardware
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
( know as peripherals)
What are embedded systems
Computers built into other devices
Control systems
Dedicated to a single task
Pros of embedded systems
Easier to design
Cheaper to produce
More efficient at doing their tasks than a general purpose computer
List the main hardware components of a computer
Power supply Case cooling fan CPU heat stick and cooling fan CPU Optical drive RAM sticks Motherboard Hard Disk Drive Graphics Card
Power supply
Supplies power to mother board, optical and hard drive and other hardware
Case cooling fan
Extracts hot air from the computer case
CPU heat sink and cooling fan
Keeps CPU at a stead constant temperature
CPU
Does all the processing
Optical drive
For reading and writing of optical disks
Motherboard
Main circuit board in computer
Where hardware is connected
Hard Disk Drive
Internal secondary storage
