2.1.1 Computer Systems

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

A collection of parts that work together for a common purpose

Question 2

What does a system do?

Answer 2

Processes multiple inputs and printing outputs

Question 3

What is a dedicated system?

Answer 3

A computer system capable of performing one specific task

Question 4

What is an embedded system?

Answer 4

A computer system within a larger system that performs a specific task

Question 5

What is a general purpose computer?

Answer 5

Computers designed to do multiple things

Question 6

What is software and what does it do?

Answer 6

Pieces of software are designed for a specific device and cannot be used for any other machine, other than the one it was make for

Question 7

What is a kernel?

Answer 7

The lowest level of the operating system that controls the hardware

Question 8

What are computers used for?

Answer 8

Safety – guiding aircrafts, monitoring patient body signs.
Travel – smart phone apps, GPS systems, train timetables, flight booking.
Business – orders, stock control, payroll..
Shopping – tills, chip and pin, stock ordering, logistic systems that control deliveries.
Entertainment – DVD’s, films, music, games.
Communication – email, chats social networks, business transactions, mobile phones.
Education – virtual learning environments, cloud storage, office applications.
Politics and Government – campaigns, voting, payment of taxes.
Science – Number crunching, visualizations, simulations.

Question 9

Reliability issues with computers

Answer 9

Become dependent on computer systems
Issues with the computer systems can lead to tragic disasters
E.g. if plane autopilot or landing systems fail
Unreliable systems can result in the loss or theft of data