3.4a Computer Systems Flashcards
Hardware - define + 5 examples
Hardware is the physical components of the computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), hard disk, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Software - define
Software is the programs that run on a computer.
Aside from the internal components of a computer, what allows the user to communicate with the system ?
Additional hardware- through inputs + outputs
4 input devices
Mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone
4 output devices
Screen, speakers, printer, LEDs
Software function?
The software in a computer system enables the hardware to function and the user to perform tasks.
2 main types of software within a computer system
Software within a computer system is divided into two main types, system software and application software.
System software definition + 3 examples
System software is any software that assists with the running or management of the computer system.
This can include operating systems, security software and file management software.
Application software definition
+ 2 examples (with functions)
Application software is any software added to the system that enables the user to perform a task.
For example, a word processor allows the user to type a document and a browser allows the user to view web pages.
Define operating system
An operating system is a collection (or suite) of programs that manages and controls the computer.
Functions of operating systems (8) — bitsize
- controlling hardware components
- providing a platform for software to run on
- providing a user interface
- managing processes
- managing the computer’s memory
- managing input and output devices
- managing applications
- managing security
Fucntions of an operating system - Uncle Fred …
- user interface
- file management
- user management
- peripheral management
- memory management
- multitasking
- device drivers
5 operating system examples
Microsoft Windows Apple OS X Linux Android IOS
What is a user interface>
A user interface is a program, or suite of programs that allows a user to interact with a computer.
3 types of interface? - one of them is also known as
There are three types of interface to be considered:
- graphical user interface (GUI) - sometimes known as WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers) interface
mobile user interface - (Mobile UI)
- command line interface (CLI)
Graphical User interface
- what
- how
- access
- interaction
A graphical user interface is familiar to most users of PCs and laptops.
GUIs feature a desktop where everything is displayed.
Applications run in Windows, and all objects (apps, hardware and files) are represented by icons.
Application features are accessible through the use of menus.
Users interact with the interface by using a mouse and on-screen pointer.
GUI adv + disadv
GUIs are powerful and easy to use, but require a lot of processing power.
Mobile UI?
- what
- how
- where found
Mobile UIs are similar in many ways to GUIs, except that they respond to touch. Fingers are used to open programs and interact with them. Gestures such as swiping are used to scroll within documents. Pinching and stretching are used to re-size images.
Mobile UIs are found on smartphones and tablets.
Command line interfaces
- what
- how
- when
Command line interfaces are text-based.
Users control the computer by typing in commands.
Originally most interfaces were CLIs, and they still exist within modern operating systems, for example the command prompt app in Windows, and Terminal in OS X.
Command line interfaces adv (2) + dis (1)
CLIs require little processing power and are extremely powerful, but are difficult to use.
Processors management relates to what?
Multitasking
- Define multitasking
- these programs perform __
- multitasking in the past?
Multitasking means to be able to run more than one program simultaneously. These programs perform processes.
In the past, computers with CLIs were unable to multitask - the operating systems of the day only allowed one program to run at a time.
Things you can do multitasking (3/4)
Modern operating systems are multitasking in that they allow several programs to run side-by-side.
It is not uncommon for a user to be streaming music while entering text into a word processor, or streaming a video while making a backup of files.
Multitasking is possible only if: (2)
- the operating system can support multitasking
- the computer has enough memory to hold more than one program in primary memory at the same time
Memory management:
Computer memory must be managed to ensure that: (2)
- more than one program can run at the same time
- more than one document can be opened at the same time