Basics Flashcards
What is Software
Software is the instruction set that tells the computer how to perform tasks.
Software is intangible i.e., that cannot be seen and touched, but its effect is
clearly defined.
What is Hardware
Hardware is any part of the computer that has a physical structure that can be
seen and touched, though some may be so tiny that they are invisible to the
naked eye.
What are Input devices
Input devices are the devices that
allow a user to enter data and
instructions into a computer
Functions of Input Devices
The various functions of input devices are:
*They accept data and instructions from the user.
*They convert these instructions and data from human readable form to
machine readable form.
*They supply the converted instructions and data to the CPU for further
processing
What are output devices
Output devices are used to display the result or information to the user
through monitor
The various functions of output devices are
The various functions of output devices are:
*It accepts the results produced by the computer which is in the coded form or
machine readable form.
*It converts these coded results into human readable form.
*It supplies the converted results to the user
What are Storage devices
Storage devices are the devices which are used to retrieved from and saved
to the data and information such as hard drives, memory sticks
Whats a CPU
The system unit is the box that protects the internal electronic components
from damage. It contains the central processing unit (CPU) and memory. The
CPU interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the
computer. Memory is where data and instructions are held
Explain ALU
The heart of the computer system is the processor unit. It
consists of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) which
executes most computer operations (arithmetic and logical) and
the Control Unit which acts as the nerve centre that sends
control signal to all other units.
Explain RAM
Random Access Memory refers to memory that can be selected and used
randomly. The information stored here disappears the very moment the
machine is turned off.
Explain ROM
Read Only Memory is permanently built into the computer at the time of
production. The information from this memory can only be read and it is
not possible to write fresh information into it.
Why Secondary RAM is preferred over Primary RAM
The content on the RAM is erased when electric power is switched off.
So, it becomes necessary to store this data for future use, somewhere else.
● Since, primary storage is expensive too; we need a relatively cheaper
form of backup storage which can store vast quantities of information.
Explain Bits and Bytes
A group of 8 bits form a byte.
● One byte is the smallest unit of data that is handled by the computer.
● Usually eight bits make a byte (sometimes it could be sixteen, thirty two
or even sixty four).
Principals of Computation thinking
Principles of Computation Thinking
● Decomposition: Breaking down data, processes, or problems into
smaller, manageable parts
● Pattern Recognition: Observing patterns, trends, and regularities in
data
● Abstraction: Making a problem more understandable by reducing
unnecessary detail.
● Algorithm: Developing the step by step instructions for solving this
and similar problems
Characteristics of an Algorithm
Characteristics of an Algorithm
● Input: An algorithm should have 0 or more well-defined inputs.
● Output: An algorithm should have 1 or more well-defined outputs, and
should match the desired output.
● Unambiguity: Algorithm should be clear and unambiguous. Each of its
steps (or phases), and their inputs/outputs should be clear and must lead
to only one meaning.
● Finiteness: Algorithms must terminate after a finite number of steps.
Language independent:An algorithm must be language-independent,
which means that its instructions can be implemented in any programming language and produce the same results.
Effectiveness: Because each instruction in an algorithm affects the overall process, it should be adequate.
