Ch.1 Computer System Flashcards
What is the definition of the word computer?
the computer is a device that receives input, does processing on this input then produces an output
What is the definition of the word hardware?
it’s the general term for the physical components that make up a computer system, it can be either hardware or software.
What is external hardware? Give examples.
devices that are external and can be seen by the user. these devices can be a mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner, etc.
What is the internal hardware? Give examples.
devices that cannot be normally seen by the user, they exist inside the computer. these devices can be the RAM, ROM, motherboard, sound/video card
What is the definition of software?
it’s the general term for the programmes that control the computer system, it can be application and system software.
What is the definition of application software? Give examples.?
it’s the programs that allow the user to do specific tasks. examples of application software: word processor, spreadsheet, database, photo editing software, video editing software.
What is the definition of system software? Give examples.
it’s the programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allows the user to communicate with the computer. examples of system software are operating system, antivirus and device driver.
What is the definition of a CPU (central processing unit)?
it’s the hardware that interprets and executes the commands from the hardware and software. its referred to as a processor or microprocessor. it contains the control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
What is the main memory
is the memory that is directly accessible by the CPU, it made up of RAM & ROM.
What is RAM? How does it differ from ROM?
it stands for random access memory. it stores running programmes and the data is being used by the CPU. RAM is a volatile storage device. (computer off -> data lost). The difference between it and ROM is that it also be read and written into and tends to have a greater storage capacity.
What is ROM? How does it differ from RAM. Give examples.
it stands for read-only memory. it is used to store start-up instructions and permanent data. ROM is a non-volatile storage device. Ex. configuration data for the computer system and a software called ‘BIOS’. The difference between it and RAM is that it also can be read from only and has a smaller storage capacity.
What is BIOS?
it is short for a basic input/output system. it is the program that’s responsible for locating and loading the operating system.
What is the difference between the input and output devices?
the input devices are the ones that are used to enter data into the computer, while output devices are the ones used to obtain output from the computer.
What is the definition of the operating system?
it is software that runs in the background and manages the general operations of a computer.
What are the functions of the operating system?
- provides user interface
- manages the operation of input, output and storage devices.
- manages files and folders on the computer.
- manages apps that are running on the computer.
- manages computer security.
- Error handling.
