Chapter 1 Fundamentals Of Computer System

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

The physical components that make up a computer system.

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

The programs that run on a computer system.

Question 3

Input devices

Answer 3

Hardware that takes real-world analogue data and converts it into a digital form which can be stored on a computer.

Question 4

Examples of input devices

Answer 4

Keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner

Question 5

Output device

Answer 5

Hardware that presents the results of processing to the user or actuators that perform a task automatically. They use a digital data from a computer and produce it in a form that is understandable or usable.

Question 6

Examples of output devices

Answer 6

Monitors, printers, speakers

Question 7

Storage device

Answer 7

Hardware that is used to store files long-term and is non-volatile.

Question 8

Examples of storage devices

Answer 8

Hard disks, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, CDs

Question 9

Reliability

Answer 9

How much you can depend on the computer system being available when you need it. Usually measured in terms or availability.

Question 10

Availability

Answer 10

The proportion of time that a system is operated, usually expressed as a percentage over a certain period of time.

Question 11

Robust

Answer 11

Describes a system that is resilient to failure.

Question 12

Fault-tolerant

Answer 12

Computer system where redundant components stop a single failure bringing the system down.

Question 13

Redundancy

Answer 13

Spare hardware components are built into a system so, in the event of a component failing, the system can swap over to the spare one.

Question 14

Computer system

Answer 14

A combination of hardware and software components that allow input, processing and output data.