Chapter 1 - Types and components of computer systems

Question 1

Define hardware

Answer 1

The physical components of a computer

Question 2

Define software

Answer 2

Programs that control the computers operating system, and processes electronic data

Question 3

Two types of software

Answer 3

Application software and system software

Question 4

Define application software and give examples

Answer 4

Programs that allow the user to carry out specific tasks. Examples - word processor, spreadsheet, database, photo and video editing software, graphics manipulation software, applications.

Question 5

Define system software and give examples

Answer 5

Programs that allow the hardware of the computer to run smoothly, as well as allowing the user to interact with the computer. Examples - operating system, utilities, compilers, linkers.

Question 6

Two types of hardware

Answer 6

Internal and external hardware

Question 7

Examples of internal hardware

Answer 7

motherboard, RAM, ROM, video cards, sound cards, internal hard disk drive, solid state drive

Question 8

what is the CPU and what are its roles

Answer 8

the central processing unit is the part of the computer that interprets and executes the commands from the computer hardware and software

Question 9

what is internal memory

Answer 9

ram and rom

Question 10

what is ram

Answer 10

random access memory - an internal chip where data is temporary stored, memory can be read and written, volatile (data is lost as soon as the computer is turned off)

Question 11

what is rom

Answer 11

read-only memory - a memory that stores data permanently, can only be read from, non volatile (data stored on rom is not lost even when the computer is turned off), stores instructions that tell the computer how to boot (start up), known as BIOS [basic input/output system], also loads the operating system

Question 12

define input devices

Answer 12

hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer

Question 13

define output devices

Answer 13

hardware devices that allow data to be output from a computer

Question 14

define secondary/backing storage

Answer 14

a form of storage that allows the user to back up data from a computer system

Question 15

what is a CLI, and what are its drawbacks and benefits

Answer 15

command line interface
drawbacks - requires a user to type in commands, user needs to learn a number of commands to carry out basic operations, can easily make errors, time-consuming/slow, more difficult to edit once commands are entered
benefits - the user is in direct communication with the computer, the user is not restricted to a number of predetermined options

Question 16

what is GUI, and what are its benefits and drawbacks

Answer 16

graphic user interface - allows the user to interact with a computer using graphics like pictures or icons rather than having to type in a number of commands, uses WIMP (windows, icon, menu, and pointer) to provide the user interface
benefits - user doesn’t need to learn any commands, more user-friendly, uses a pointing device (like a mouse) to click on icons to launch application which is simpler than typing in commands
drawbacks - uses up more memory than CLI, user is limited to icons provided on the screen, needs an operating system to operate (uses up a lot of memory)

Question 17

pc/desktop computer (characteristics and its uses, both as standalone and networked)

Answer 17

personal computers are usually found at homes, schools, or offices. they are made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit.
standalone computer [self-sufficient; can operate without connecting to other computers] - used by one person at a time, usually to perform tasks such as school work, gaming, browsing the internet, emailing.
networked computers - joined together on a network, used to access and share resources like printers, designed to be used by multiple users, also used to access intranets

Question 18

advantages and disadvantages of a pc/desktop computer (compared to laptop computer)

Answer 18

advantages - spare parts are standardized so lower costs, has better specifications for a given price, power consumption is not an issue since its always plugged into a socket, less likely to be damaged as they are fixed in one location
disadvantages - large and bulky, not portable, needs constant power supply, necessary to copy files when the user wants to work elsewhere (with a laptop, you simply take the whole computer with you)

Question 19

laptop computers (characteristics and its uses, both as standalone and networked)

Answer 19

laptop refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all together in one single unit, which makes it extremely portable. it is lightweight, have LCD screens (liquid crystal display) so low power consumption and long battery life, used for multimedia, school work, gaming, browsing the internet, emailing, etc.
standalone computer - can be used anywhere due to small size and long-battery life
networked computer - used to access and share resources (like printers) and information

Question 20

advantages and disadvantages of a laptop computer (compared to pc/desktop computer)

Answer 20

advantages - small and lightweight, portable, no trailing wires (lesser risk of tripping hazard), low-power, built in rechargeable battery, built in wi-fi which makes it easy to connect to wireless networks and the internet, no need to transfer files when the user needs to work in a different location
disadvantages - prone to theft and easier to steal, limited battery life so need to recharge frequently, compact so can get hot easily