Chapter 1 - Types and components of computer systems Flashcards
Define hardware
The physical components of a computer
Define software
Programs that control the computers operating system, and processes electronic data
Two types of software
Application software and system software
Define application software and give examples
Programs that allow the user to carry out specific tasks. Examples - word processor, spreadsheet, database, photo and video editing software, graphics manipulation software, applications.
Define system software and give examples
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.
Two types of hardware
Internal and external hardware
Examples of internal hardware
motherboard, RAM, ROM, video cards, sound cards, internal hard disk drive, solid state drive
what is the CPU and what are its roles
the central processing unit is the part of the computer that interprets and executes the commands from the computer hardware and software
what is internal memory
ram and rom
what is ram
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)
what is rom
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
define input devices
hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer
define output devices
hardware devices that allow data to be output from a computer
define secondary/backing storage
a form of storage that allows the user to back up data from a computer system
what is a CLI, and what are its drawbacks and benefits
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
what is GUI, and what are its benefits and drawbacks
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)
pc/desktop computer (characteristics and its uses, both as standalone and networked)
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
advantages and disadvantages of a pc/desktop computer (compared to laptop computer)
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)
laptop computers (characteristics and its uses, both as standalone and networked)
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
advantages and disadvantages of a laptop computer (compared to pc/desktop computer)
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
