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ICT > Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems > Flashcards

Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems Flashcards

1
Q
  1. When is a computer considered useful?
A

= When it has both hardware and software

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2
Q
  1. What is Hardware?
A

= Hardware are physical components which make up the computer system

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3
Q
  1. What are the two types of hardware?
A

= Internal hardware and external hardware

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4
Q
  1. List all internal hardware devices.
A
  • motherboard
  • random-access memory (RAM)
  • read-only memory (ROM)
  • video cards
  • sound cards
  • network interface card (NIC)
  • internal storage devices: hard disk drive (HDD) and solid state drive (SSD)
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5
Q
  1. List all external hardware devices.
A
  • monitor
  • speaker
  • keyboard
  • mouse
  • printer
  • external storage devices
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6
Q
  1. What is a motherboard?
A

= The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers

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7
Q
  1. What is the function of a motherboard?
A

= All components of a computer are plugged into the motherboard and it allows the processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with each other

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8
Q
  1. What does the motherboard consist of?
A

= It consists of a sheet of non-conductive material such as hard plastic and has thin layers of copper and aluminium printed on it

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9
Q
  1. What is the long form of RAM?
A

= Random access memory

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10
Q
  1. What is RAM?
A

= RAM is an internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications. This memory can be written to and read from. Its contents are lost when power to the computer is turned off.

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11
Q
  1. What is memory stored in RAM called?
A

= Volatile temporary memory

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12
Q
  1. What type of data does RAM store?
A

= Data, files and part of the operating system currently in use

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13
Q
  1. What is the long form of ROM?
A

= Read-only memory

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14
Q
  1. What is ROM?
A

= ROM is an internal chip where memory is used to store information that needs to be permanent. These chips cannot be altered and can only be read from. Data stored in ROM chip is not lost even power is turned off

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15
Q
  1. What is memory stored in ROM called?
A

= Non-volatile memory

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16
Q
  1. What type of data does ROM store?
A

= the boot file containing codes called BIOS which tells the computer what to do when it first starts up and

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17
Q
  1. Where does the BIOS store its data?
A

= the BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the data (date,time,system configuration) in a non-volatile chip called CMOS (complementary metal oixde semiconductor)

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18
Q
  1. List the differences between RAM and ROM.
A
  • RAM is a temporary memory device while ROM is a permanent memory device
  • RAM is a volatile temporary memory device while ROM is a non-volatile memory device
  • Data in RAM can be written to and read from while data in ROM can only be read from and cannot be altered
  • RAM is used to store data, files, programs, part of the operating systems [OS] currently in use while ROM is used to store BIOS instructions and other data needed to start up
  • RAM can be increased in size to improve the operational speed of a computer but ROM cannot
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19
Q
  1. List the similarities between RAM and ROM
A
  • internal memory storage devices
  • internal hardware
  • stores information in binary format
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20
Q
  1. What is a video card?
A

= A video card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as monitor, television or projector. It is usually connected to the motherboard

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21
Q
  1. What are video cards usually made of?
A
  • a processing unit
  • a memory unit
  • a cooling mechanism (often in the form of a heat sink since these cards generate much heat)
  • connections to a display unit (monitor, television or projector)
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22
Q
  1. What is the long form of HDMI and DVI?
A

= High definition Multimedia Interface and Digital Visual Interface

23
Q
  1. What is a sound card?
A

= A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the ability to produce sounds

24
Q
  1. What is the function of a sound card?
A

= Sound cards allow users to record input sound from a microphone connected to the computer and manipulate sounds stored on a disk

25
Q
  1. What methods do sound cards use to translate digital data to analogue signals?
A

= Sound cards use two basic methods to translate digital data into analogue signals
(i) FM synthesis mimics different musical instruments according to built-in formulas
(ii) Wavetable synthesis relies on recordings of acutal instruments to produce sounds.

26
Q
  1. What are the two types of data? Define them.
A

= Analogue data and digital data.
- Analogue data is physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next
- Digital data is data in binary format (0&1)

27
Q
  1. What is DAC?
A

= Digital to Analogue Converter. To output computer’s digital data into analogue e.g. loudspeakers, headphones, MP3 players

28
Q
  1. What is ADC?
A

= Analogue to Digital Converter. Computers are unable to process analogue signals so they need to be comverted into digital data ex. microphone

29
Q
  1. What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A

= It’s a component that allows a computer or any other device to be connected to a network e.g. internet. It can be wired or wireless and is hard coded with a unique MAC address code

30
Q
  1. What is the long form of HDD and SDD?
A

Hard disk drives & Solid state drives

31
Q
  1. What is HDD?
A

= A mechanical spinning disk magnetic by nature where data, files and most of the system and application software are stored

32
Q
  1. What is SSD?
A

= A memory chip with faster data processing and better data storage used by newer modern computers.

33
Q
  1. What is a peripheral?
A

= A peripheral device is any equipment that is externally connected to the system unit

34
Q
  1. What are the 3 types of peripherals?
A

= Input devices, output devices and storage devices

35
Q
  1. What is Software?
A

= Software is a collection of instructions (programs) to be ‘run’ on a computer telling it what to do. Although it’s not a physical thing, it can be stored on a physical medium such as a CD-ROM

36
Q
  1. What are the two types of software? Define them and give examples.
A
  • Application Software: programs that allow the user to do specific tasks:
    » word processor
    » spreadsheet
    » database
    » control and measuring software
    » graphics editing
    » video editing
    » audio editing
    » apps and applets
    » computer aided design (CAD)
  • System Software: programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer
    » operating systems (OS) - to provide a user interface
    » device drivers - which allow hardware components to work
    » utilities - which maintain the computer performance
    » linkers
    » compilers
37
Q
  1. Define the examples of each type of software in details.
A
  • Examples of application software:
    » Word processing software
    = used to manipulate text documents, such as letters or reports (Provides tools for inserting photos/images, changing text formatting, spelling checking and mail merging.)
    » Spreadsheet
    = used for organizing and manipulating numerical data. (These numbers are organized in a grid of cells. Can use formulas to carry out calculations, produce graphs and it is also used for modelling and predictions.)
    » Database
    = helps to organize, manipulate and analyze large quantities of data. (Provides the ability to carry out queries and produce reports. Also enables us to add, delete and modify data in a table.)
    » Control and measuring software
    = are designed to allow a computer or microprocessor control devices to measure physical variables in the real world and control applications.
    » Graphics manipulation software
    = allows bitmap and vector images to be manipulated
    » Audio editing
    = allows a user to edit, manipulate and generate audio data on a computer
    » Video editing
    = can manipulate videos to produce an edited video, by adding titles, altering sounds of frames and can also colour correct and include transitions between clips.
  • Examples of system software are:
    » Operating systems (OS)
    = manages computer functions including hardware devices (input/output) and provides users with a GUI interface e.g. Input/Output operation, user communicate with computer, error handling, managing of security
    » Device Drivers
    = allows hardware devices to run on the computer including printers, sound, graphics and network interface card
    » Utilities
    = helps to manage and maintain computer resources and performance by running specific tasks
    » Linkers
    = combines object files produced by a compiler into a single program
    » Compiler
    = translates a program written in a high level language into machine code which can be understood by the computer
38
Q
  1. What is the function of operating systems (OS)?
A

= They enable computer systems to function and allow users to communicate with them

39
Q
  1. What are the tasks for a typical Operating System?
A
  1. Controlling the operation of the input, output and storage devices.
  2. Supervising the loading, running and storage of programs.
  3. Dealing with errors that occur in programs.
  4. Maintaining security of the whole computer system
  5. Maintaining a computer log
  6. Allowing communication between the user and computer
40
Q
  1. What is a CPU?
A

= CPU is a single integrated circuit of the computer that interprets and executes the commands from the computer hardware and software, handles calculations, data processing, and movement of data to and from system memory.

41
Q
  1. What is the speed of the CPU measured in?
A

Hertz

42
Q
  1. What does the CPU have attached to?
A

= A fan as it can get very hot

43
Q
  1. Where is the data and information processed by the CPU?
A

= Main memory

44
Q
  1. What is the CPU part of?
A

= The motherboard

45
Q
  1. What is the CPU referred to as?
A

= Microprocessor

46
Q
  1. What is the CPU made up of?
A

= CPU is made up of:
» control unit (CU) - which controls the input and output devices.
» arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) - which carries out calculations and makes logical decisions and small memory locations called registers.
» immediate access store (IAS) - holds data and program instructions currently in use.

47
Q
  1. What is the long form of CPU?
A

= Central Processing Unit

48
Q
  1. What are the 4 types of User Interfaces (UI)?
A
  1. Graphical User Interface
  2. Command Line Interface
  3. Dialogue-based User Interface
  4. Gesture-based User Interface
49
Q
  1. Define each user interface, its uses and who uses, advantages and disadvantages.
A

-> Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- allows users to interact with a computer using pictures or icons

  • Who uses GUI?
    = End-user who doesn’t have enough knowledge of how the computer system works
  • Advantages:
    : User doesn’t need to learn any commands
    : It is more user-friendly; icons are used to represent applications
    : A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch an application
  • Disadvantages:
    : It uses more computer memory than the CLI
    : The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen
    : It needs an operating system to operate

-> Command Line Interface
- CLI requires a user to type in instructions to choose options.

  • Who uses CLI?
    = People who need to have direct communication with the computer to develop new software, locate errors, etc… e.g. Programmers, System Analysts, Security Person or Technician
  • Advantages:
    : The user is in direct communication with the computer.
    : The user is not restricted to a number of predefined options
    : It is possible to alter the computer configuration settings
  • Disadvantages:
    : The user needs to learn commands to carry out basic operations
    : All commands need to be typed in which takes time and can be error-prone
    : Each command must be typed in the correct format
    : Difficult to edit once commands are entered

-> Dialogue-based user interface
- uses the human voice to give commands to a computer system

  • Advantages:
    : allows hand-free control
    : in a home, very useful for people with disabilities possible to use as a security feature, because voice recognition could be used to identify a person
  • Disadvantages:
    : still unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated many times
    : can be quite complex to set up
    : the user needs to know which commands can be used

-> Gesture-based user interface
- rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even feet.
- Gesture recognition allows humans to interact with a computer in a more natural fashion without the need for any mechanical devices
- This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and image processing.

  • Advantages:
    : replaces mechanical input devices
    : no physical contact required
    : very natural interface for a human operator
    : no training needed
  • Disadvantages:
    : possible for unintentional movements to be picked up
    : only works fairly near to the camera or sensor
    : no training needed
50
Q
  1. What are the 5 types of computers?
A
  • PC/Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Tablets
  • Phablets
  • Smartphones
51
Q
  1. List the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer.
A

-> Desktop/Personal Computer
— Advantages:
: spare parts and connections tend to be standard so lower cost
: better specification
: not much heating
: less damage can happen because it is fixed in one location
: stable internet
— Disadvantages:
: not portable because of separate components
: takes up more desk space
: separate components like keyboard, mouse, monitor, speaker etc…

-> Laptop computer
— Advantages:
: portable due to its small size and weight
: battery can be recharged
: lower power consumption
: lower heat output
: can connect wireless to internet
: no loose cables as all components are connected together
— Disadvantages:
: limited battery life
: laptops are difficult to repair and upgrade
: can be stolen or lost
: some users find it difficult to use pointing device

-> Tablet Computer
— Advantages:
: High definition, anti-glare display
: portable
: wireless, 3G/4G & Bluetooth connection
: very fast to switch on
: data can be backed up or synchronized with other devices
: touch screen technology - built-in camera & video
: battery file longer than a mobile phone
: very low heat output (solid state technology)
— Disadvantages:
: limited memory compared to laptops
: expensive to use 3G/4G internet
: typing can be more difficult compared to a normal keyboard
: not all files are compatible with tablets

-> Smart Phone
— Advantages:
: small in size and easier to carry around
: can be used whlist on the move using wireless or 3G/4G connectivity
: touch screen technology
— Disadvantages:
: small screens make iit difficult to read
: battery life is short
: could be misplaced or stolen
: limited storage/memory compared to other types of computers
: slow data transfer rates

52
Q
  1. What are the 4 impacts of emerging technologies?
A
  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  2. Robots
  3. Virtual reality (VR)
  4. Augmented reality
53
Q
  1. Define each impact of emerging technology and list the uses and impacts of each.
A

-> Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
- Uses:
: the use of language
: recognising a person’s face
: the ability to operate machinery
: analysing data to predict the outcome of a future event e.g. weather forecasting
- Negative impacts of AI:
: loss of jobs
: dependent on technology could be a problem
: loss of skills

-> Robotics
- Uses:
: in manufacturing industry
: in car factories to weld and spray car bodies
: drones by military and civilians use to survey landscape, to investigate weather
: surgical procedures
- Impacts of robots in everyday life:
: INcreased manufacturing efficiency
: Faster than humans and less expensive
: Safer

-> Virtual Reality (VR)
- Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by software
- The user makes use of data goggles, sensor suites, data gloves, helmets to get a feeling of reality
- Uses:
: Military applications
: Education
: Healthcare
: Entertainment
: Fashion
: Heritage
: Business
: Real Estate
: Engineering
: Sports
: Media
: Scientific visualization
- Impact on everyday life:
: improved medical surgeons
: more realistic education
- Features:
: the ability to take the user into a virtual digital environment
: fully immersed in a simulated digital world
: must wear VR headset or head-mounted display

-> Augmented Reality (AR)
- Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on the user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
- Uses:
: safety and rescue operation
: healthcare
: entertainment
: shopping and retail
- Features:
: allow the user to experience the relationship between digital (virtual) and physical (real) worlds
: the real world is enhanced with digital details
: user is not isolated from the real world

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