Chapter 2: Hardware and software Flashcards
1
Q
what is hardware
A
- physical component that forms part of a computer system
- internal/ external
2
Q
role of cpu
A
- storage/ input device -> input data -> processed by CPU -> stored or sent -> output device
- fetches instruction from memory and executes them
3
Q
motherboard
A
- hardware components (RAM, CPU) can be connected directly to the motherboard
4
Q
RAM
A
- volAtile (content of memory is lost if no power to the RAM)
- when full, inactive data removed
- when no more to remove, HDD SSD expand memory
- virtual memory slow (access times)
- when several programs open
5
Q
ROM
A
- nOn volatile (permanent)
- small long life battery
- one program (e.g instruction to boost comp)
6
Q
hard drive
external hard drive
A
- common form of secondary storage
- cheap
- non volatile
external
- USB port
- back up
- expensive
- transfer data
7
Q
SSD
A
- non volatile
- flash memory
- fast
- expensive
8
Q
reasons why a user may want to save data to secondary storage
A
- make changes to a doc
- keep files for archive for future
- back up
- in a database, each new record saved
9
Q
what is software
A
- programs that give instructions to the computer
- program consist of programming code that give instructions ,, cary out task
- e.g. word processing
10
Q
what is system software
A
- maintain / operate the comp system/hardware
-
11
Q
what does an operating system do
A
manages hardware
manages communication between hardware and software
12
Q
how does an OS manage hardware
A
- allocating memory to software
- sending data and instructions to output devices
- giving each running task a fair share of processor time
13
Q
device driver
A
- software in external hardware
- sends customized instructions to that specific component
- e.g ‘print’
14
Q
utility software
A
- maintenance on the computer system
15
Q
what is anti virus
2 main functions ?
A
deals with adware, spyware
1) antivirus monitor
- if unusual behaviour detect, prevent from execution so no cause damage
2)
