Components and Functions of Computer Systems Flashcards
What is a computer?
-A Computer consists of two main components: Hardware and Software.
-A Computer processes data into information
-Can be defined as a programmable, electronic device that:
*accepts data
*performs operations
*presents the results
*stores the results (or information)
What is Hardware?
The physical parts of a computer (the parts you can touch)
What is software?
-The instructions or programs used to tell the computer hardware what to do.
-You can not touch or feeel
-There are two types: System software and Operating System.
Data consist of:
-Raw facts
-Figures
Information is data that has been:
-Summarised
-Transformed
What are the four basics of computers?
-Input
-Processing
-Output
-Storage
What is Input?
Entering data into a computer
What is Processing?
Manipulating operations performed on the data
What is output?
Presenting results
What is storage?
Saving data, programs, or output for future use
Types of hardware components?
-Internal (motherboard, RAM, hard drive,…)
-External (mouse, keyboard,…)
What are Input devices?
Any piece of equipment that is used to input data into the computer.
Examples:
-Keyboard
-Mouse
-Gamepad
What are Output devices?
Accepts processed data from the computer and presents the results to the user or to another machine.
Examples:
-Monitor
-Printer
What is Processing device?
-The main processing device for a computer is the central processing unit (CPU) often considered the “brain” of the comtercompuute.
-Performs calculations, comparisons needed for processing
-Controls the computer´s operations
What is a storage device?
-Is a non-volatile storage. Data is stored in files.
-Is used to save data, program settings,…
-Can be install inside, attached as external device or access remotely.
Examples:
*Hard drive
*CD/DVD
*USB flash drive
What is a communication device?
Allows users to communicate electronically with others and access remote information like internet, company network,…
Examples:
-Modems
-Network adapters
-Routers
What is System Software?
The programs that allow a computer to operate are collectively referred to as system software. The main system software is the operating system
What is Operating System (OS)?
-Is the most important program that runs on a computer.
-A computer must have an OS to run the programs.
-Provides user interface
-Manage applications
Examples:
*Windows
*Linux
*Android
*MacOS
What does OS?
-Starts up the computer and controls its operation
-Sets up new hardware
-Allows users to run other software
-Allows users to manage the documents stored on their computers
What are the basics tasks of OS
-Manage files
-Manage memory
-Look after security
-Manage input and output hardware.
What is Application software?
Consists of programs designed to allow people to perform specific tasks using a computer.
Examples:
-Word processing
-Gaming
-Multimedia
-Image editing
-Email
What is user interface?
-An interaction method by which a user and the computer exchange information and instructions
-There are two types: CLI and GUI
What is CLI?
-Command Line Interface
-Allows the user to interact with the computer by typing in commands i.e. set of instructions
-The user would have to learn a whole set of commands so that they could make use of the computer system
Example:
*MS-DOS
What is GUI?
-Graphical User Interface
-Is built around visual, graphical display
-Use things like icons, menus, windows…
Examples:
*Windows
*Ubuntu
*Apple OSX
Why are we switching to computers?
Because of their data processing speeds, accuracy, storage capacity, and ability to work for longer periods
Hardware is a set of instructions called programs that computer uses to carry out tasks while Software are all parts of the computer you can see and touch.
a. True
b. False
b. False
With regards to the components, the hardware component used for temporary storage of data applications for processing is
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The CPU stands for
Central Processing Unit
The hardware component used to control the operation of a computer system is
Processor
Which of the following are components of CPU?
a. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Keyboard
b. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit
c. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Integrated circuits
d. Control Unit and Monitor
b. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit
Where is RAM located in the computer?
Motherboard
Which of the following is an example of an output device?
a. Scanners
b. Keyboards
c. Projectors
d. Joystick
c. Projectors
Fill in the blank. Pointing devices, such as the mouse and _______, work by moving a pointer on the screen
a. Laser
b. Scroll wheel
c. Joystick
d. Touchpad
d. Touchpad
To accomplish a task a computer has to process data in three different stages, known as:
Input→Process→Output
Where are saved files stored in computer?
a. RAM
b. Hard Disc
c. Cache
d. All of the above
b. Hard drive
Which of the following is an example of secondary storage device?
a. RAM
b. ROM
c. Magnetic Tape
d. All of the above
c. Magnetic Tape
Operating system is an example of System software.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Which of the following is an example of Command Line Interface (CLI)?
a. Windows
b. Apple OSX
c. MS-DOS
d. Ubuntu
c. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
