Components of a Computer System Flashcards
State what is meant by an input device:
Hardware used to put data into the computer
Define software:
Instructions, programs (to make hardware work)
State what is meant by an output device:
Hardware used to get information from a computer
Examples of input devices
Barcode reader - to input product ID
Keyboard - to manually input data
etc
Examples of output devices
Screen - to show details of objects/ products
Beeper - to indicate an input
Purpose of input, storage and output devices
The purpose of an input device is to bring data into a computer system for processing. The purpose of an output device is to take the processed data and output it in a form suitable for use. Storage devices save user data, programs and applications for later use!
What is hardware?
Hardware is the physical part of a computer system
What does software consist of?
Software consists of programs routines and procedures which can be run by a computer system
What is the function of system software?
Systems software controls the hardware, provides a user interface, manages memory, provides a platform for applications and provides services such as printing and file handling.
Define input devices
Input devices are peripheral devices that can accept data
and transmits it to the CPU as electrical impulses for processing
What is the function of application software?
Application software are programs that allow the user to do something useful such as a word processor or Internet browser.
What is the difference between systems and application software?
Systems software controls the hardware and make the system usable for the operator
Applications software allow the user to carry out a useful task
