computer system Flashcards
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What is ‘hardware’?
all of the physical components of a computer system
Examples of internal hardware
internal:
RAM
ROM
processor
video cards
What is ‘software’?
coded programs that control how the computer works
Examples of applications software
disk cleaners
virus protection
word processors
Motherboard
Circuit board that allows CPU, RAM and other hardware components to communicate with each other
All components plug into the motherboard
ROM (Internal memory)
Secondary storage
* ROM: read only memory
* Used to store permanent information
* Chips cannot be altered, only read from
* Nonvolatile memory: data not lost when computer turned off
used to store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS.
Processor (CPU)
Brain of the computer
Controls what computer does + is responsible for performing calculations and data processing
recieves and decodes instructions and carries them out
RAM (Internal memory)
- ‘Primary Storage’
- RAM: random access memory
- All programs and data in current use is stored on RAM
- Volatile memory: data lost when computer turned off
Video card / graphics card
Plug into motherboard, enables computer to display images on monitor
Sound card
Plug into motherboard – allow computer system to produce sound + connect microphones
Storage devices (secondary backing storage) definition
Stores data that is not instantly used by the computer
What is an ‘operating system’?
a software program that manages computer resources.
Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other and enables the computer to run software applications.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Older style operating system → users type in commands using keyboard.
Do not make use of images, icons or graphics. All the user is seen is a plain black screen
Advantages of CLI
ads:
If user knows correct commands then can be faster than any other type of interface
Uses less RAM
Does not use as much CPU processing time
Cheaper monitor can be used
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
makes use of pictures, graphics and icons
Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device)
Advantages of GUI
ads:
Easy to use for beginners (intuitive)
Don’t have to learn complicated commands