💻 Computer systems Flashcards
define Computer system
An electronic device that can follow instructions
Examples of computer systems
Mobile phones, iPads, iPods, TVs, microwaves, Sat Nav, calculators, laptops, watches, projectors, etc.
define hardware
the physical parts of a computer system - you can touch and feel them
examples of hardware?
speakers, mouse, keyboard, screen, Xbox controller, touchscreen device
define software
the nonphysical parts of the computer system - you CAN’T touch or feel them
examples of software?
Microsoft word, iOS, Google Chrome, FIFA, Whatsapp, Netflix (APPS)
how does a computer system work?
- Take in a set of inputs
- Process these inputs
- Create an output
define input
data (letters, numbers, sounds, videos, images) that gets put INTO the computer.
The computer converts it into something it can understand AKA digital data/binary code
How do you input data into a computer? (eg. letters, numbers and sounds?)
Letters: Keyboard/touchscreen
Numbers: Keyboard/touchscreen
Sounds: Microphone
define process
this is where the computer manipulates the data to produce meaningful information
what are some examples of a computer processing data (name at least 3)
- sorting (eg. names into alphabetical order)
- searching (eg. searching for highest price)
- calculations (eg. working out a percentage)
- graphing (eg. a bar chart on famous movies)
how could the output appeal to sight?
eg. a text message on a mobile phone screen
define output
It’s the part where the info. the computer has processed is presented in a suitable way
how could the output appeal to hearing?
eg. a fire alarm that’s detected smoke
how could the output appeal to touch?
eg. a printed A4 poster
what are some devices that can create outputs (name at least 3)?
- monitors
- printers
- speakers
- projector
- motor
define a storage device
a computer needs storage to hold both programs and data, hence RAM is used at times
the computer’s memory is RAM
define RAM
RAM holds programs and data temporarily and forgets it all when the computer is switched off
what are the elements of a computer (there are 4)?
- input
- process
- output
- storage
what are the types of computer systems (there are 3)?
- information systems
- control systems
- communication systems
