hardware and software Flashcards
what is a computer
a computer is a system of hardware and software that processes data in binary form
difference between data and information
information is organised or processed data. Data values that there needs to be some work done and is not organised or does not make sense. Information values that there are result of some working and are organised and make sense.
what is a hardware
physical devices or physical components of a computer
what is a software
instructions that control the actions of a CPU
define processing
the conversion of data to information
define input
data from the user to the computer
define output
data from the computer to the user
define storage
holds data that is not in use
what does the network do
sends data between computers or devices
what happens when a device is loading
instructions being copied from the storage to the RAM
what does RAM stand for
random-access memory
what does ROM stand for
read-only memory
what happens when a device is running
the processor carries out instructions in the RAM
what are the 2 types of software
application softwares and system softwares
define application software
serves the direct need of the user
define system software
serves the needs of a computer
what are some tasks the application softwares has to serve the user
work, communication, entertainment etc.
examples of application software tasks
web browser, google, video games, email etc
what are some tasks the system softwares has to serve the computer
performance, maintenance, security etc
what is an operating system
a system software that runs in the background while a computer is on to ensure the computer is properly working.
define compatibility
the ability of a software to be used with a specific OS
what does the operating system manage
Processor, Memory, Storage, Input, Output, System Security, Utilities
what does the processor do
Loads software and allocates RAM to running programs
what does the storage do
Manages file and folder structures, swaps data with RAM, free space, avoids overlap of used space, combines split files
what does the input/output do
Manages data flow between i/o devices and processor, identifies new hardware and loads the needed device driver
what do the applications do
loading into RAM and running – allocates hardware resources
what does the system security do
handles basic security – error logs, user logins and passwords
what do the utilities do
System software for features not included in OS for additional security, management, device features and performance
what is a computer system
a group of devices working together to store and process data, usually in binary form.
