ICT Flashcards
What is computer hardware?
The collection of the physical and tangible parts of the computer
Examples include hard disk drive, motherboard, etc.
What are the two types of computer hardware?
Internal hardware and external hardware
Internal hardware resides inside the computer case, while external hardware connects to the outside.
What is internal hardware?
Hardware that resides inside the computer case
Examples include motherboard, network card, sound card, RAM.
What is external hardware?
Hardware that connects to the outside of the computer case
Examples include flat panel, monitor, printer, joystick, projector.
What is the function of the motherboard?
Controls the functions of the different components
It is the central circuit board of a complex electronic system.
What components make up a motherboard?
CPU, RAM, internal and external buses
These components are essential for the motherboard’s functionality.
What is a CPU?
A machine that can execute computer programs
It is considered the brain of the computer.
What does the speed of the computer depend on?
The speed of the processor
A faster CPU results in a faster computer.
What is software?
Coded programs that control how the computer works
Programs are instructions written to solve specific problems.
What are the two types of software?
Application software and system software
Each type serves different purposes in computing.
What is system software?
Software designed to operate, control and extend the processing capabilities of the computer
It manages computer resources and ensures smooth operation.
What is application software?
Software that satisfies user needs and ends user application
This type of software focuses on specific tasks for users.
What is cache memory?
Memory that stores program instructions frequently re-referenced by the software
It speeds up the computer mechanism.
What is primary memory?
Memory where data or instructions are placed before being processed by the CPU
It is faster than secondary memory and essential for computer operation.
What are the characteristics of RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile and ROM is non-volatile
RAM loses data when power is off, while ROM retains data.
What is the BIOS?
The basic input/output system stored on ROM
It is used when a computer is turned on.
What is secondary memory?
A non-volatile device that stores data until deleted or overwritten
This data is not directly accessible by the processor.
What is an operating system?
A set of programs that controls how the computer interacts with the user and peripherals
It manages hardware, processes, and internal memory.
What are the specific programs in an operating system called?
Managers
They control hardware, processes, and manage memory.
What is an interface?
The way in which the user communicates with the computer
Different types of interfaces include command line and graphical user interfaces.
What is a command line interface?
An interface in which you enter commands
It requires text input from the user.
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
A menu-driven interface from which you select command choices
GUI displays various menus on the screen.
What is a touch screen interface?
An interface similar to GUI that uses icons and menus for input
It allows users to interact with portable devices using their fingers.
What are supercomputers?
The largest, fastest, and most expensive computers
Used for research, weather forecasting, global climate modeling, and military research.
