ICT Components definitions

Question 1

Computer definition

Answer 1

An electronic machine that receives or stores or processes data very quickly using a stored program

Question 2

Hardware definition

Answer 2

Physical parts of the computer system that you can see and touch e.g. screen, printer, keyboard

Question 3

Program/software definition

Answer 3

A set of instructions written to instruct the computer to carry out a task

Question 4

Peripheral device definition

Answer 4

Any piece of hardware which is external to the processor

Question 5

Input devices definition

Answer 5

Devices used to get data into the computer

Question 6

Central processing unit (CPU) definition

Answer 6

The brain of the computer that carries out all processes e.g. calculations

Question 7

Motherboard definition

Answer 7

The main printed circuit board in the computer, which contains the CPU, memory boards and the other circuit boards required by a computer system

Question 8

Video card definition

Answer 8

A printed circuit board that generates the images for the computer’s VDU (visual display unit). It can determine the resolution and variety of colours to be used on the screen.

Question 9

Output devices definition

Answer 9

Devices that provide information output in a format that humans understand e.g. screen display and printouts

Question 10

Backing store definition

Answer 10

Devices used to permanently store data when the computer is switched off e.g. Hard disk, CD

Question 11

ASCII definition

Answer 11

American standard code for information interchange