ICT Theory Flashcards
IGCSE
What is a ‘motherboard’?
- Printed circuit board found in all computers
- Allows processor and other computer hardware to inter-communicate
- Acts as a ‘hub’ for other computer devices to connect to
What is a Random Access Memory (RAM)?
- Internal chip
- Data is stored temporarily in here
- Can be written to and read from
- Often referred to as a volatile or temporary memory Stores data currently in use
What is Read Only Memory (ROM)?
- Used to store permanent information
- Like the configuration data for a computer system
- Can only be read from
- Information is not lost even after computer shut down
- Often referred to as non-volatile or permanent memories.
What is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
- Processor in an electronic circuit board
- Executes instructions from a computer program
- Components:
- Arithmetic and logic unit (logical operations are carried out)
- Control unit (takes instructions, decodes, executes)
What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
- Allows a computer or any other device to connect to a network
- Can be wired or wireless
- Hard-coded with a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address
What is a graphics card?
- Allows a computer to send graphical information to a video display device
- Usually connects to the motherboard
- Components:
- A processing unit
- Memory unit (RAM)
- Cooling mechanism
- Connections to a display unit
What is an Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD/SSD)?
- HDDs: Magnetic
- Main method for storing data
- SSDs: Modern computers use me
- I replace HDDs
- I do the same thing they do
What is a Compiler?
Program in high-level language ? machine code (understood by computer)Helps a computer to perform a task repetitively without recompilation each timeExamples: Java, Python, Visual Basic, Fortran, C++, Algol, etc.
What is a Linker?
Putting code modules together to form the final program
What is a device driver?
Enables one or more hardware devices to communicate with the Operating systemExamples of hardware devices that require hardware device drivers: printers, memory sticks, mice, CD drivers, etc.
Define the Operating System
Software running in the background of a computer systemWithout, many computers would be user-unfriendly
What are Utility programs?
Help manage, maintain and control computer resources
What are the advantages of using keyboards?
FastWell-known (no training needed)Easy to useEasier verification checks (it’s on the damn screen)
What are the disadvantages of keyboards?
Can be difficult to use if the user has RSICan develop RSI with prolonged useSlow compared to DDEFairly large, uses valuable desk space
What type of keyboard can a user use in case they have RSI?
Ergonomic keyboards
Where are numeric keypads commonly used?
ATMsPoint of sale terminalsChip and PIN devicesSpreadsheet data entry
What are the advantages of numeric keypads?
Faster than keyboardsPortableSmall
What are the disadvantages of numeric keypads?
Small keys can make input difficultInintuitive number order on different keypads
What is an optical mouse and what are its advantages?
Movement is detected by reflected light No moving parts (robust)Does not collect dirtImproved performance (won’t skid)
What is a cordless or wireless mouse?
Transmits signals to a USB wireless receiver plugged into the computer
What are the advantages of using a mouse?
Faster than a keyboardQuick navigationDoes not need a large desk area
What are the disadvantages of mouse?
Difficult for people with RSIIn this case, they can use a trackerball or an ergonomic mouseEasy to damageCan collect dirtDifficult use with no flat surface
What are the advantages of using a touchpad?
Faster than a keyboardQuick navigationSaves desk spaceRobust, built-in laptopDoesn’t need a flat surface
What are the disadvantages of a touchpad?
Difficult with RSIDifficult to control compared to a mouseInconvenient for operations like drag-n-drop