Lesson II: Hardware and Software, File Management, and Network Systems Flashcards
What is Hardware?
Hardware is any element of a computer that’s physical. This includes things like monitors, keyboards, and also the insides of devices, like microchips and hard drives
What is Software?
Software is anything that tells hardware what to do and how to do it, including computer programs and apps on your phone.
Explain the connection of hardware and software
In the simplest of terms, hardware needs software to tell it what to do, but software also needs hardware in order to act out its directions. When you combine the two, you can do all sorts of things, whether you’re using a smartphone, computer, or any other type of device
What is an output device?
A piece of hardware that receives information from a computer
What is External Hardware?
Any hardware device that is located outside the computer.
What is an Input Device?
A piece of hardware device which is used to enter information to a computer for processing.
Give examples of an Input Device
keyboard, mouse, trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, joystick, microphone, light pen, webcam, speech input
Give examples of an Output Device
monitor, printer, scanner, speaker, display screen (tablet, smartphone …), projector, head phone
What is a System Software?
it is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application software, and make the computer system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and the user.
Enumerate the four (4) main functions of a system software
allocating system resources
managing storage space
storing and retrieval of files
providing security
Give examples of a System Software
Microsoft Windows
Apple iOS
Android OS
macOS, Linux
Enumerate the three main types of Computer Software
- System Software
- Device Driver
- Utility Software
What is a Device Driver?
a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a computer.
Enumerate the two (2) main functions of a device driver
Acts as a translator between the hardware device and operating systems or applications that use it.
Instructs computer on how to communicate with the device by translating the operating system’s instructions into a language that a device can understand in order to perform the necessary task.
Give examples of a Device Driver
printer driver
display driver
USB driver
sound card driver
motherboard driver
ROM driver
Give examples of a utility software
antivirus software
backup software
memory tester
screen saver
What is a utility software?
A type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a computer and performs a very specific task
What is Basic File Management?
It refers to a way to name, save, backup, organize files/folders and keep track of files on a computer.
Enumerate the seven steps for an effective file management
- Save Only Relevant Documents
- Use Consistent Naming
- Group Related Documents Together
- Separate Ongoing from Completed Work
- Avoid Overloading Folders
- Organize by Date
- Digitize Paper Documents
Enumerate the four (4) benefits of a file management system
- Better Organization
- Boosted Productivity
- Version Control
- Scalability
What is File Transfer?
File transfer is the process of copying or moving a file from one computer to another over a network or internet connection. It enables sharing, transferring or transmitting a file or a logical data object between different users and/or computers both locally and remotely
What is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another.
What is SFTP?
Secure File Transfer Protocol is an extension of FTP that includes encryption to secure the transfer process.
Enumerate the three major types of Computer Networks
- LAN (Local Area Network)
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- WAN (Wide Area Network)
What is LAN?
It connects network devices in such a way that personal computer and workstations can share data, tools and programs.
What is MAN?
It covers a larger area than that of a LAN and a smaller area as compared to WAN. It connects two or more computers that are apart but resides in the same or different cities. It covers a large geographical area and may serve as an ISP (Internet Service Provider). MAN is designed for customers who need high-speed connectivity.
Enumerate the three (3) uses of MAN
- Education
- Military
- Financial
What is WAN?
It is a computer network that extends over a large geographical area, although it might be confined within the bounds of a state or country. A WAN could be a connection of LAN connecting to other LAN’s via telephone lines and radio waves and may be limited to an enterprise (a corporation or an organization) or accessible to the public. The technology is high speed and relatively expensive.
Why is Network Maintenance important?
A proper network maintenance equates to keeping all aspects of the infrastructure running like a well-oiled machine it provides three critical benefits: Continuous Network Operations, Lower Maintenance costs, and Enhanced Security Posture. IT leaders must recognize this continual care as imperative, not optional.
Enumerate the three (3) IT Team Roles in Network Maintenance
- Network Technicians- Handle most routine daily, they ensure basic operations.
- Network Engineers – Conduct more complex performance optimization, they focus on enhancements.
- Network Administrators – Take on big-picture responsibilities. They connect strategic priorities to on-the-ground execution.
Enumerate the four (4) Essential Network Maintenance Tasks in SOFTWARE
- Continuous Monitoring and Alerting
- Regular Data and Config Backup
- Maintaining a Network Asset Inventory
- Guarding Against Malware and Ransomware
Enumerate the two (2) Essential Network Maintenance Tasks in HARDWARE
- Regular Hardware Inspections (periodically inspect)
- Scheduled Preemptive Repairs and Part Replacements (Replacing them before they are destroyed)
