Module 02: Computer Hardware and Software Flashcards
What is hardware?
All the physical components of a computer
Hardware includes any tangible parts of a computer system.
What is the main function of the motherboard?
It is the main circuit board that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for storage, and ports for peripherals
The motherboard serves as the backbone of a computer, connecting all components.
What does the CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer.
What is the role of the CPU in a computer?
It executes instructions in response to commands
The CPU processes data and performs calculations necessary for running applications.
What factors determine the performance of a CPU?
Model, version, and speed
Higher-end models typically offer better performance.
How is the speed of a CPU measured?
In Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHZ)
1 GHz equals 1,000 MHz, indicating the number of cycles per second.
What are the required hardware components of a computer?
Motherboard, Processor (CPU), memory, connectors for hard drive and optical drives, various external ports and peripherals
These components are essential for a computer to function effectively.
What is memory in the context of computers?
Electronic storage devices or chips on the motherboard of a computer
Memory is essential for data storage and processing in a computer system.
List the types of memory.
- RAM
- ROM
- Cache
These types serve different purposes in computer operations.
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
RAM is crucial for temporary data storage during processing.
What is the function of RAM?
Stores data and instructions currently being processed by a computer’s CPU
Data in RAM is temporary and lost when power is off.
True or False: Data in RAM is erased when power is switched off.
True
This characteristic distinguishes RAM from other memory types.
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
ROM is used for storing critical startup instructions.
What is the main feature of ROM?
Contains permanently recorded instructions vital for starting up a computer
Instructions in ROM can be read but not modified.
True or False: Instructions in ROM can be changed.
False
ROM is designed to be non-volatile and unchangeable.
What is the purpose of cache memory?
To speed up processing by storing frequently called items in a small, rapid access memory location
Cache is typically smaller than RAM but much faster.
Fill in the blank: Cache is a _______ version of RAM.
smaller
The size difference allows cache to operate at higher speeds.
What are input devices?
Input devices convert data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals that correspond to binary code processed by a digital computer.
Examples include Keyboard, Mouse, and Web camera.
What are output devices?
Output devices translate digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user, such as text, data files, sounds, or graphics.
Examples include Screen, Printer, and MP3 Players.
What are the required hardware components for storage media?
Storage media includes external devices on which programs and data are stored. Examples include Hard Drive, Flash Drive, Optical Storage Media (DVD and CD), and cloud storage.
This is the data center or main storage device of the computer where the operating system, software, and user-created content are stored until deleted.
HARD DISK DRIVE
A small, removable hard drive also known as a pen drive, jump drive, thistle drive, or pocket drive, used for data back-up, sharing, and transfer.
USB FLASH DRIV
These are rigid disks such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu Ray that can hold a higher density of information and have a higher speed for data back-up, sharing, and transfer.
OPTIC DISKS
A model of computer data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools, said to be on “the cloud”.
Cloud Storage
Explain the physical storage in cloud.
The physical storage spans multiple servers (sometimes in multiple locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.
What is a Network Adapter?
A circuit board that is installed on the computer to connect to the network.
What is another name for a Network Adapter?
Network Interface Card (NIC).
What role does a Network Adapter play in a computer?
It acts as a middleman between a computer/server and a data network.
Why is a Network Adapter considered indispensable?
It is essential for connecting a computer to a network.
What is a Communications Medium?
Refers to the physical channel through which data is sent and received.
How is data sent in a Communications Medium?
Data is sent in the form of voltage levels which make up the digital signal.
What factors affect the Communications Medium?
Depended on the distance, amount of data transfer, frequency of transfer and availability.
Enumerate the phases of hardware components in action.
INSTRUCTION PHASE
Step 01: Fetch Instruction
Step 02: Decode Instruction
EXECUTION PHASE
Step 03: Execute the instruction
Step 04: Store the results
Based on the processing characteristics and functions, this is known as the time to execute the instruction phase.
Machine Cycle time
Based on the processing characteristics and functions, this is the rate at which electronic pulses are produced.
Clock Speed (Measured in MHz)
What is wordlength?
Number of bits a CPU can process in a unit of time.
What is a bit?
Bit (Binary digiT): 0 or 1.
What is the unit for moving data?
Bit.
What are common processor sizes?
32-64 bit processors.
This is known as the ability of different systems, devices, applications or products to connect and communicate in a coordinated way, without effort from the end user.
INTEROPERABILITY
This is known as the extent of protecting digital information from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft throughout its entire lifecycle.
DATA SECURITY
This is a set if instructions telling the hardware what needs to be done with the input.
SOFTWARE (In computer terminology, this set of instructions is called a program and one or more programs is termed as software).
This is known as the low level program designed to provide an interface to manage and control hardware components.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
What are common types of system programs?
Utility Software, Hypervisors, Bootloaders, GNU, BIOS, Multi-threading.
What types of software fall under system programs?
Operating System, Device Drivers, Anti Virus Software, Compilers & Interpreters, Firmware BIOS set-up, System Utility Software, Assemblers, System Cleaning Software.
What is the primary function of an operating system?
Perform common computer hardware functions.
Example: Getting input from the keyboard.
What types of user interfaces do operating systems provide?
Command-based user interface (e.g., MS-DOS) and graphical-user interface (e.g., Windows).
What is one of the roles of an operating system in relation to hardware?
Provide a degree of hardware abstraction.
How does an operating system manage system memory?
It converts logical view to physical view.
This provides an interface for the user to communicate with the system to perform various tasks.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
What is a key characteristic of user experience in a good application?
A clean user interface (UI) for users to navigate easily and smoothly, and effortlessly use the features of the application.
What defines the performance of a good application?
The application must be fast, frictionless, and error-free in both functions and interface.
What is the importance of security in a good application?
Ensure the confidentiality, authentication, and integrity of user data and mitigate the risk of external attacks.
What does accessibility mean for a good application?
The application must be compatible with any operating system and easily accessible to the widest range of users.
What is scalability in the context of a good application?
An application must be capable of handling increasing or decreasing volumes of data operations, transactions, and services.
Why is customer support important for a good application?
A prompt customer service to proactively engage customers and troubleshoot all user queries.
What is the first programming language?
Computer interactions written in machine code.
Machine language.
What is the second programming language?
Abbreviations for common operations.
Assembler converts code to machine language (Assembly language).
What is the third programming language?
Instructions are English-like.
Compilers convert code to machine language.
What is Fortran used for?
Good for scientific computing.
What is Cobol known for?
Good file handling.
What is Java good for?
Good for Web applications.
What are Fourth Programming Languages?
Even easy for non-programmers. They tell what to do, not how to do it. Focus, Powerhouse.
What are Visual Programming Languages?
They use point-and-click and drag-and-drop interfaces. Useful for user interfaces.
Examples include Visual Basic and Visual C++.
What are Object-oriented Languages?
Objects contain data and methods to operate on that data.
Examples include C++ and Java.
These are known to store patients’ data, including medical and family history, laboratory and other test results, and prescribed medications history.
EHR systems (Electronic Health Records)
How do EHRs benefit patient data management?
EHRs reduce the risk of data replication, losing data, or important information about a patient’s health.
What is a cost advantage of EHRs compared to paper medical records?
EHRs are cost-efficient compared to paper medical records, which are more likely to be duplicated, illegible, or destroyed over a long period of time.
This enables online doctor consultations via web and mobile apps.
Telemedicine software
What features are available in telemedicine software?
Telemedicine software offers a variety of features within one platform, including in-app video conferencing, file transfer for patient’s test results, and payment options.
This allows patient data collection outside of healthcare institutions (clinics or hospitals).
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
What are some technologies used in Remote Patient Monitoring?
Some of the remote patient monitoring technology includes heart rate and blood pressure monitors, glucose and blood oxygen meters, and wearable ECG monitors.
This provides both information and management capabilities to three stakeholder groups: administration, doctors and authorized healthcare professionals, and patients.
Hospital management software (HMS)
How many portals does HMS often include?
HMS often includes two separate portals.
What are the features of the two portals in HMS?
One portal has management-oriented features, and the other portal is available for patients.
These provide data on the clinic’s daily work, as they can store clients’ data: medical history, visits, bills. They are able to send automated notifications to patients about upcoming checkups or prescription refills visits
Healthcare CRM Software
These allow doctors not only to write new prescriptions but also to track the prescriptions history, renew or cancel them if necessary. In some countries, the software enables direct contact with a pharmacy of choice for convenience.
E-prescriptions Software
This has the objective to streamline the process of booking a doctor’s visit.
Patients can easily book an appointment, get notifications about it, provide relevant information to the doctor beforehand, and also reschedule or cancel the appointment.
Appointment Booking Software
This is known as the widest group of healthcare software, as they may involve: physical activity tracking and movement tracking, dieting and weight loss, and, the recently very popular type: mental health & wellbeing apps.
Health Tracking Apps
What are medical research platforms?
Medical research platforms serve as a database gathering important medical literature, reviews, and journals, all backed by thorough research.
What is the main purpose of medical research software?
The main purpose of the software is to educate medical staff and provide them with access to up-to-date information across medical fields.
How can doctors use medical research software?
Doctors can share information about unusual symptoms for further research.
