Overview of a Computer

Question 1

What are two layers of a computer?

Answer 1

• Hardware.
• Software.

Question 2

What do the following components do?
* CPU.
* RAM.
* Storage Devices such as HDD, SSD.
* Motherboard.
* PSU.
* Peripheral Devices.

Answer 2

• CPU is responsible for extracting data or instructions from RAM, interpreting them and carrying them out. Processing data as well.
• RAM is a volatile memory used to temporary store data within a computer to be used by the CPU. Will lose data once PC loses power.
• Storage Devices such as HDD or SSD permanently store data and information, even when power is off.
• Motherboard is a circuit board that interconnects components together within a computer and facilitates communication between them.
• PSU takes electrical power from a wall outlet, converts AC into DC current and will disperse it into various components within PC.
• Peripheral Devices are external hardware elements that users interact with to access computer. E.g: Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, Monitor, Speakers.
• Peripheral Devices are external devices that enable users interaction with computer as well as providing input or output functions.

Question 3

What is System Software?

Answer 3

Is a program within a computer that is responsible managing and controlling computer hardware.

Question 4

What is Application Software?

Answer 4

Is a type of program that executes a particular task or function within a computer.

Question 5

What’s Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle?

Answer 5

Is a process where the CPU extracts an instruction from RAM, decodes it into a particular operation or task and then executes the operation or task.