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IGCSE ICT > Section 1 - Types and components of computer systems > Flashcards

Section 1 - Types and components of computer systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is ‘hardware’?

A

all of the physical components of a computer system

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2
Q

Examples of hardware

A 
external:
keyboard
mouse
monitor
speakers
webcam
scanner
internal:
RAM
ROM
processor
video cards
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3
Q

What is ‘software’?

A

coded programs that control how the computer works

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4
Q

Examples of software

A

system software:
disk cleaners
virus protection
word processors

application software:
operating system
linkers
compiler

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5
Q

What are the main components of computer systems?

A

all the different pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make up the complete computer system

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6
Q

Motherboard

A

Circuit board that allows CPU, RAM and other hardware components to communicate with each other
All components plug into the motherboard

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7
Q

Processor (CPU)

A

Brain of the computer

Controls what computer does + is responsible for performing calculations and data processing

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8
Q

Internal memory (RAM and ROM)

A

Two types - RAM & ROM
- RAM and ROM are used to store computer data
- ‘Primary Storage’
• RAM: random access memory
• All programs and data in current use is stored on RAM
• RAM is usually larger than ROM
• Volatile memory: data lost when computer turned off
• ROM: read only memory
• Used to store permanent information
• Chips cannot be altered, only read from
• Nonvolatile memory: data not lost when computer turned off

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9
Q

Video card / graphics card

A

Plug into motherboard, enables computer to display images on monitor

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10
Q

Sound card

A

Plug into motherboard – allow computer system to produce sound + connect microphones

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11
Q

Storage devices (secondary backing storage)

A

Stores data that is not instantly used by the computer

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12
Q

What is an ‘operating system’?

A

a software program that manages computer resources.

Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other and enables the computer to run software applications.

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13
Q

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A

Older style operating system → users type in commands using keyboard.
Do not make use of images, icons or graphics. All the user is seen is a plain black screen like the one to the right.

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14
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of CLI

A

ads:
If user knows correct commands then can be faster than any other type of interface
Uses less RAM
Does not use as much CPU processing time
Cheaper monitor can be used

disads: 
Can be confusing for new users 
Commands have to be typed precisely 
If mistype an instruction, start from scratch 
Large number of commands to be learned
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15
Q

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A

very ‘friendly’ way for people to interact with computer → makes use of pictures, graphics and icons

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16
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of GUI

A

ads:
Easy to use for beginners
Don’t have to learn complicated commands
Reasonable ‘help’ system with interface

disads:
Take up larger amount of hard disk space
Need significantly more RAM to run
More processing power than other interfaces
Slow for experienced programmers

17
Q

Desktop computer (PC)

A
  • Usually found in the home.
  • Designed to be use by one person at a time , performs tasks such as school work, gaming, household accounts, internet access and emailing.
18
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of PC

A

ads:

  • Cheaper to buy due to components being easier to make.
  • Keyboard is easier to use as it is larger than a laptop keyboard.
  • Design to allow heat to escape.

disads:

  • Large and bulky.
  • Constant power supply / do not use batteries.
  • Need to copy files onto portable storage or send via email if work in a different location.
19
Q

Laptop

A
  • Portable computers that fit on your laps.
  • Can be used almost anywhere due to small size and built-in batteries.
  • Powerful as PCs and can perform similar tasks.
20
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of laptops

A

ads:

  • Smaller and lighter than PCs.
  • Components are low-power
  • Built-in rechargeable battery means they can work without a constant power supply
  • Come with built-in Wi-Fi.
  • No need to transfer files as can take your laptop with you.

disads:

  • Limited battery life.
  • Smaller keyboards.
  • Prone to theft as they are often used in public places.
  • Can get hotter than a PC because they are compact.
21
Q

Mainframes

A
  • Very large and expensive + capable of supporting thousands, or hundreds or users at a time.
  • Used in large organisations for processing huge amounts of data/ control massive networks of computers.
  • Can process many jobs at a time.
22
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of mainframes

A

ads:

  • Can process huge amounts of data very quickly
  • Can perform millions of calculations per sec
  • Run and manage huge networks

disads:

  • Very expensive to buy and run
  • Very large and so almost impossible to transport.
  • Generate a lot of heat and need to be in air-conditioned rooms.
  • They need a high-level of training for people to be able to use them.
23
Q

Netbook

A
  • Extremely small and light versions of laptops.

- Can perform similar tasks to a laptop but they’re not as powerful and have much smaller screens.

24
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of netbook

A

ads:

  • Much smaller and lighter
  • Longer battery life (low-power components)
  • Cheaper because they do not come with certain components

disads:

  • Very small keyboards.
  • Low performance means not suitable for power-hungry tasks like video editing
  • Very small size -> easily mistaken or stolen
  • Small hard disk -> store less data
25
Q

PDA (personal digital assistant)

A 
- Handheld computers with facilities like:
Personal organiser
Internet browsing
Tel. calls
Multimedia
26
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of PDA

A

ads:

  • Small and light, can fit in your pocket
  • Easy to use anywhere.
  • Can be used like a mobile phone to make calls.

disads:

  • Very small keyboards.
  • Some use stylus pen instead of a keyboard.
  • Small screen
  • Easily get stolen or mistaken because they’re small.
  • Limited power.
27
Q

Palmtop

A
  • Are very similar in computing power to PDAs
  • Designed to sit in the palm of your hand, comes with small keyboard.
  • Used for basic functions like:
    Calendars
    Phone number and address book lists
    Internet access
    Email
28
Q

Advantages + disadvantages of palmtop

A

ads:

  • Small and light
  • Easy to use anywhere
  • Built in cameras and microphones

disads:

  • Very small keyboards
  • Less memory
  • Small screen
  • Very small size makes them easy to misplace or get stolen.
  • Limited power
29
Q

What is ‘cloud computing’?

A
  • Storing documents, programs and data on the Internet rather than on their own computers.
  • With Internet connection, they can create, edit and share ICT files from almost any location.
  • Users can save space on their computer’s storage drives.
30
Q

Examples of cloud computing

A

Streaming music, Googles Docs

31
Q

Advantages of cloud computing

A

Ads:

  • Lower costs
  • Increased accessibility
  • Time saving
  • Increased storage space
  • Backups
  • Sharing of data
32
Q

Disadvantages of cloud computing

A
  • Security risks - vulnerable to hackers and viruses
  • Can’t access to your documents without Internet access
  • Quality of software
  • Potential increased costs
33
Q

Advantages of e-books and online newspapers?

A

Ads:

  • Storage benefits
  • Paperless
  • Instant access to your book or newspaper
  • Cheaper to buy
34
Q

Disadvantages of e-books and online newspapers?

A

Disads:

  • Health and safety
  • Piracy
  • Usability
  • High initial costs

IGCSE ICT (10 decks)

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