Section 1 - Types and components of computer systems Flashcards
What is ‘hardware’?
all of the physical components of a computer system
Examples of hardware
external: keyboard mouse monitor speakers webcam scanner
internal: RAM ROM processor video cards
What is ‘software’?
coded programs that control how the computer works
Examples of software
system software:
disk cleaners
virus protection
word processors
application software:
operating system
linkers
compiler
What are the main components of computer systems?
all the different pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make up the complete computer system
Motherboard
Circuit board that allows CPU, RAM and other hardware components to communicate with each other
All components plug into the motherboard
Processor (CPU)
Brain of the computer
Controls what computer does + is responsible for performing calculations and data processing
Internal memory (RAM and ROM)
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
Video card / graphics card
Plug into motherboard, enables computer to display images on monitor
Sound card
Plug into motherboard – allow computer system to produce sound + connect microphones
Storage devices (secondary backing storage)
Stores data that is not instantly used by the computer
What is an ‘operating system’?
a software program that manages computer resources.
Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other and enables the computer to run software applications.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
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.
Advantages + disadvantages of CLI
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
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
very ‘friendly’ way for people to interact with computer → makes use of pictures, graphics and icons
Advantages + disadvantages of GUI
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
Desktop computer (PC)
- 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.
Advantages + disadvantages of PC
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.
Laptop
- 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.
Advantages + disadvantages of laptops
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.
Mainframes
- 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.
Advantages + disadvantages of mainframes
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.
Netbook
- 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.
Advantages + disadvantages of netbook
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
PDA (personal digital assistant)
- Handheld computers with facilities like: Personal organiser Internet browsing Tel. calls Multimedia
Advantages + disadvantages of PDA
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.
Palmtop
- 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
Advantages + disadvantages of palmtop
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
What is ‘cloud computing’?
- 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.
Examples of cloud computing
Streaming music, Googles Docs
Advantages of cloud computing
Ads:
- Lower costs
- Increased accessibility
- Time saving
- Increased storage space
- Backups
- Sharing of data
Disadvantages of cloud computing
- Security risks - vulnerable to hackers and viruses
- Can’t access to your documents without Internet access
- Quality of software
- Potential increased costs
Advantages of e-books and online newspapers?
Ads:
- Storage benefits
- Paperless
- Instant access to your book or newspaper
- Cheaper to buy
Disadvantages of e-books and online newspapers?
Disads:
- Health and safety
- Piracy
- Usability
- High initial costs
