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IGCSE CIE ICT 0417 > Topic 1 - Types and components of computer systems > Flashcards

Topic 1 - Types and components of computer systems Flashcards

1
Q

Define Hardware

A

The electronic, physical component that make up a typical computer system.

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2
Q

What does ‘NIC’ stand for and what is it?

A

Network Interface card: A circuit board that is installed on the computer to connect to the network.

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3
Q

Function of NIC

A

Provides a computer with a dedicated, full-time connection to a network.

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4
Q

What does CPU stand for?

A

Central Processing Unit

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5
Q

Function of CPU

A

Processes input, stores data, and outputs results.

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6
Q

What are the 2 main examples of Internal Memory?

A
  • RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory)
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7
Q

Define Softwares

A

Programs that control the operation of a computer or the processing of electronic data.

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8
Q

What are the main types of software?

A
  • Application Software
  • System Software
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9
Q

Function of Application Software

A

Provide services that the user requires to solve a task. Can be both general-purpose or custom-made software (also known as specialist software).

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10
Q

Examples of Application Softwares

A
  • Databases
  • Spreadsheets
  • Word processors
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11
Q

Purpose of System Software

A

Provides the services that the computer requires to operate.

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12
Q

Types of System Softwares

A
  • Compilers
  • Linkers
  • Device Drivers
  • OS (Operating Systems)
  • Utilities
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13
Q

Function of Compilers

A

Translates high-level language into machine code.

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14
Q

Function of Linkers

A

Creates links between language processors to form workable solutions.

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15
Q

Function of Device Drivers

A

Enables the device to work with an externally connected device.

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16
Q

Functions of OS

A
  • Stands for Operating System
  • enables computer systems to function
  • allows user to communicate with computer system
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17
Q

Function of Utilities Software

A

Provides the necessary facilities (ie antivirus, scan disk, disk defragmentation, etc.)

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18
Q

Define Disk Defragmentation

A

Rearranges fragmented data in the disk so the disks can work more efficiently.

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19
Q

Define CPU

A

Component of the computer that understands and executes hardware and software operations.

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20
Q

What does the CPU consist of?

A
  • CU - Central Unit
  • ALU - Arithmetic and Logic Unit
  • Registers
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21
Q

Function of CU

A

Manages the input and output devices.

CU stands for Control Unit

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22
Q

Function of ALU

A

Performs computations and makes logical judgements.

ALU stands for Arithmetic and Logic Unit

23
Q

Define Registers

A

Tiny memory regions.

24
Q

Features of RAM

A
  • Temporary memory storage (volatile)
  • Can be increased in size to improve operational speed.
  • Can be both read and written.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory

25
**Functions of RAM**
* Performs read and write functions. * Used to store data **currently in use**. ## Footnote RAM stands for Random Access Memory
26
**Features of ROM**
* Permanent memory storage (Non-volatile). * Can only be read (not written to). * Cannot be upgraded nor altered. ## Footnote ROM stands for Read-Only Memory
27
**Function of ROM**
Used to store computer's configuration data (ie BIOS) ## Footnote ROM stands for Read-Only Memory
28
**What does BIOS stand for?**
Basic Input/Output System
29
**Define Input Devices**
Pieces of hardware that allow the user to enter data into the computer. (directly communicate with the computer). ## Footnote More complex than output devices
30
**Define Output Devices**
Hardware that displays the computer's output in a human-readable format. It shows the result or solution of the input after it has been processed. ## Footnote Simpler than input devices.
31
**Which are more complex: Input or Output Devices?**
Input Devices
32
**Why are Backing/Secondary storages required?**
To store significant amounts of data permanently.
33
**Examples of Backing/Secondary Storage**
* Hard disk drives * Solid-state drives
34
**What are the differences between Internal Memory and Backing Storage?**
* Backing storage is permanent even without power. * Internal Memory are much smaller. * Internal Memory is significantly faster in accessing data than backing storage. * Backing storage is much cheaper. * Backing storage can be both fixed and portable (unlike internal memory that is just fixed). * Backing storage must be moved to RAM so it can be read by CPU instead of being read directly like internal memory.
35
**Functions of Operating System**
* Controls operation of input, output, and backing storage. * Supervises loading, running, and storage of apps. * Deals with errors in application programs. * Maintains security of the whole computer system. * Maintains a computer log.
36
**Define User Interface**
The means by which the user and a computer system interact.
37
**What are the 4 common types of UIs?**
* CLI (Command Line Interface) * GUI (Graphical User Interface) * Dialogue-based User Interface * Gesture-based User Interface
38
**What does WIMP stand for?**
Windows, Icons, Menu, and Pointing device.
39
**Which UI uses WIMP?**
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
40
**Benefits of CLI** ## Footnote Stands for Command Line Interface
* The user has a **direct** communication line with the computer. * User is **not** restricted to pre-defined options.
41
**Problems with CLI** ## Footnote Stands for Command Line Interface
* User must learn many commands for basic operations. * All commands must be typed in (time consuming) * Highly error prone (ie 1 spelling mistake falters all commands)
42
**Which Interface requires the user to type in commands?**
Command Line Interface (CLI)
43
**Benefits of GUI** ## Footnote Stands for Graphical User Interface
* User-friendly (Since user does not need to learn commands and icons are used to represent apps) * A pointing device is used to launch apps, which is simpler than typing.
44
**Problems with GUI** ## Footnote Stands for Graphical User Interface
* Uses more space than CLI * User is limited to the icons provided on the screen * Requires a more complex operating system
45
**Which UI uses the human voice to recieve commands to operate?**
Dialogue-based User Interface
46
**Benefits of Dialogue-based User Interface**
* Can be useful during driving so the driver doesn't have to take his hands off the steering wheel. * Can be used for the disabled * Used as a security feature (voice recognition)
47
**Problems with Dialogue-based User Interface**
* Unreliable * Complex to setup * User needs to know which commands can be used
48
**Which UI relis of human interaction (ie moving hands, head, or feet) to work?**
Gesture-based User Interface
49
**Benefits of Gesture-based UI?**
* Replaces the need for mechanical input devices. * Doesn't require physical contact. * No training is needed.
50
**Problems with Gesture-based UI?**
* May pick up unintentional movement * Only accepts a limited number of movements * Only works near the camera or sensor (maximum of 1.5 meters).
51
**What are the 2 main types of computers?**
* Desktop Computers * Mobile Computers | Mobile means moving/portable.
52
**What does the word "Desktop" refer to?**
General-purpose computer
53
**What are Desktop computers?**
General-purpose computers that are made up of seperate components. (Mainly: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Processer Unit) ## Footnote Not portable
54
**Name the 4 types of Mobile Computers**
* Laptop Computers * Tablet Computers * Phablet Computers * Smartphone Computers

IGCSE CIE ICT 0417 (2 decks)

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