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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Function of NIC

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What does CPU stand for?

A

Central Processing Unit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Function of CPU

A

Processes input, stores data, and outputs results.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 2 main examples of Internal Memory?

A
  • RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • ROM (Read-Only Memory)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define Softwares

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the main types of software?

A
  • Application Software
  • System Software
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Examples of Application Softwares

A
  • Databases
  • Spreadsheets
  • Word processors
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Purpose of System Software

A

Provides the services that the computer requires to operate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Types of System Softwares

A
  • Compilers
  • Linkers
  • Device Drivers
  • OS (Operating Systems)
  • Utilities
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Function of Compilers

A

Translates high-level language into machine code.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Function of Linkers

A

Creates links between language processors to form workable solutions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Function of Device Drivers

A

Enables the device to work with an externally connected device.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Functions of OS

A
  • Stands for Operating System
  • enables computer systems to function
  • allows user to communicate with computer system
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Function of Utilities Software

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define Disk Defragmentation

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define CPU

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What does the CPU consist of?

A
  • CU - Central Unit
  • ALU - Arithmetic and Logic Unit
  • Registers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Function of CU

A

Manages the input and output devices.

CU stands for Control Unit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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
Q

Functions of RAM

A
  • Performs read and write functions.
  • Used to store data currently in use.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory

26
Q

Features of ROM

A
  • Permanent memory storage (Non-volatile).
  • Can only be read (not written to).
  • Cannot be upgraded nor altered.

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory

27
Q

Function of ROM

A

Used to store computer’s configuration data (ie BIOS)

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory

28
Q

What does BIOS stand for?

A

Basic Input/Output System

29
Q

Define Input Devices

A

Pieces of hardware that allow the user to enter data into the computer. (directly communicate with the computer).

More complex than output devices

30
Q

Define Output Devices

A

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.

Simpler than input devices.

31
Q

Which are more complex: Input or Output Devices?

A

Input Devices

32
Q

Why are Backing/Secondary storages required?

A

To store significant amounts of data permanently.

33
Q

Examples of Backing/Secondary Storage

A
  • Hard disk drives
  • Solid-state drives
34
Q

What are the differences between Internal Memory and Backing Storage?

A
  • 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
Q

Functions of Operating System

A
  • 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
Q

Define User Interface

A

The means by which the user and a computer system interact.

37
Q

What are the 4 common types of UIs?

A
  • CLI (Command Line Interface)
  • GUI (Graphical User Interface)
  • Dialogue-based User Interface
  • Gesture-based User Interface
38
Q

What does WIMP stand for?

A

Windows, Icons, Menu, and Pointing device.

39
Q

Which UI uses WIMP?

A

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

40
Q

Benefits of CLI

Stands for Command Line Interface

A
  • The user has a direct communication line with the computer.
  • User is not restricted to pre-defined options.
41
Q

Problems with CLI

Stands for Command Line Interface

A
  • 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
Q

Which Interface requires the user to type in commands?

A

Command Line Interface (CLI)

43
Q

Benefits of GUI

Stands for Graphical User Interface

A
  • 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
Q

Problems with GUI

Stands for Graphical User Interface

A
  • Uses more space than CLI
  • User is limited to the icons provided on the screen
  • Requires a more complex operating system
45
Q

Which UI uses the human voice to recieve commands to operate?

A

Dialogue-based User Interface

46
Q

Benefits of Dialogue-based User Interface

A
  • 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
Q

Problems with Dialogue-based User Interface

A
  • Unreliable
  • Complex to setup
  • User needs to know which commands can be used
48
Q

Which UI relis of human interaction (ie moving hands, head, or feet) to work?

A

Gesture-based User Interface

49
Q

Benefits of Gesture-based UI?

A
  • Replaces the need for mechanical input devices.
  • Doesn’t require physical contact.
  • No training is needed.
50
Q

Problems with Gesture-based UI?

A
  • 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
Q

What are the 2 main types of computers?

A
  • Desktop Computers
  • Mobile Computers

Mobile means moving/portable.

52
Q

What does the word “Desktop” refer to?

A

General-purpose computer

53
Q

What are Desktop computers?

A

General-purpose computers that are made up of seperate components. (Mainly: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and Processer Unit)

Not portable

54
Q

Name the 4 types of Mobile Computers

A
  • Laptop Computers
  • Tablet Computers
  • Phablet Computers
  • Smartphone Computers