Types and Components of Computer Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is hardware?

A

The physical components of a computer system that you can touch and see

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2
Q

Examples of internal hardware

A

Central processing unit (CPU), Motherboard, RAM, ROM, Video and Sound Cards, Hard Disk Drive, Solid State Drive

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3
Q

Examples of external hardware

A

Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, External Storage Devices

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4
Q

What is software?

A

The programs that control the computer systems

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5
Q

What is application software? Give examples.

A

Application software are programs that allow the user to do specific tasks.
Ex: Spreadsheet, Database, Word Processor, Measurement, Video Editing, Apps

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6
Q

What is system software? Give examples.

A

System software are programs that allow hardware to run properly and the user to communicate with the computer.
Ex: Operating systems, Compilers, Device Drivers.

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7
Q

What does the CPU do?

A

The Central Processing Unit (also known as microprocessor) interprets and executes the commands of the computer hardware and software and it is found on the motherboard.

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8
Q

What does the CPU consist of?

A
  1. Control unit: controls the input and output devices associated with the computer
  2. Arithmetic and logic unit: carries out calculations and makes logical decisions
  3. Immediate access store (RAM)
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9
Q

What is RAM?

A

Random Access Memory is an internal chip where data is stored temporarily.

It stores anything that needs to be changed so it can be written to and read from. All data and programs being used are on RAM. However, contents are lost when computer shuts off (volatile memory).

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10
Q

What is ROM?

A

Read Only Memory is memory used to store permanent information.

Used to contain configuration data for a computer. It cannot be altered, and data is not lost when system turns off (non-volatile memory).

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11
Q

What is BIOS?

A

Basic Input/Output system is a boot file in the ROM that tells the computer what to do when it first starts.

It does a hardware check and then loads operating system into RAM. BIOS contains the time, date

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12
Q

What is BIOS?

A

Basic Input/Output system is a boot file in the ROM that tells the computer what to do when it first starts.

It does a hardware check and then loads operating system into RAM. BIOS contains the time, date and system configuration.

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13
Q

What is HDD or SSD?

A

Hard Disk Drive or Solid State Drive is the computers main internal storage.

They store the application software, operating systems, and files. They have fast data transfer rates and a large memory capacity.

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14
Q

What are input devices?

A

Input devices provide raw data, which have no meaning, to be processed.
Ex: Keyboard, mouse

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15
Q

What are output devices?

A

Output devices display the result of processing raw data into data that has meaning.

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16
Q

What is secondary/ backing storage?

A
16
Q

What is secondary/ backing storage?

A

Secondary storage/ backing storage is all devices (apart from ROM and RAM) that can store data. They also store programs not being used at that time.

Backing store device = reader or recorder
Backing store media = hardware containing data

17
Q

What are operating systems?

A

Operating systems allows users to communicate with the computer.

Ex: CLI and GUI

18
Q

What is CLI?

A

Command line interface is a type of interface where the user types in commands to tell the computer what to do. Used by technicians.

Adv: Can access everything on the computer system
Dis: User must know all the commands, must not make typing errors

19
Q

What is GUI?

A

Graphic user interface is a type of interface where graphics or icons are used to stand in for complicated actions.

Adv: User friendly, faster to open applications
Dis: expensive, user is limited to icons on screen, requires operating system, takes up more space.

20
Q

What is the impact of emerging technologies?

A
  1. Artificial Intelligence
    -Technology that focuses on creating a computer system that can closely mimic or simulate human intelligence.
  2. Biometrics
    -A part of a person’s body is used to identify that individual, can be used as an authentication technique
  3. Vision Enhancement
    -LVES: low vision enhancement systems
    -NVE: Night vision enhancement:
  4. Robotics
    -Programmed machinery widely used to do physically demanding tasks
  5. Quantum Cryptography
    -Technology that allows messages and data to be sent with complete privacy; basically, an advanced encryption
  6. Computer Assisted Translation
    -When human translators use computer software to help in the translation process
  7. Virtual Reality
    -When computers create an artificial environment that users can virtually interact with