Types and Components of computer systems

Question 1

Define Hardware

Answer 1

the electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer system. These may include input and output devices as well.

Question 2

Define Software

Answer 2

The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions tell the device what to do and how to do it. They are the programs that control the computer system and process data.
Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.

Question 3

What is application Software

Answer 3

Provides services that allow the user to do specific tasks.
It can be general-purpose software or custom-made software. (Specialist software)
E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.

Question 4

Define Compilers

Answer 4

Compilers: The software translates the High-level language into Machine code (Language Processor).

Question 5

Define Linkers

Answer 5

Linkers: A Software that creates the links between Language processors into workable solutions (Data definition language).

Question 6

Define Device Drivers

Answer 6

Device drivers: A software that enables the device to work with another, externally connected device.

Question 7

Define Utilities

Answer 7

Utilities: A system software that provides the necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk Defragmentation, etc.)

Question 8

Define Operating System

Answer 8

Operating systems: To enable computer systems to function and allow users to communicate with computer systems, special software, known as operating systems (OS), have been developed.

Question 9

Describe the CPU

Answer 9

The component of the computer that understands and executes hardware and software operations. Nowadays, it’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a single integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also present in many household gadgets and equipment where some control or monitoring is required.
It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input and output devices, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that performs computations and makes logical judgments, and tiny memory regions known as registers.
It processes the input and produces the outcome of the processing in the form of output.

Question 10

Describe the Internal Memory

Answer 10

Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read and write functions, is used to store data that are currently in use, and can be increased in size to improve operational speed.

Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS.

N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the date, time and system configuration on a non-volatile chip called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.

Question 11

Difference between RAM and ROM

Answer 11

RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is a permanent one.
RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be read from.
RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and parts of OS that are currently in use. However, ROM is used in storing start-up data,

Question 12

What is the difference between internal memory and backing storage

Answer 12

RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing storage is permanent even without power.
RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing storage.
RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data than backing storage.
Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.
Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can be fixed or portable.
Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, while backing storage needs to be moved into the RAM before being read by the CPU.

Question 13

What is Operating System

Answer 13

Controls operation of input, output & backing storage
Supervises loading, running & storage of application programs.
Deals with errors in application programs.
Maintains security of the whole computer system
Maintains a computer log.

Question 14

Explain the command line interface

Answer 14

user needs to type in commands to communicate with the computer. The user is in direct communication with the computer. Not restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter computer configuration settings. Needs to learn many commands for basic operations. All commands need to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error prone, as commands must have correct format, spelling etc.

Question 15

Explain the Graphical user interface

Answer 15

Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device). The user does not need to learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; icons are used to represent applications. A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch the application, this is simpler than typing in commands. This type of interface uses up considerably more computer memory than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen. Needs a more complex operating system.

Question 16

Explain Dialogue based interface

Answer 16

Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device). The user does not need to learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; icons are used to represent applications. A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch the application, this is simpler than typing in commands. This type of interface uses up considerably more computer memory than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen. Needs a more complex operating system.

Question 17

Explain Gesture based interface

Answer 17

relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even feet. Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical contact is required. Very natural interface for a human operator. No training is needed to interface with the computer. It is possible for unintentional movement to be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor (maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may take several attempts to determine exactly what finger movements are recognized).