Types and Components of Computer Systems Flashcards
Hardware Definition
Physical parts of computer system, the components you can touch.
Types of hardware
Internal
External
Internal Hardware Examples
Processor Motherboard RAM ROM Video Card Sound Card Internal Hard Disc Drive
Motherboard
Central component of any computer system through which every other component communicates and sends signals to others. Components are plugged into it directly or indirectly and are able to form the system.
Processor (CPU)
The brain of the computer. It controls everything that the computer does, the calculations it makes and processes the data, also moving it in and out of the memory.
RAM
It stores only information currently in use that is constantly changing. It is a fast memory and it is considered a volatile memory since when the computer is turned off the data is deleted.
The more RAM you have the faster your computer will be.
ROM
It’s used to store instructions for the computer to work. The information cannot be changed and when the computer is turned off, it wont be lost. The data can be accessed very quickly.
Video Card/ Graphics card
Allows images to be displayed on the monitor of the computer. Along with the instalation of it, a software needs to be installed so it tells the computer how to use it.
Sound Card
It allows the computer to produce and input sounds to and from the computer by either turning analog data into digital data or viceversa.
Internal Hard Disc Drive
Stores data that is not instantly needed by the computer permanently, until you decide to delete it that is. It also stores programmes and is used commonly to back up data in case the original is lost.
External Hardware Examples
Input Devices
Output Devices
Peripherals
Input Devices Definition
They are used to get data into the computer system. There are manual and automatic
Output Devices
Devices that transfer usable information out of the computer. They are temporary or permanent.
Peripherals
Non essential hardware components that connect to the computer externally, the computer system can operate without them hence the name non essential.
Software
Used to control the operation of the computer and the processing of electronic data. You cannot touch it.
There are two types: Application and System
Applications Software
Software that is used in particular situations and can be general purpose (used in many different situations) or specialist (used in one particular situation).
Word Processing, spreadsheets, database production, graphics manipulation…
System Software
Files and programmes that make up your computers operating system.
Compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems…
Operating Systems Definition
Set of programs that control how the hardware and the applications of a computer work. It is a way of communication between the user and the computer.
Command Line Interface
In which the user types in instructions using commands. It is fast but complicated to use, it also uses very little amount of RAM. Used in batch processing.
Graphical User Interface
In which the user uses a mouse to point and click objects on a screen. It is easy to use but needs a arge amount of RAM and disk space. Uses Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers.
Personal/Desktop Computer
Computers usually found at home, schools or offices that consist of output, input and storage devices grouped in a base unit.
There are two types: standalone and networked
Standalone PC
Used by one user at a time to perform tasks like gaming or emailing. It can operate without being connected to other comuters.
Networked PC
Joined together on a network with other computers in order to share resources like printers and data. They are designed to be used by many at a time.
Advantages of Desktop Computers
Cheaper than laptops.
Large keyboard.
Design that allows heat to escape.
Disadvantages of Desktop Computers
Large and bulky so they arent portable.
Need a constant power supply.
Data will need to be copied on a portable device in order to work somewhere else with it.
Laptops
Portable computers that can sit on your lap. They have LCD screens and are almost as powerful as a PC.
Networked Laptops
Used for the same purpose as PCs of the same kind but it is easier to work with them because of their built in WiFi.
Advantages of Laptops
Smaller, lighter and more portable than a PC
Use low power and have a reachargeable battery.
Built in WiFi to access the internet.
No need to transfer files as you can take the computer itself with you.
Disadvantages of Laptops
Its battery life is limited and you will need to charge it.
It has a smaller keyboard than a PC and could be uncomfortable for some.
Prone to theft or loss because of portability.
Compact, therefore get hotter than a PC.
Tablet Computers
Hand-held, mobile computers that share many features with a PC and a laptop.
Has a touchscreen instead of mouse and keyboard, along with installed buttons to alter the volume or switch the device on or off.
Used for similar tasks as laptops and computers, they have built in wifi access and some have slot for SIM cards so the user can make phone calls, send texts or enter the Internet using 3G or 4G technology.
Advantages of Tablets
They are small, light and portable (more than a laptop).
Images can be drawn directly on the touchscreen by the use of a stylus pen or simply with the fingers.
They have longer battery life and built in camera(s).
Disadvantages of Tablets
Less storage and slower performance than laptops.
The keyboard on the screen is even smaller than those on laptops and might be hard or uncomfortable to use.
Touchscreen is hard to use for graphics design.
Smartphones
Mobile phones that are able to perform tasks other than making phone calls and send text messages. They have either touch screens or a physical built in keyboard, a digital camera (or two), GPS navigation, wireless and bluetooth connection…
They are used for leisure (using apps, games, videos…), work, making phone calls and texting.
Advantages of Smartphones
They are the smallest computer, can fit in your pocket.
It might have a physical built in keyboard for those who dont like those on the touchscreen.
Some are cheaper than many tablets and are more practical for making phone calls and texting than tablets.
Disadvantages of Smartphones
Very small screen.
Not as powerfull as tablets.
Lower battery life.
Easy to misplace or be stolen.
Emerging Technologies
Those currently under development or will be in 5 to 10 years, that will alter the business and social environment.
Emerging Technologies examples
Artificial Inteligence Biometrics Vision Enhancement Quantum Cryptography Computer-assisted translation 3D and holographic imaging Virtual Reality
Artificial Inteligence
Computer science focused on simulating human inteligence with computer systems. Making computers behave like humans. It is currently used in games, expert systems, languages and robotics.
Impacts of Artificial Inteligence
Accurate prediction of the weather (early warnings about upcoming disasters)
Leisure time increases (robots that you program to clean your house).
Safer transport (self-parking cars and self-driving vehicles)
Increased personal safety (alarms that tell intruder and owner apart, advise police).
Improved medical care (robotic surgery assistants)
Biometrics
When parts of a person’s body that are unique to each and every one, are used as a form of identification. They cant be lost, forgotten or stolen, unlike passwords.
Impacts of Biometrics
Better airport security (facial recognition of terrorists and fugitives that have to be stopped from escaping the country)
Increased building security (Only those permited can access restricted rooms)
Reduced car theft (fingerprint recognition to open the car’s doors and turn on the engine)
More secure phones (i.e: iPhone 5s onwards).
Quantum Cryptography
Technology that allows messages and data to be sent with complete privacy by encrypting it with methods based on physics instead of mathematics like the old ones. This makes the codes impossible to break through.
Impacts of Quantum Encryption
Completly secure voting that gets rid of the risk of your vote being changend or pampered.
Completly secure communication that eliminates the risks of your texts and conversations being heard or read.
Complete secure bank transfers and personal information.
Computer Assisted Translation
Where a human translator uses a computer software to help in the translatoin process. It reduces the amount of time spent in the translation process but it is not 100% accurate.
Spell checkers, translation memory software and language search engine.
Translation Memory Software
Databases that store translated text in order to be reused in the future, speeding up the process.
Language Search Engine Software
A compilation of translation memory databases in which a user types in a word, and the software searches through the database to find a translated match.
Impacts of Computer Aided Translation
Documents are more accurate by the use of spelling checkers.
More multilingual society.
Quicker and more efficient translations.
3D and Holographic Imaging
Technique where images are made to appear three dimensional and have actual depth by taking two dimensional images of the same objects taken from two different angles.
Impacts of 3D imaging
Improved security to prevent forged duplicates.
Better movie experiences because they make the experience more immersive as the viewer feels like theyre in the movie.
Grater data storage due to holographic layers.
Virtual Reality
It is where computers are used to create an artificial environment that users can interact with as if it were real. Other than for gaming it is used as a secure way of training soldiers in combat, training surgeons and allowing architects to walk around virtual versions of their design.
As you walk through the virtual environment users experience things in a similar way to the real world.
Equipment needed in Virtual Reality
Eye Goggles to produce 3D images that make up the artificial world.
Special gloves which detects your hand movements and inputs them into a computer and processed.
Headphones to control what the users hear.
A powerful computer is needed to create the virtual environment and process the data and output it.
Impacts of Virtual Reality
- Improved medical surgeons as they can train using virtual patients allowing the surgeon to commit errors and learn from them without risking any lives.
- Larger and stronger buildings are built because architects are allowed to see a virtual version of the future building before it is built and correct any errors.
- Effective treatment against phobias, people can experience a controlled version of what they’re afraid of until they get used to it.
- Training in dangerous situations where it is impossible to practice the real thing ie: a fire.
- More realistic eduation, students get to learn in a more interactive way.
