U1: Hardware and Software Principles Flashcards
1
Q
User Requirements
A
Things the user will need the computer to be able to do.
2
Q
Specifications
A
- The different parts and capabilities of the computer
- User requirements dictate the specifications of a computer
3
Q
Internal Components
A
Hardware components of a computer
4
Q
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A
An inch by inch silicon chip including millions of transistors allowing the computer to compute.
5
Q
Hard Drive (HD)
A
Series of platters/disks storing programs and files
6
Q
Random Access Memory (RAM)
A
- When running a program, programs are copied to RAM then run from the RAM
- When turning a computer off, the RAM is wiped clean
7
Q
Read Only Memory (ROM)
A
- Regular computer user can’t write to ROM.
- Stores data and instructions for when the computer boots up.
8
Q
Motherboard
A
- Main circuit board all internal components attach to.
- Holds connections that allow parts to communicate.
9
Q
Sound Card
A
- Extra components enhancing audio performance.
- Allows for amplified audio or to plug a guitar into a computer.
10
Q
Graphics Card
A
- Extra components enhancing video performance.
- Makes graphics render smoother.
11
Q
Clock Speed
A
- The no. per second the processor can turn a signal on and off again
- How fast a processor processes information or performs operations
12
Q
Abbreviations (Hertz)
A
- Hertz → Hz → 1 time/second
- Megahertz → MHz → 1 million/second
- Gigahertz → GHz → 1 billion/second
13
Q
Cores
A
Multi-core CPU can focus on multiple tasks
14
Q
Storage
A
- Most important spec for memory is capacity
- Smallest unit of memory is a bit (1 or 0)
- One letter needs at least one byte (8 bits)
- Byte is the measurement unit used
15
Q
Abbreviations (storage)
A
- 1 KB = 1,024 bytes = half typed page
- 1 MB = 1,024 KB = 500 typed pages
- 1 GB = 1,024 MB = 400 images
- 1 TB = 1,024 GB = 17,000 hours of music
