U1: Hardware and Software Principles Flashcards
User Requirements
Things the user will need the computer to be able to do.
Specifications
- The different parts and capabilities of the computer
- User requirements dictate the specifications of a computer
Internal Components
Hardware components of a computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
An inch by inch silicon chip including millions of transistors allowing the computer to compute.
Hard Drive (HD)
Series of platters/disks storing programs and files
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- When running a program, programs are copied to RAM then run from the RAM
- When turning a computer off, the RAM is wiped clean
Read Only Memory (ROM)
- Regular computer user can’t write to ROM.
- Stores data and instructions for when the computer boots up.
Motherboard
- Main circuit board all internal components attach to.
- Holds connections that allow parts to communicate.
Sound Card
- Extra components enhancing audio performance.
- Allows for amplified audio or to plug a guitar into a computer.
Graphics Card
- Extra components enhancing video performance.
- Makes graphics render smoother.
Clock Speed
- The no. per second the processor can turn a signal on and off again
- How fast a processor processes information or performs operations
Abbreviations (Hertz)
- Hertz → Hz → 1 time/second
- Megahertz → MHz → 1 million/second
- Gigahertz → GHz → 1 billion/second
Cores
Multi-core CPU can focus on multiple tasks
Storage
- 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
Abbreviations (storage)
- 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
Peripherals
- External hardware device of a computer
- Purchased peripherals influenced by needs of the user
Input Devices
Devices where data goes from the device into the computer
Output Devices
- Devices where data goes from computer to the device.
- Touchscreen monitors would be considered input and output devices
Laserjet
- More expensive toner that lasts longer
- Lower cost for black-and-white per page; higher initial cost
- Excellent quality for text and monochrome
Inkjet
- Higher cost for colour and black/white per page
- Better quality for colour and photo printing
- Frequent, cheaper cartridge replacement
LCD Monitor
- Liquid crystals sandwiched between glass panels
- Lower brightness than LEDs; less energy efficient
- Good colour accuracy; thick monitor
SSD
- Flash memory; faster speeds
- Durable; silent; higher cost
LED Monitor (type of LCD)
- Uses LED backlighting instead of CCFLs
- Higher brightness; energy efficient
- Better color accuracy; thinner
HDD
- Spinning magnetic disks; slower
- Vulnerable; noisy; lower cost
Regular Keyboard
- Membrane layer completes circuit when keys pressed
- Softer; less tactile; less durable
- Quieter; affordable; limited customization
Mechanical Keyboard
- Individual mechanical switches [for each key]
- More tactile; durable; noisier
- Expensive; more customization
Software
- Programs that run on computers
- Computer applications, programming languages/development environments, and operating systems
Applications
- Helps people perform a task
- Ex: Web browsers, word processing, antivirus software
Programming Languages
- Code is written then “compiled”, turned into working program
- Ex: Java
Development Environment
- Software used to write the programming code
- Ex: NetBeans, Eclipse
Operating System (1)
- Loads up whenever computer powered on
- Displays software and apps available
Operating System (2)
- Connects to peripherals and manages Wi-Fi connections
- Organizes data storage and usage
