U2: Fundamentals of Computer Science Flashcards
What is Hardware?
The physical components of a computer system.
Give some examples of hardware.
▪ Screens ▪ Keyboards ▪ Mice ▪ Printers ▪ Cabling ▪ Mobile devices ▪ Servers
What is an MFD?
Multi-functional devices are those that perform multiple functions.
Give examples of MFDs.
▪ Printers - often combine the functions: printing, scanning, faxing and photocopying
▪ Smartphones - combine the functions of a: phone, camera, computer, touchscreen, etc.
What are PCs?
A personal computer is a general-purpose computing device that is small and cheap enough to be used by individuals. The term personal computer usually refers to desktops and laptops.
What is a general-purpose computer?
Devices capable of performing the most common computing tasks.
What are the professional uses of PCs?
They are used for anything useful to the organization, which normally requires the use of software programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, programming environments, and other software applications.
What are the features of Desktop PCs?
▪ Not portable so are usually left in one place.
▪ Cabled connection to a network.
What are the features of Laptop PCs?
▪ Portable
▪ Moved within a wireless, WIFI network.
▪ Uses for individuals who want flexibility
What is the motherboard and what does it do?
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects the attached components and allows them to communicate with one another. These components include; the CPU, RAM, Secondary storage and external components such as; the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, network.
What is the CPU?
The central processing unit (CPU) is a chip that plugs into a compatible socket in the motherboard. This components processes code, by working out any calculations, logical operations or relational comparisons.
What is RAM?
Random access memory (RAM) stores files and software that is in use.
What type of RAM is used in PCs?
DDR RAM
What is secondary storage and how is it connected to the motherboard in a PC?
Secondary storage is where files and software are stored when they are not in use. It is connected to the motherboard via a cable.
What storage types are used in secondary storage for PCs?
The most commonly used type of storage is HDD. However, SSD storage is becoming more popular.
What are expansion slots for in a PC?
Expansion slots are used to connect expansion cards, such as graphics cards to the motherboard.
What is an expansion card?
Expansion cards are cards that allow the user to add additional, specialist capabilities to the PC.
What are graphics cards and what are they used for?
Graphics cards contain a GPU and VRAM, used to perform tasks involved in rendering graphics. They are used for rendering video games and for aiding in the production of digital art.
What are Mobile devices?
Mobile devices are MFDs that can consist of a computer, camera and, in some cases, phones.
What are the main features of mobile devices?
▪ Compact
▪ Light-weight
▪ Long battery life
▪ Wireless connection to the internet
Give some examples of Mobile Devices.
▪ Smartphones
▪ Smartwatches
▪ Tablets
▪ Mobile Phone
Modern Mobile devices
Recently there has been a lot of development in mobile devices and recent mobile devices are almost as powerful as PCs, have good internet connection and a long battery life.
What is the name of the integrated circuit which holds the main internal components of a mobile device?
System-on-a-Chip
What is the SoC?
The SoC is a circuit that holds a mobile devices CPU, GPU, Storage, Memory and other important components.