Unit 2:Overview of a computer Flashcards
what is hardware
hardware is the collection of physical components attached to or forming part of the computer system; the items we cannot touch
what is software
software is the collection of the non-physical parts of the system; the operating system application programs and the data.
the general processing cycle?
see page 20
describe a computer
a device that performs tasks at high speed.
what is the central processing unit aka the processor
the component that performs tasks is the CPU
RAM?
stores the instructions from the processor/CPU
draw diagram of the connectivity and an ICT system
see page 21
professional advantages
- fast access to data
- -critical transactions can take place at high speed
professional disadvantages
- electrical failures cause much loss of productivity
- unauthorized access to data is possible
personal advantages
- online shopping/banking
- mail services
personal disadvantages
- injuries related to poor working conditions
- scams and online fraud
environmental advantages
- less use of paper
- less traveling, hence less pollution, if you can work from home
environmental disadvantages
- toxic waste is generated by the dumping of old equipment
- greater energy hence more electrical requirements
upgrading advantages
-your computer is up to date and you can keep abreast of rapidly changing technology \The internet facilitates efficient updating of software
upgrading disadvantages
-hardware quickly becomes updated; software constantly needs to be upgraded with versions constantly changing . As the software develops so your hardware becomes obsolete.
define data
data is the raw unorganized facts that need to be processed to make it useful and meaningful
what is information
information is processed data -organized, structured, or presented in a given context to make it useful.
computer types: Desktop
primary use, processing power, size, portability
-also called personal computers; the most common computer that is currently in use.
=running applications that need a lot of memory, speed and/or graphic capabilities
= processing power 3-4
=large-occupies an entire desktop
=not portable at all
=
computer types: Laptop
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=laptops or notebooks are similar to desktop computers but are more mobile.
=similar to desktop computers, but high graphics capabilities are limited because of the screen size .
=processing power 3-4
=much smaller than a desktop computer.All essential peripherals are integrated in the casing.
=very portable
computer types: Tablet
primary use, processing power, size, portability
a lightweight, low-powered, laptop-shaped mobile computer, with a touch screen or graphics tablet screen. You can write on the screen and then convert it to digital text. A keyboard can be attached but is not necessary.
=good for demonstration applications and those where a stylus or digital pen is used for emphasis and explanation
=processing power 1-2
=can occupy the same area as a laptop but is much thinner as there is no keyboard and mouse
=very portable
computer types: smartphone
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=a smartphone is a mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a conventional phone.
=mostly allow for connectivity, mail access, and running applications such as GPS,and telephony.
=processing power 1-2
=samesize as a regular phone ;some are slightly wider to offer a bigger screen area.
=very portable
computer types: smart wear
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=these are wearable devices that contain a simpler smartphone operating system capable of connectivity and smart apps.
=information such as directions, fitness statistics. Pairing with a smartphone allows the smartphone apps to be used on the device.
=processing power 1
=very small, it is the size of a wristwatch
=very portable
computer types: server
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=server computers are usually powerful computers with large storage capacity. To which other computers in a network connect to use the server’s resources. The servers provide services to the machines in the network. Types of server include file servers,print servers,print servers an web servers.
= centralized processing and/or specific management capabilities
=processing power 5-8
=similar to a desktop computer in terms of size
=not portable at all
computer types: embedded computer
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=a computer system designed to perform one or more dedicated functions.It is embedded as part of a device , often including hardware and mechanical parts.
=not used as a typical computer rather provide limited and specific processing capabilities to appliances and electronic equipment.
computer types: single-board computer
primary use, processing power, size, portability
it consists of a small motherboard with a processor and storage.It includes ports of input devices and output devices.
=mainly used to code in scratch or python and can be used to create smart devices.
=processing power 1
=extremly small -can be as small as a credit card
=very portable
computer types: supercomputer
primary use, processing power, size, portability
=largest type of computers, used in computational science, quantum mechanics, weather forecasting, and a host of other high-level computing environments.
=mostly used as a Linux operating system to manipulate very lage databases
=processing power 10
=extremly large;oftern taking up multiple floors of office buildings
=not portable at all
what is an operating system
an operating system is a collection of many programs that manages the hardware and allows the user to run software appications like word processors or internet browsers .
what is a kernel
the smallest part of the operating system taht is always stored in memory.It is loaded when the computer is turned on
desktop operating system
support hardware functions such as input, processing, and output and act as an interface between application programs and the computer hardware.
example Mac OS.Windows
what is a mobile operating system
specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones , smartphones ,tablets and other handheld devices
explain embedded operating system
see page 24
what is application software
see page 24
stand-alone or desktop applications’explain
see page 24
draw a diagram of a stand-alone application
see page 25
what is a network application
it is designed to run on multiple computers that are connected via a network,usually the internet.
when is the network classified as a client-server network
where the server provides a service to the client computers.
what is a server
a server is a remote computer amd can be on the local network or linked via the internet.
draw a client-server network diagram
see page 25
what is synchronisation
the process where the data on your desktop and mobile device is consistent. Both devices see the latest version of the data.
