Unit 2 Overview Of A Computer Flashcards
What is hardware
The collection of physical components attached to or forming part of the computer system; those items that you can see and touch.
What are some examples of hardware
Mouse, monitor, keyboard, RAM, hard drive, printer
What is software
Specific instructions we give the computer to get it to do something useful; it is a collection of the non-physical parts of the system.
What are examples of software
Operating systems, application programs
What is BIOS
Basic, Input, Output, system
What does CPU stand for
Central processing unit
What does CPU do
It is the component of the computer that performs tasks at high speed.
What does RAM stand for
Random access memory
What does RAM do
All data needs to be stored in RAM before it can be processed. RAM can recieve data from input devices or secondary storage. The data in RAM is not stored permanently, it can be copied and sent to an output device or secondary storage
What is the general processing cycle
RAM receives data from Input devices or from Secondary storage, that data is then sent to the CPU to be processed and the output is sent to RAM and then sent to an output device or secondary storage
What does ICT stand for
Information and communication technology
What is the difference between the general processing cycle and the ICT system
The ICT. System is exactly the same as the general processing structure except now there a communication channel where the output from one computer can be used as the input of another computer
What are the advantages of using a computer
Professional:
- fast access to data
- time critical transactions can take place at a high speed
Personal:
- online shopping/banking
- mail services
Environmental:
- less use of paper
- less travelling if you can work from home thus less pollution
Upgrading:
-you can keep abreast of rapidly changing technology. The internet facilitates the efficient updating of software
What are the disadvantages of computers
Professional:
- electrical failures cause loss off productivity
- unauthorised access to data is possible
Personal:
- injuries related to poor working conditions
- scams and online fraud
Environmental:
- toxic waste is generated by dumping of old equipment
- greater energy hence more electrical requirements
Updating:
-hardware becomes quickly outdated and software constantly needs to be upgraded
What is data
Raw unorganised facts that need to be processed to make It useful and meaningful.
