Unit 2 - Software and Hardware Flashcards
What is software?
Programming code that makes the computer work.
What is Hardware?
Is a physical computer component that you can touch
Give an example of hardware?
Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, Hard-drive, Proccessor
Give an example of Software
Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentational Software, Email, Operating system
What is standardisation?
The imposition of a set of standards for manufacturers to follow when making hardware or software
Give an example of hardware that has been standardised?
CD/DVD Rom size, USB connectors, UK plug design, RAM connectors
What does W3C stand for?
The World Wide Web Consortium
They develop standards for the Internet
What does ISO stand for?
International Organisation for Standardisation
What does a lack of standardisation cause? (3 things to get)
Cost, Availability, Technical Support
What is an output device?
A piece of hardware that gets data from within the computer system to outside the computer system
What are the problems with having a truly paperless system?
If the system crashes and the backups fail then all that has been done is lost
Name an output device
Monitor, Printer
Name the 6 types of printers
Dot Matrix Inkjet Laser Daisy wheel Line Thermal
What is a plotter used for?
Producing a printout using a vector or co ordinate graphic of an accurate line diagram.
What are the two types of plotters?
Flat bed
Drum
What is an input device?
Hardware that gets data from outside the computer system into the computer system
Name the main 9 input devices
Keyboards Mouse Scanners Optical Mark Reader Magnetic Card Reader Flatbed Scanner Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Tablets Digitisers
What is a storage device used for?
Holding data and programs.
How many megabytes in a gigabyte?
1024
What does SSHD stand for?
Solid State Hard Disks
What two types of people are specialist input or output devices designed for?
Systems designed for the visually impaired
Systems designed for the motor impaired
Name a device made to help the visually impaired?
Braille keyboard
Microphone
Loudspeaker
Braille printer
Name an output device designed for the Moro impaired?
Mouth stick Puff stuck switch Tongue activated joystick An eye typer A foot mouse
Name a software tool used for people with specialist needs?
Speech to text Auditory feedback Screen magnifier Predictive text Sticky keys
Name the 4 types of software?
Operating
Application
User interfaces
Utilities
What is an operating system?
Software that controls the allocation and use of hardware resources.
Give an example of an operating system?
Windows (XP, 7, 8, ect)
Mac (Yosemite, ect)
Android
Linux
What is a user interface?
This is where the user can interact with the system, operating system or software
Example of a User Interface?
Main menu
Start menu
Home page
What are the two types of user interfaces? (WIMP , GUI)
Windows Icons Menus Pointers
Graphical User Interfaces
What is utility software?
A small program that assists in the monitoring and maintenance of the computer system
Example of utility software?
Anti virus software
File compression software
What is application software?
Programmes that allow the computer to be used to solve particular problems or perform tasks for the end user
Example of application software?
Databases Graphics packages Presentation software Spreadsheets Word processors Email
What is a parameter?
Switches that alter the way command works
Advantage of using Command Line Interface?
CLI is only text and so takes up much less space on the system
Makes running of commands quicker
Disadvantage of using Command Line Interface?
Damage can be done by unprofessionals
Can access more commands than in GUI to prevent accidental use by a user
What is a menu?
A series of related items that can be selected
What does Natural Language Interface do?
Allows the user to use their own language to communicate with the system
