Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What is hardware?
|
The physical components of a computer.
|
|
What is software?
|
The program that allows the hardware to run properly and gives it a set of instructions.
|
|
What are the two types of software?
|
systems software and applications software
|
|
What is systems software?
|
programs that allows the computer to run
|
|
What is applications software?
|
programs that allow the user to do a specific task
|
|
Give 3 examples of hardware
|
Mouse, monitor, keyboard, motherboard, etc.
|
|
Give an example of a systems software
|
operating systems
|
|
Give an example of a applications software
|
spreadsheets, word processor, etc.
|
|
What are the three stages of a system?
|
Input, process, output
|
|
What is the function of the central processing unit (CPU)?
|
This is the part which ‘reads’ the commands from the computer’s hardware and software and completes them. It is found in the centre of most computers and can also get hot when working
|
|
What is the function of the hard disk?
|
Unlike the other components, the hard disk is not stored on the mother board (See above picture) but is computer’s main memory storage and where the applications software and data files are stored. The hard disk has a large memory and in order for the CPU to work, this has to store any data and/or software.
|
|
What is the function of the random access memory (RAM)?
|
Random access memory is where any data can temporarily be stored when running software and applications. As this is not permanent and all contents are lost when the computer is turned off, RAM is often referred to as ‘temporary’ or ‘volatile’.
|
|
What is the function of the read only memory (ROM)?
|
Read only memory is used to store any permanent data that cannot be wiped. ROM can only be read from, and so any files cannot be altered, however, it has a ‘non-volatile’ memory which means any data will not be lost when the computer is turned off.
ROM also has a boot file which tells the computer what to do when it is first turned on. It checks all devices are present and working before loading any needed operating system onto RAM |
|
What are the two types of user interfaces?
|
Command line interface (CLIs)
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) |
|
What are all GUIs? (what does it stand for?)
|
WIMPS
windows icons menu pointing device |
|
What are CLIs?
|
Command line interfaces require the user to type in instructions to choose anything from a menu.
|
|
What are GUIs?
|
graphical user interfaces allow the user to interact with the computer, using visual images rather than code.
|
|
Name four types of computers
|
PC/desktop computer
Laptop computer Netbooks PDAs |
|
name an advantage and disadvantage for each of the types of computers:
PC/desktop laptop netbook PDA |
PC: Advantage: cheaper, good heat dissipation
Disadvantage: big, not portable laptop: a: portable light to carry d: easily stealable netbook:a: similar to those of a laptop d: small screen, smaller keyboard pda: a: used anywhere, more portable d: difficult to enter text quickly, limited capasities. |