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20 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is Hardware?
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Hardware is the physical parts of the computer system – the parts that you can touch and see.
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What is Software?
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Software is a collection of instructions that can be ‘run’ on a computer. These instructions tell the computer what to do.
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What is CPU?
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The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries out software instructions.
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What is Main Memory?
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Any data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed into main memory (sometimes known as primary storage).
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What is RAM?
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Random Access Memory (RAM) is the part of the computer that temporarily stores the instructions that the computer is running, and the data it is processing.
RAM is a volatile storage device. This means that if the computer’s power is turned off the contents of RAM disappear and are lost. |
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What is ROM?
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Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a special piece of software to store the 'boot up' program.
ROM is non-volatile storage. This means that the data it contains is never lost, even if the power is switched off. |
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What are Peripheral Devices?
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Peripheral Devices are input devices, output devices and storage devices.
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What Are Input Devices?
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Devices that pass data into the computer are known as input devices.
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What Are Output Devices?
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Devices that take data from the computer are known as output devices.
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What is Secondary / Backing Storage?
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Secondary storage (sometimes called backing storage) is the name for all of the devices (apart from ROM and RAM) that can store data in a computer system.
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What is Operation System?
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An operating system is a special piece of software that manages the general operation of a computer system
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What is GUI?
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GUI, Graphical User Interface, an interface built around visual (graphical) things, including Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers.
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What is CLI?
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CLI, Command Line Interface, an interface that you have to type in a command to make anything happen, it is difficult to use and is suitable for experts.
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What is Mainframe Computer?
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A mainframe computer is a large computer, often used by large businesses, in government offices, or by universities.
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What is Personal Computer?
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Personal Computers are computers that were small enough to fit on a desk, and cheap enough that everyone could have their own, personal computer, instead of having to share access to a mainframe.
These computers came to be known as desktop computers, or personal computers (PCs). |
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What is Laptop Computer?
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A 'laptop' computer is a light, compact and portable PC.
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What is Palmtop Computer?
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A palmtop computer is similar to a laptop computer, but smaller. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand
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What is PDA?
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PDA, Personal Digital Assitant, it is compact, and typically has no keyboard, using a touchscreen for all data input. Since the screen is so small, many PDAs have a small stylus (plastic stick) that is used to press things on the screen.
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Charateristics of Mainframe Computer?
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•Powerful - they can process vast amounts of data, very quickly
•Large - they are often kept in special, air-conditioned rooms •Multi-user - they allow several users (sometimes hundreds) to use the computer at the same time, connected via remote terminals (screens and keyboards) |
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What are the basic components of a Personal Computer?
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A typical PC contained the same basic components as a mainframe computer (CPU, RAM, storage, etc.) but at a fraction of the size and cost.
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