4.6 Fundamentals of Computer Systems (Hardware and Software) Flashcards

(19 cards)

1
Q

What are the 3 corecomponents of computer systems

A
  • Processor
  • Main Memory
  • I/O controllers
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2
Q

What are the 4 layers of a computer ssystem by which the user is interfaced with the hardware

A

1- User
2- Application
3- System Software
4- Hardware

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3
Q

How does the 4 layer computer system work

A
  • When the computer is turned on, a system software like the OS is loaded on the main memory
  • The OS is given access to the hard drive,
  • This provides a platform for the application to run on
  • This in turn can be used by the user to complete a task
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4
Q

What are the 2 different hardware types and explain their functions

A

Internal Components: Devices that deal with processing and storage within the computer system.
External Components: Usually Input/Output devices that deal with interfacing the user with the computer system.

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5
Q

What is a synonym for External Components

A

Peripheral Devices

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6
Q

What are the different classifications of Software

A

1 - Application Software
2 - System Software

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7
Q

What is system software

A

Layer of software that directly manages the computer system

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8
Q

What is meant by Application software and what are the 3 types

A

Programs designed to allow the user to perform a task (independent from operating the computer system).
1. General Purpose Software
2. Specific Purpose Software
3. Bespoke Software

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9
Q

What is meant by the term General Purpose Software

A

Software that can be used to carry out a variety of tasks. Tip: software given generic terms like Word Processor and Spreadsheet software are GPS.

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10
Q

When comparing different types of the same purpose software what factors must you consider

A
  • Speed
  • Cost
  • Hardware and Memory Requirments (Google Drive is Cloud Based)
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11
Q

What is meant by the term Special Purpose Software

A

Software that can only be used to carry out one specific task. E.G - Scientific Calculators, Stock kControl.

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12
Q

What is meant by the term Bespoke Software

A

Software that is tailor-made to meet user specific tasks. E.G. - Touchscreen Kiosks.

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13
Q

What are the advantages to Bespoke Software

A

1- The software accurately meets the specific set of requirements the user has.
2 - Code can be made to easily fit into current software/hardware, meaning it can be easily implemented
3 - Only performs necessary functions so takes up minimum system resources

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14
Q

What are the disadvantages to Bespoke Software

A

1 - Because development is specific and client must cover production costs, it can be very expensive.
2 - Their is ambiguity as to who owns the code- the company or the clients.
3 - Code can take a long time to develop

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15
Q

What are the advantages of Special Purpose Software compared to bespoke software

A
  • Immediately available “off the shelf” which leads to quick development
  • Lower cost than bespoke software as there is no need to cover all development cost - they are shared amongst many
  • Regular updates will be available
  • More likely to be bug-free as it would have been tested and used widely.
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16
Q

What are the different types of System Software

A

1 - Utility Software
2 - Operating System
3 - Translator Software
4 - Library Programs

17
Q

What are the different types of Utility Software

A

1 - Compression
2 - Defragmentation
3 - Anti-Malware
4 - Back-up

18
Q

What are the different types of Translators

A

1- Assemblers
2- Compilers
3- Interpreters

19
Q

What are the different types of OS