Comp Dev Flashcards
What is the difference between hardware and software?
A computer consists of two overarching parts, the hardware and the software. The hardware relates to the physical devices that make up a computer, it is the part that the software runs on. Software gives the hardware instructions on what to do and how to do it.
Software correlates to any virtual programs that are run on the computer. These include operating systems, programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, or internet browsers. The hardware installed on your computer determines which of these software applications can run and where it should run.
What are the two types of software systems?
Broadly speaking, software systems consist of two overarching categories:
Application software
System software
Application software is responsible for running specific applications like Microsoft Word or Excel. System Software relates to running the actual hardware itself. An example of this would be device drivers or operating systems like Windows or Mac. An operating system can run on a PC, Mac, phone, or other devices.
What is hardware?
Hardware is typically the long-lasting aspect of a computer. It is possible to update your hardware by adding additional features like more RAM or installing SSDs. There may be a slight improvement, but it mostly retains its original state from when it was first purchased. The way you interact with your computer can be improved by buying better monitors or keyboards. Hardware has a certain life span, and components tend to age and wear down over time.
What is software?
software runs consistently over time but changes constantly with patches and updates for programs that are regularly being released. Generally, these releases relate more to security issues than improving performance. As a program matures and is used widely, various flaws and bugs are detected. Once it’s reported, fixes are rolled out. This is why you are regularly prompted to upgrade your system.
What are the components of a computer?
Motherboard-the hub in the form of a circuit board with slots for the components required to make up a computer. When dealing with Apple devices, it is referred to as a logic board.
CPU-central processing unit, more commonly referred to as the CPU. The capacity of a CPU is measured by its clock speed or how fast it can run. The unit of measurements is called a gigahertz. CPUs are typically found on integrated circuit microprocessors that contain one or more CPUs. You may hear the expression multicore processors, that means several CPUs are present. These can be configured to tackle a job in tandem. The microprocessor attaches to the motherboard and functions as the computer’s reasoning center.
RAM-RAM, which stands for random access memory. The RAM specs are important when purchasing a computer because they relate to how large a task the computer can process at one time. Think of RAM in the same way as a human’s short term memory.
the minimum RAM size of a small desktop or PC starts at 8 gigabytes and increases in increments of eight. 16 gigabytes of RAM achieves most standard operations. However, high end gamers opt for up to 64GB of RAM. A tablet would typically have between 2 and 16 gigabytes of RAM. The motherboard will have unique slots where RAM fits in. It is also possible to upgrade computers by buying more RAM and manually plugging it into your motherboard. If RAM is associated with short term memory.
Hardrives-then long term memory can be related to hard drives. These are additional memory sources that hold more information. Hard drives come in many forms, the two most common types being hard disk drives and solid state drives. You’ll commonly find these names shortened to HDD and SSD. Hard drives allow permanent storing of information and are attached to the motherboard with adapters called serial advanced technology attachment cables, otherwise known as SATA cables. A flash drive is an example of an SSD, meaning it has quicker lookup speeds. HDD is considered an older technology.
