Components and Functions of Computer Systems Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is a computer?
-A Computer consists of two main components: Hardware and Software.
-A Computer processes data into information
-Can be defined as a programmable, electronic device that:
*accepts data
*performs operations
*presents the results
*stores the results (or information)
What is Hardware?
The physical parts of a computer (the parts you can touch)
What is software?
-The instructions or programs used to tell the computer hardware what to do.
-You can not touch or feeel
-There are two types: System software and Operating System.
Data consist of:
-Raw facts
-Figures
Information is data that has been:
-Summarised
-Transformed
What are the four basics of computers?
-Input
-Processing
-Output
-Storage
What is Input?
Entering data into a computer
What is Processing?
Manipulating operations performed on the data
What is output?
Presenting results
What is storage?
Saving data, programs, or output for future use
Types of hardware components?
-Internal (motherboard, RAM, hard drive,…)
-External (mouse, keyboard,…)
What are Input devices?
Any piece of equipment that is used to input data into the computer.
Examples:
-Keyboard
-Mouse
-Gamepad
What are Output devices?
Accepts processed data from the computer and presents the results to the user or to another machine.
Examples:
-Monitor
-Printer
What is Processing device?
-The main processing device for a computer is the central processing unit (CPU) often considered the “brain” of the comtercompuute.
-Performs calculations, comparisons needed for processing
-Controls the computer´s operations
What is a storage device?
-Is a non-volatile storage. Data is stored in files.
-Is used to save data, program settings,…
-Can be install inside, attached as external device or access remotely.
Examples:
*Hard drive
*CD/DVD
*USB flash drive
What is a communication device?
Allows users to communicate electronically with others and access remote information like internet, company network,…
Examples:
-Modems
-Network adapters
-Routers
What is System Software?
The programs that allow a computer to operate are collectively referred to as system software. The main system software is the operating system
What is Operating System (OS)?
-Is the most important program that runs on a computer.
-A computer must have an OS to run the programs.
-Provides user interface
-Manage applications
Examples:
*Windows
*Linux
*Android
*MacOS
What does OS?
-Starts up the computer and controls its operation
-Sets up new hardware
-Allows users to run other software
-Allows users to manage the documents stored on their computers
What are the basics tasks of OS
-Manage files
-Manage memory
-Look after security
-Manage input and output hardware.
What is Application software?
Consists of programs designed to allow people to perform specific tasks using a computer.
Examples:
-Word processing
-Gaming
-Multimedia
-Image editing
-Email
What is user interface?
-An interaction method by which a user and the computer exchange information and instructions
-There are two types: CLI and GUI
What is CLI?
-Command Line Interface
-Allows the user to interact with the computer by typing in commands i.e. set of instructions
-The user would have to learn a whole set of commands so that they could make use of the computer system
Example:
*MS-DOS
What is GUI?
-Graphical User Interface
-Is built around visual, graphical display
-Use things like icons, menus, windows…
Examples:
*Windows
*Ubuntu
*Apple OSX