components of a computer system Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is hardware?
the physical components that make up the computer system (CPU, motherboard, monitor)
What is software?
The programmes or applications that a computer system runs (operating system, word processor, computer games)
What are embedded systems?
computers built into other devices, they are usually dedicated systems
What does the CPU do?
Does all the computers processing
What is the hard disk drive for?
secondary internal storage
What is the motherboard for?
The main circuit board where the hardware is connected
What instruction pattern do CPU’s follow?
Fetch, decode, execute
What is RAM?
High speed volatile memory that only remains while the computer is powered
What is ROM?
Non volatile memory that can only be read and not written.
It is stored in the system even when the computer is switched off.
