Computer Systems - Hardware And Software Flashcards

1
Q

What is hardware?

A

The physical components of the computer, both internal and external.

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2
Q

What is software?

A

The general term for all the programs that run on a computer.

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3
Q

What are the categories of software?

A

System software.
Application software

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4
Q

What does system software do?

A

It is essential to running the computer.
Boots up, manages hardware, connects devices and controls security features.
Manages the operating system, utilities, libraries and translators.

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5
Q

What does application software do?

A

Used for general tasks.
When writing an essay, sending emails, playing games and browsing the internet and web-page.
For general purpose, special purpose, bespoke and off-the-shelf software.

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6
Q

What does the operating system do?

A

It’s loaded into memory when a computer switches on.
It communicates and controls hardware, including; memory, CPU, secondary storage and connected devices.
Users also manages their files using the functions of the OS.

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7
Q

What are the 5 functions of the operating system?

A

File management
User interface
Memory management/ multitasking
Peripheral management and device drivers
Security (User Access Management)

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8
Q

Explain file management in terms of the operation system?

A

The OS manages copying moving, deleting etc. files such as documents, images, videos and music.
The file extensions identify the file type and provides the OS with the information to operate them correctly with the correct software.
The OS keeps track of files stored in the hard disk and how much space is available.

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9
Q

What is user interface?

A

Software that allows a user to control the computer system.

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10
Q

What is the Command-Line interface?

A

Where the user writes commands and the computer executes the commands.

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11
Q

What are advantages of Command-Line interface?

A

Faster
Less memory
Less CPU time
Can use low-resolution monitor
Doesn’t require graphics

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12
Q

What are the disadvantages of Command-Line interface?

A

Need to know commands
Precision typing
Not intuitive

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13
Q

What is a menu-drive interface?

A

A user interface where you pick what you want from a menu

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14
Q

What are the advantages of a menu-driven interface?

A

Easy to use
No commands
Doesn’t require much memory nor processing power

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15
Q

What are the disadvantages of a menu-driven interface?

A

May struggle if poorly designed
No search facility

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16
Q

What is a graphical user interface?

A

User interface with Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers.

17
Q

What are the advantages of graphical user interface?

A

Easy to use
No commands
Help system
Search facility

18
Q

What are the disadvantages of a graphical user interface?

A

More expensive
More memory and processing power
Addictive
Possibly slower

19
Q

What is a sound and speed interface?

A

Software that takes the input of audio signals

20
Q

What are the advantages of sound and speed interface?

A

More accessible
Easy to use
Convenient
More flexible

21
Q

What are the disadvantages of sound and speed interface?

A

Unreliable
Limited vocabulary
Overcoming accents and tones

22
Q

What does memory management / multitasking do in terms of the operating system?

A

The operating system is required to manage each open program and switch between programs.
It also allows users to open several programs at once.

23
Q

What does peripheral management / device drivers do in terms of the operating system?

A

The operating system management controls the hardware devices and manages the software to control them, called device drivers.

24
Q

What is a peripheral?

A

Something on the outside of a computer. Eg. Mouse, printer

25
Q

What does the Security/ User Access Management do in terms of the operating system?

A

Security allows for users to have usernames and passwords, as well as access permission levels.

26
Q

What is propriety software?

A

Software owned by an individual or a company.
The owner has exclusive rights over the source code and controls the use, modification and distribution of the software.

27
Q

What are the advantages of proprietary software?

A

Good support
Security
Customisation
Legal protection
Advanced features

28
Q

What are the disadvantages of proprietary software?

A

Expensive
Limited flexibility
Dependency on owner
Lack of transparency
Limited compatibility

29
Q

What is open-source software?

A

Software where the source code is openly available to the public.
Anyone can view, use, modify and distribute the software.

30
Q

What are the advantages of open-source software?

A

Cheap
Available source code
Code can be adapted
Global developers
Always evolving

31
Q

What are the disadvantages of open-source software?

A

Led by developers
Competing solutions
Limited/ costly support
Limited bug fixing

32
Q

What is off-the-shelf software?

A

Software bought in shops.

33
Q

What is the advantages of off-the-shelf software?

A

Cheap
Availability
Tested
User support
Easy to install

34
Q

What is the disadvantages of off-the-shelf software?

A

Unwanted/ unused features
Unnecessary storage
Non-customisable
Incompatibility

35
Q

What is bespoke software?

A

Software written for a specific purpose.

36
Q

What is the advantages of bespoke software?

A

Meets all needs
Worlds as designed
Ownership
Items added during ownership

37
Q

What is the disadvantages of bespoke software?

A

Timely
Expensive to develop
Limited support
Training required
No support