Definitions

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

Collection of physical components attached to/forming part of the computer system, those items that you can see & touch

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

Collection of non-physical parts of the system, operating system, application programs and data

Question 3

Operating programs

Answer 3

Environment where program sits

Question 4

Computer

Answer 4

A device that performs tasks at high speed

Question 5

Central Processing Unit

Answer 5

CPU/processor continually interprets and executes the commands/instructions that are stored in RAM

Question 6

Data

Answer 6

Raw, unorganised facts that can be processed to make it useful and meaningful

Question 7

Information

Answer 7

Processed data - organised, structured/presented in a given context to make it useful

Question 8

Operating system

Answer 8

A collection of many programs that manages the hardware and allows users to run software applications

Question 9

Kernel

Answer 9

Smallest part of operating system that is always stored in memory

Question 10

Embedded operating system

Answer 10

A specialised OS for use in the computers built into larger systems and is typically more compact than a desktop OS

Question 11

Refresh rate

Answer 11

The time it takes for pixels to refresh. The higher rate the smoother clarity

Question 12

Pixel

Answer 12

A light diode (bulb) that emites Red, Green, Blue

Question 13

Motherboard

Answer 13

The large printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the essential electronic components of a device

Question 14

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Answer 14

An electronic circuit, made up of combination of logic gates that performs simple arithmetic on integer numbers

Question 15

Control Unit

Answer 15

Manages and directs executions of instructions by interpreting them and controlling data flow between ALU, RAM and input/output devices. Ensures all operations happen in the correct sequence

Question 16

Registers

Answer 16

Small ‘memory’ holding places that store small processed instructions (processed by CPU)

Question 17

BIOS

Answer 17

Non-volatile firmware used to initialise hardware when the computer starts up so that the operating system can take over and use hardware afterwards

Question 18

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Answer 18

Constantly needs to be refreshed otherwise it will lose its contents. It wipes/flashes instructions

Question 19

ROM

Answer 19

Non-volatile memory chip, used to permanently store data in computers and other electronic devices, e.g. BIOS firmware, embedded operating systems and appliance/robotic controllers

Question 20

EEPROM

Answer 20

Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM that can be changed using a software program

Question 21

Firmware

Answer 21

Used to describe software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device

Question 22

Peripherals

Answer 22

Connected to the motherboard but not directly placed onto the motherboard

Question 23

Component

Answer 23

Anything placed directly on the motherboard

Question 24

Secondary Storage

Answer 24

Provides the permanent, non-volatile, storage that keeps data after the device has been switched off for revival later

Question 25

Media

Answer 25

General word for describing what data is stored upon

Question 26

Hard drive

Answer 26

Housed inside the computer case and stores all the user’s program and data permanently

Question 27

External SSDs

Answer 27

Removable data, connected via USB port

Question 28

Hybrid Drives

Answer 28

HDD is joined with a high-speed flash memory using SSD technology on the same drive to benefit from the efficiencies and cost benefits of both

Question 29

Flash Drives

Answer 29

Small, very portable storage device that uses solid state technology with no moving parts only electronic circuits

Question 30

Flash memory

Answer 30

It’s memory that is loaded onto compacitors that can be wiped when needed (because of speed)

Question 31

Optical Drives

Answer 31

Use laser light to burn/etch data onto the disc for reading and writing

Question 32

Write

Answer 32

Takes data and makes it permanent (Data -> HDD)

Question 33

Read

Answer 33

Take data and moves it into RAM (Data -> RAM), creates more instructions & processes instructions

Question 34

Port

Answer 34

Connects input and output devices to allow them to communicate with the computer/device appropriate for the device to send/receive the right data

Question 35

USB

Answer 35

Universal Serial Bus. Common interface that enables communication between devices and a host controller such as a personal computer

Question 36

Universal

Answer 36

Adopted around the world, a common standard

Question 37

Bus

Answer 37

Connection point, groove/pathway for information

Question 38

HDMI

Answer 38

High Definition Multimedia Interface Port. Provides a digital interface to receive and transmit both video and audio signals