Exploring A Computer Flashcards
What is a computer?
Electronic device that is used more and more in modern society
What is the process system in a computer?
Input: Receive data
Process the data and program inside computer will say exactly what it needs to do
Output: deliver results you were hoping for
What are some examples of computers?
Cellphones Tablets Laptops Washing machines Cars
How does a computer operate?
- computer can process 3 kinds of data, viz. numerical, graphical and character data
- the principle of GIGO( garbage in garbage out) applies - if your input is not correct the output with also be incorrect. The opposite also applies
How does the processing of data work?
Input : Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen
Processing of data : Central Processing Unit ( CPU)
Storage : CD’s, Flash drive, hard drive
Output : monitor/screen, Printer
What is the hardware of the computer?
All the parts that are visible
What are some examples of hardware?
Hard drive “Tower” ( system unit ) Keyboard Mouse Monitor
What are peripherals?
Components that are attached to the system unit
What are the different devices for the input and output groups?
Input : modem, scanner, microphone, cellphone
Output : can be stored in/on different devices
What is the motherboard?
Platform of the system where the memory, scanner, hard drive , CD drive, keyboard, mouse, local area network and all other computer components are interconnected
What is the system unit?
- processor in the motherboard refers to the chip fitted in the mother/circuit board - THIS IS THE HEART AND BRAIN
- the faster the processor the better the performance - faster the input data will be processed into info
- data and instructions are processed by the CPU
What is the speed measured in?
Megahertz (MHz)
Gigahertz ( GHz)
What is memory?
- Storage space for lists of instructions
* starts capacity measured in bytes
What is the smallest storage unit?and where did the name come from?
- Bit
* Binary digIT
How many bits are in 1 byte?
8
What words are BYTE derived from?
BinarY digiT Eight
What is ROM?
- Read Only Memory
- contains the program with all the instructions to preform the basic input and output functions
- data can’t be changed only read
- ROM is permanent and retains its info even when power is switched off
- when computer is switched on it reads the instructions from the ROM chip first
What is RAM?
- Random Access Memory
- contains programs that are run by the computer as well as the data with which the programs work
- temporary memory and volatile info can be lost in power cut
- save documents often
What is a storage device?
Read it read and write data to and from the storage media
What is the most common type of keyboard?
QWERTY
What is a LCD/LED monitor?
Flat and mounted against the wall
What are pixels?
Number of dots needed to form a picture
What is printing speed measure in?
Ppm pages per minute
Where is the word modem derived from?
Modulator and demodulator
