Foundations of hardware and software Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that
manipulates information, or data. It has
the ability to store, retrieve
and process data
What is a computer system?
A computer system includes the computer, the programs (software), and any extra devices (like a mouse, keyboard, or printer) that are necessary
to make the computer function.
What is computer hardware?
Computer hardware is the collection of
physical parts of a computer system
Examples of hardware?
system unit, monitor,
keyboard, and mouse.
What is computer software?
Computer software is a program that
enables a computer to perform a
specific task. It tells the computer
hardware what to do.
what is the difference btw DATA and INFORMATION
Data is just raw facts or numbers that don’t mean much on their own.
When we sort, organize, or explain that data so it makes sense, it becomes information.
Types of Digital Computers?
*Supercomputers
*Mainframes
*Minicomputers
*Microcomputers-
What are Supercomputers?
These computers are more powerful than others.
They are very fast, have a lot of memory, are large in size, and are very expensive.
They can do trillions of calculations every second, and their memory is measured in millions of bytes.
What are these powerful computers used for?
They are used for doing trillions of calculations quickly — also called number crunching.
How fast can these computers work?
They can perform trillions of operations every second.
How is their memory measured?
Their main memory is measured in millions of bytes (megabytes or more).
What are Mainframes?
Are smaller, less powerful and expensive
than supercomputers.
What is Mainframe computers designed for?
Designed primarily to support enterprise-wide information systems
Minicomputers
