hardware and software Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is hardware?
The physical parts of a computer.
What are the five general categories of hardware?
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Memory
- Storage media
What is the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
It is the brain of a computer and controls how the rest of the computer works.
What are the two main components of the CPU?
- Control Unit (CU)
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
What is the role of the Control Unit (CU)?
It carries out instructions in the software and directs the flow of data through the computer.
What does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) do?
It performs calculations and logic operations.
What are input devices?
Devices that get data into a computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, and scanner.
What are output devices?
Devices that get processed information out of a computer, such as a printer, computer screen, or speakers.
What is the purpose of memory in a computer?
It enables a computer to temporarily store instructions and data.
What are storage media?
- Hard disks
- CD-ROMs
- DVDs
- USB flash memory sticks
What is the difference between storage media and storage devices?
Storage media refers to the physical items that store data, while storage devices are the hardware that reads and writes data.
What are peripheral devices?
Devices located outside the CPU that are controlled by it.
What is software?
Computer programs that tell the hardware how to work.
What are computer programs?
Instructions produced by programmers to create system and application software.
What is system software?
Software that controls the hardware and how all other software works, commonly referred to as an operating system.
What is the most commonly used operating system?
Windows, written by the Microsoft Corporation.
What is utility software?
Software that aims to protect and maintain the system software.
What are some tasks undertaken by utility software?
- Protecting software against computer viruses
- Backing up files
- Recovering files after a crash
What is application software?
Software that instructs a computer to carry out a specific task.
Give examples of application software.
- Word processors
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
What does Information Technology (IT) refer to?
The equipment (hardware and software) that allows access, retrieval, conversion, storage, organization, manipulation, and presentation of data and information.
What does Communications Technology (CT) describe?
Telecommunications equipment through which data and information can be accessed.
Give examples of Communications Technology (CT) equipment.
- Phones
- Faxes
- Scanners
- Modems
- Computers
