Hardware/Software Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is a hardware ?
The physical components that make up a computer for eg. keyboard, RAM.
They can either be internal or external.
What is a software?
Programs that control the computer system. There are 2 types of software: application and system
What is application software?
Programs that allow users to do specific tasks for eg. word processor is used to manipulate text documents
What is a system software?
They allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer for eg. Linker
Motherboard?
A printed circuit board that allows the processor and other computer hardware to interact with each other
RAM?
Random Access Memory is an internal chip where data is stored in temporarily. It’s a volatile as data is lost when the computer has crashed/turned off
ROM?
Read only memory is a chip that stores permanent memory. It’s referred to as non volatile as data is not lost. Data cannot be altered, only read from.
The BIOS is stored over here in another chip called CMOS
CPU?
Central Processing Unit made up of a control unit which controls input and output devices and ALU which performs calculations and logical decisions, it controls and executes commands
Operating systems?
They manage the computer’s basic functions and provide a platform for the user to interact with the computer.
1) Process management- helps multiple programs to load and run smoothly
2) File Management- creates files to Kelly the system organized
3) Device Management-helps Input devices to connect
4) Memory Management- moving of apps from hard disk to RAM
CLI?
An interface in which users type in commands
GUI
An interface that uses icons to make the computer more user friendly
Advantages of GUI
Disadvantages of GUI
User don’t need to learn commands
Icons make it more user friendly
Uses more processing power and RAM
It requires an OS to operate
Advantages of CLI
Disadvantages of CLI
User in direct communication with the computer
Possible to alter computer configuration settings
User needs to learn tedious commands
Typing commands more error prone
PC/Desktop?
A computer that is made up of a separate keyboard, mouse and CPU
Laptop
Computer in which all components like monitor, mouse and keyboard found all in one unit
Advantages of PC
Disadvantages of PC
Wi-Fi is stable as computer isn’t moved around
Less likelihood of being damaged as its in a fixed location
Not portable
Necessary to copy files if work needs to be done elsewhere
Advantages and disadvantages of laptop
Can take full advantage of Wi-Fi
Portable
Easily damaged/stolen
Heavy adaptor need to be taken as there is limited battery life
Tablet?
Portable, smaller version of a computer that uses touch screen technology
Features of tablet
HD, anti glare displays
Sensors like voice recognition systems such as Siri, proximity sensors and accelerometer
Solid State memory
Advantages and disadvantages of tablet
Very fast to switch on
Don’t generate heat
Typing on touchscreen is slow and error prone
Limited storage space
Smartphones
Allow normal phone calls but also have an OS to allow numerous apps to be run
Features of smartphone
GPS
Send receive emails
Streaming of videos
Advantages and disadvantages of smartphones
Small and lightweight
Have 100s of apps
Small screens make it difficult to read and typing is slower
Web browsing and photography easily drain battery
Smart watches
Mini computers on wrists that use OLED and touch screen technology
