Topic 1 Definition List Flashcards
(11 cards)
Modern Device
A modern device is an electronic or digital tool designed using recent technological advancements to perform specific tasks efficiently. These devices often feature connectivity (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), portability, and user-friendly interfaces such as touchscreens or voice control. Examples include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops. They are commonly used in daily life for communication, entertainment, work, education, and accessing cloud-based services.
Feature
A feature is a distinct characteristic or function of a device, software, or system that contributes to its overall purpose or performance. In Information Technology, features can include tools, capabilities, or design elements such as a camera on a smartphone or spellcheck in a word processor. Features help users interact with the technology more effectively and enhance the user experience. They can be either hardware-based (physical) or software-based (digital).
Function
A function is the specific purpose or role that a device, system, or software component is designed to perform. In IT, it refers to what the technology does, such as storing data, printing documents, or processing user input. Functions are usually linked to features, as features enable the performance of particular functions. Understanding a system’s functions is essential for evaluating its suitability and effectiveness for a task.
Feature vs Function
A feature is a specific characteristic or attribute of a device or software that adds value or capability, such as a touchscreen on a smartphone or a spellcheck tool in a word processor.
A function, refers to the actual task or operation that the device or software performs, like sending messages or correcting spelling errors.
In essence, features are the tools or elements available, while functions are what those tools actually do to achieve a purpose. Features enable functions, but functions define the practical use of those features.
Software-based
Software-based refers to anything that operates through or is implemented using software rather than physical hardware. It includes programs, applications, and digital systems that perform tasks or provide services through code and instructions. Examples include antivirus software, word processors, and operating systems. Software-based solutions are often flexible, upgradable, and can be used across multiple devices.
Hardware-based
Hardware-based refers to physical components of a computer system or device that you can touch and see. These include elements such as the monitor, keyboard, hard drive, motherboard, and printer. Hardware-based functions rely on actual equipment to operate, as opposed to being controlled purely by software. These components are essential for input, processing, output, and storage tasks in any IT system
Binary
Binary is a number system that uses only two digits: 0 and 1. It is the fundamental language of computers, where each digit (called a bit) represents an on or off state in electronic circuits. Binary code is used to encode data and instructions that computers can process directly. All digital information—whether text, images, or sound—is ultimately represented in binary form inside computing devices.
Denary
Denary, also known as the decimal system, is the standard base-10 number system used in everyday life. It consists of ten digits: 0 through 9, with each digit’s position representing a power of ten. Humans commonly use denary for counting, measuring, and performing arithmetic because it aligns with our ten fingers. In computing, denary numbers are often converted to binary for processing but are easier for people to read and understand.
Binary vs Denary
The primary difference between binary and denary systems lies in their base and digit sets: binary is a base-2 system using only two digits, 0 and 1, while denary is a base-10 system using ten digits, 0 to 9. Binary is the fundamental language of computers because it directly represents the on/off states of electronic circuits, making it suitable for digital processing. In contrast, denary is the number system humans use daily for counting and calculations due to its familiarity and ease of use. While denary numbers are more intuitive for people, computers convert them into binary to perform operations efficiently.
Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic device that you can touch and see. It includes parts such as the processor, memory, hard drive, keyboard, and monitor. Hardware works together with software to perform computing tasks and run applications.
Software
Software is a collection of programs, instructions, and data that tell a computer or device how to perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, software is intangible and exists as code that can be executed by hardware components. It includes operating systems, applications, and utilities that enable users to interact with technology and complete various functions.
