Topic 1 - Computer System

What are the basic processes of a computer system?

Input, Process, Output

How do hardware and software interact in a computer system?

Hardware and software interact to receive and process data and this results in the output of information. Data and information can be stored on the computer.

How is data processed in a computer system?

Data is processed by the processor in the computer, we call this the CPU. Information is output by the computer back to the user.

What characterises Primary Memory during the processing stage?

During the processing stage the data can be stored on the primary memory of the computer, this is fast, easy to access memory which is may not permanent.

What characterises Secondary Storage during the processing stage?

During the processing stage the data can be stored on the secondary storage of the computer, this is slower to access but has a higher capacity and can be permanently stored.

What are the main functions of a computer system?

Input of data, Output of information, Processing of data, Storage of data/information

What does 'Input' refer to in a computer system?

Input refers to data that is provided to a computer system. It can be provided in a variety of ways, for example, a keyboard, a barcode scanner, etc.

How is 'Data' defined in contrast to information?

Collection of raw facts or statistics; Unorganised; Has no context or meaning

How is 'Information' defined in contrast to data?

The result of interpreting/processing data; Useful in making decisions; Organised; Has context

What does the term 'Hardware' refer to?

Hardware refers to the physical devices that make up a computer system this includes: Components inside a computer, Devices outside a computer which can be connected to the computer and removed from it.

What is the Motherboard in a computer?

It is the main circuit board in a computer. It contains chips – integrated circuits that contain miniaturised elements such as wires, transistors, capacitors and resistors.

What is a 'Bus' on a motherboard?

A bus is a link between components or devices connected to a motherboard. For example, a bus carries data between a CPU and the system memory via the motherboard.

What is the function of the Front Side Bus (FSB)?

Connects RAM and the CPU as RAM has the greatest volume of data 'traffic'.

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Its primary function is to execute commands. Whether you're pressing a key, clicking the mouse, or launching an application, you are essentially sending instructions to the CPU.

What is the function of the Power Supply component?

This component supplies power to all components in a computer. It transforms mains voltage into the voltages required by a computer's components.

What is Random Access Memory (RAM) and why is it called volatile?

RAM serves as your system's momentary memory, holding data temporarily when your computer engages in calculations. This short-term storage is volatile, disappearing once the computer is powered off.

What is the function of the Hard Drive in a computer?

The hard drive functions as the permanent store for your software, documents, and various files, constituting long-term storage.

What is a Video Card (Graphics Card)?

A video card is in charge of rendering images on your monitor. While many computers incorporate a GPU directly into the motherboard, some users opt to enhance graphics performance by adding a separate video card to an expansion slot.

What is a Network Card?

The network card enables communication over networks and internet access. It can establish connectivity either through an Ethernet cable or wirelessly (often referred to as Wi-Fi).

What is a 'Port' in computer hardware?

A port in computer hardware is a jack or socket that peripheral hardware plugs into.

What is Universal Serial Bus (USB)?

Is a connector between a computer and a peripheral device, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor or printer. Is fast – transfer speeds are up to 480Mbps. Carry power as well as signals.

What is HDMI?

HDMI, which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, is the standard connector used for transmitting digital audio and video data between devices.

What is an 'Embedded System'?

An embedded system is one that is designed to perform a dedicated function or set of functions within a larger system.

What is the 'Internet of Things' (IoT)?

The Internet of Things refers to the rapidly growing network of connected objects that are able to collect and exchange data in real time using embedded sensors.

What is 'Nanotechnology' in computer science?

Nanotechnology is a field of computer science, that deals with the changing of technology size at the nanoscale—(i.e. at the level of individual atoms or molecules).

What is 'Big Data' and what are its 'Three Vs'?

Big data refers to extremely large and complex datasets that cannot be easily managed, processed, or analysed using traditional tools. The three characteristics of big data are often referred to as the 'Three Vs': volume, velocity and variety.