Computer Systems and Components

Flashcards covering types and components of a computer system, software, interfaces, storage, operating systems, emerging technologies, and input/output devices.

Hardware

The physical components that make up the computer system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

An electronic circuit board that executes instructions from a computer program.

Control Unit

The part of the CPU that controls input and output devices.

Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)

The part of the CPU that carries out calculations and makes logical decisions.

Motherboard

A printed circuit board that allows the processor and other computer parts to communicate.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

An internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Memory used to store information that needs to be permanent.

Sound Card

An integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the ability to produce sounds.

Video (Graphic) Card

An integrated circuit board that allows a computer to send graphical information to a video display.

Internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)

The computer's main internal storage where applications, software, operating system and files are stored.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A component that allows a computer to be connected to a network, either wired or wireless.

ROM

Read Only Memory.

RAM

Random Access Memory.

BIOS

Contains coding known as boot file, tells the computer what to do when it first starts up and checks if all hardware is present and works properly.

Software

Software: General term used for the programs that control the computer system and process data.

System Software

Programs that allow the hardware to work properly.

Compiler

Translates a program written in a specific language (HLL) which can be understood by the computer (Machine language).

Linkers

Takes one or more object files produced by a compiler and combines them into a single program.

Device Drivers

Allows hardware devices to run on the computer including printers, sound, graphics and network cards.

Operating Systems

Enables computer systems to function and allows users to communicate with the computer systems.

Utilities

Programs that are designed to help manage, maintain and control computer resources.

Application Software

Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks.

Word Processing

Software that use to manipulate text document, such as school reports and essay.

Spreadsheet

Use to create, organize and manipulate numeric data.

Database

Software that use to manipulate, organize, and analyze data.

Control and Measuring Software

Designed to allow computer or microprocessor to interface with sensor to measure physical quantities and control applications.

Applet

Small applications that perform a single task on a device, usually embedded in an HTML page on a website.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Software used to help in the creation, manipulation, modification, and analysis of a drawing/design. It can be used to produce 2D or 3D.

Digital data

Computers can only understand data which is in a binary format (0,1) this is often referred to as digital data.

Analogue Data Definition

Physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next.

Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC)

Hardware used to converts analogue data to digital data.

Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC)

Hardware used to converts digital data to analogue data.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A user interface where the user does not need to learn any commands and the interface is easy to use.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A user interface where the user needs to learn commands and commands must be typed in without errors.

Who uses CLI?

Analyst, programmer or technician use the CLI interface.

Who uses GUI?

End-user who does not have or need to have great knowledge of how the computer works use the GUI interface.

Dialogue-Based User Interfaces

Use the human voice to give commands to a computer system.

Gesture-Based Interfaces

Rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet.

Backing Storage HDD or SSD

Permanently store large amounts of data where the applications software, disk operating system and files are stored.

Operating System

Enables computer system to function and to allow users to communicate with the computer systems.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Require the user to type in instructions in order to perform operations.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

It allows the user to interact with the computer using pictures (icon) or symbols rather than having to type into number of commands.

WIMP

Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointing device.

Advantage of Dialogue-Based Interface

No need for a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel.

Disadvantage of Dialogue-Based Interface

Still unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated several times.

Advantage of Gesture-Based Interface

Replaces mechanical input devices.

Disadvantage of Gesture-Based Interface

Possible for unintentional movement to be picked up.

Desktop/Personal Computer

A general-purpose computer which is made of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and processor unit.

Advantage of Desktop Computer

Spare parts and connections tend to be standardized, which usually results in lower costs.

Disadvantage of Desktop Computer

The most obvious is that they are not particularly portable because they are made up of separate components.

Main uses of Desktop Computer

Office and business work, educational use, use as a gaming device, general entertainment.

Laptop Computer

A type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all together in one single unit. This makes them extremely portable

Advantage of Laptop Computer

They can be taken anywhere because the monitor, pointing device, keyboard, processor and backing store units are all together in one single unit.

Disadvantage of Laptop Computer

They are easier to steal.

Tablet Computer

Work in a similar way to a smartphone.

Advantage of Tablet Computer

very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the operating system to load up).

Disadvantage of Tablet Computer

tend to be rather expensive when compared to laptops.

Phablet

They have much larger screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.

Smart Phone

Allow phone calls to be made but also have an operating system allowing them to run a number of computer applications

Advantage of Smart Phone

very small in size and lightweight

Disadvantage of Smart Phone

The small screens and keyboards make pages difficult to read.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Computer science that is focused on creating computer systems that simulate human intelligence.

Biometrics

The unique human characteristics such as Finger Printing, Eye Recognition, voice recognition, facial recognition.

Impact of AI on Everyday Life

Autonomous (driverless) vehicle, robotic research and robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant tasks.

Negative Impacts of AI

Could lead to many job losses in a number of areas.

Extended Reality (XR)

Refers to real and virtual combined environments, and is a 'catch all' term for all immersive technologies.

Examples of Extended Reality (XR)

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR).

Features of Augmented Reality (AR)

Allow the user to experience the relationship between digital (virtual) and physical (real worlds.

Features of Virtual Reality (VR)

Ability to take the user out of the real-world environment into a virtual digital environment.

Uses of Keyboard

Input data to application software and typing in commands to the computer system.

Advantages of Keyboard

Fast entry of new text into a document and easy to use for most people.

Disadvantages of Keyboard

Can be difficult to use if the user has limited arm wrist use

Numeric Keypad

Use to enter number only.

Advantages of Numeric Keypad

Easier to do verification checks as data is entered.

Disadvantages of Numeric Keypad

Fairly large device that uses up valuable disk space.

Uses of Mouse

Opening, closing and minimizing software. Grouping, moving and deleting files. Controlling the position of a pointer on the screen.

Advantages of Mouse

Faster way to choose an option than using keyboard.

Disadvantages of Mouse

Can be difficult with the people of restricted hand/wrist movement.

Touchpad

Used as pointing device in many laptops.

Advantages of Touchpad

No need to use separate mouse.

Disadvantages of Touchpad

Difficult to control when it compared to mouse.

Tracker Ball

Used in application where the user has a disability such as (RSI). Used in control room environment. Use in some luxury cars.

Advantages of Tracker Ball

Easier to use than mouse if the operator is disabled.

Disadvantages of Tracker Ball

Not supplied with computer as standard, therefore more User may need training.

Remote Control

In televisions, satellite system. Used to control multimedia To start or stop keyboard.

Advantages of Remote Control

Operated from any distance and easier than keyboard to navigate the screen.

Disadvantages of Remote Control

Difficult to use if the operator has limited hand movement.

Joysticks

Used in video simulator. Used by gamers in computer games (Racing/Driving). Used in simulators.

Advantages of Joysticks

Control is more realistic than using mouse

Disadvantages of Joysticks

Difficult to control on screen pointer than other devices.

Video Cameras

Used record video footage.

Advantages of Video Cameras

Can record in HD and footage can be edited on a computer.

Disadvantages of Video Cameras

HD movie take up a lot of storage.

Microphones

Input sound. Input in voice recognition software. Use as a sensor to pick up sound (burglar alarm system).

Advantages of Microphones

Faster to read text than to type it.

Disadvantages of Microphones

Sound files can use up a lot of memory.

Graphics Tablet

Used to produce drawing and used in computer aided design.

Advantages of Graphics Tablet

There offer a very accurate method of drawing.

Disadvantages of Graphics Tablet

They are more expensive than another pointing device.

Webcams

Having conversation in chatting online and enable video conference to take place.