IGCSE ICT - Types and Components of Computer Systems Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering computer components, software types, user interfaces, and emerging technologies from Chapter 01 of the IGCSE ICT course.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

Programs used for controlling the operation of the computer system or hardware.

System software

Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with the computer, such as operating systems and device drivers.

Application software

Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks or solve a problem, such as spreadsheets or word processors.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile or temporary memory where data is stored when running applications; it can be written to and read from.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory that holds permanent instructions like the BIOS needed on boot up; it cannot be altered.

Motherboard

The main printed circuit board found in all computers that allows the processor and other hardware to communicate with each other.

Video card

A component that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor, television, or projector.

Sound card

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

Internal hard disk drive

A storage device used to store data, files, and most system and applications software permanently.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A user-friendly interface that uses Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers (WIMP) to help the user navigate the screen.

CLI (Command Line Interface)

An operating system interface where the user must type in precise commands and follow a specific syntax.

Virtual Reality (VR)

A three-dimensional, computer-generated environment that replicates an environment and can be explored and interacted with by a person.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A computer system that simulates human intelligence, mimics problem solving and decision making, and learns from previous decisions.

Drones

Unmanned flying vehicles used for commercial activities, leisure, or monitoring situations that may be dangerous for humans.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Technology that overlays information, images, or characters on top of the real world, often accessed through smartphone cameras.

Extended Reality (XR)

A mixture of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality that combines the real physical world with the digital world for seamless interaction.

Dialogue-based user interface

A software interface that interacts through speech recognition, using the spoken word to carry out actions or control devices.

Gesture-based user interface

An interface where the human body interacts with a device to give commands without using a keyboard or mouse.

Phablet computer

A hybrid device that has the features of both a smartphone and a tablet computer, with a size in between the two.

Applet

A small computer program that performs a specific task within a larger application.

Spreadsheet

A computer program where data is arranged in rows and columns.

Database

A computer program that manages a collection of organized data stored in tables.

Word processing

A text editor application used to create, store, print, and format text.

Control software

An automatic system that manages or regulates programs and external hardware, and can change its environment.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Software that helps users create 2D drawings or 3D models and digital representations of objects before they are manufactured.

Measurement software

Software that allows a computer to interact with sensors to visualize and analyze physical quantities in the real world.

Video editing software

Applications that allow the user to add features to video and export the result in different file formats.