Hardware and Software Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to hardware, software, and data types in computer science.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Software

The set of programs that control the hardware of a computer system.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer that handles all system instructions.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A type of internal memory that is fast and used as working memory.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

A type of internal memory that holds start-up instructions for the computer.

Input Devices

Devices that allow user input into a computer system, e.g., a mouse and keyboard.

Output Devices

Devices that output results of processing, e.g., a monitor.

Operating System (OS)

Software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware.

Application Software

Software chosen by a user to help them carry out specific tasks.

Analogue Data

Continuous data created from non-digital devices, e.g., sound waves.