ict unit 1 - hardware software

linkers

takes one or more object files made by a compiler and combine them

device driver

allows hardware devices to communicate with a computer’s operating sytem

compiler

turns programming made by humans into machine code which computers can understand

utilities

programs that help manage, maintain, and control computer resources

application software

programs that allow users to do specific tasks, cannot run on its own without systems software

systems software

Important programs that allow hardware to run properly

word processor

produce letters, reports and memos

database

store and retrieve information

graphics manipulation software

software to edit artwork, photos

spreadsheet

used for tasks that involve calculations or graphs and charts

video editing software

produce and edit videos

apps

a computer program that is written and designed for a specific purpose

control software

control devices such as fire alarms and mechanical devices

analogue data

Data which represents physical, constantly varying quantities, such as time, temperature, etc.

digital data

saved in the computer as 0’s and 1’s - this is called binary data. This is sometimes referred to as ‘discreet’ data.

motherboard

also called the system board, is the main printed circut board, can connect to other circuit boards

cpu (central processing unit)

does most of the processing inside a computer

ram (random access memory)

volatile, stores data and applications while they are being used.

rom (read only memory)

non volatile, keeps its contents even when the computer is turned off, memory that has data preinstalled onto it that cannot be removed

secondary (internal/external) storage

another storage device that keeps data when the computer is turned off

graphics card (gpu)

controls the output to a display screen/monitor

sound card

controls output of speakers and headphones

network interface card

allows the computer to communicate with other devices over a computer network

camera

record video and sound

operating systems

provides GUI or CLI, runs and stops applications, organises, saves, and retrieves files, allocates and controls system memory, prevents unauthorised system access, oversees input/output devices for smooth operation

command line interface (CLI)

text based interface

graphical user interface (gui)

often called a ‘WIMP’ interface, input through icons, menus, buttons

desktop computer

computer system designed to be used in a fixed location

laptop computer

portable computer with the same functionality as a desktop

tablet computer

portable computer with a touch screen, mobile operating

measuring software

to capture and log data from sensors

GUI advantages

doesnt require user to learn commands, more user friendly than CLI

GUI disadvantages

uses up more computer memory, limited to icons provided, operating system uses up memory

CLI advantages

not limited to the number of commands, possible to alter computer configuration settings, direct communication with computer allowing for contro and efficiency

CLI disadvantages

user need to learn commands to carry out basic operations, can be error prone, difficult to edit once commands are entered

dialogue based advantages

hands free control, safer to use while operating machinery

dialogue based disadvantages

have to learn commands/keywords, interface need to be trained with voice, not reliable especially with bg noise, complex to program = expensive

gesture based advantages

pointing device not needed, keyboards is not needed, sensor can pick up movement no matter where user is, hygienic as touching screen isnt necessary

gesture based disadvantages

gesture for particular request need to be learnt, a system is required to recognise movements, motion tracking gloves may be required, may become tiring

true gesture based interface

no physical contact with screen

partial gesture based

requires physical contact with screen

desktop computer benefits

spare parts are interchangeable making upgrades and repairs cheaper, can support more powerful software, good power and cooling system, less risk of physical damage as it is stationary, stable internet as it is stationary

desktop drawbacks

lack of portability, transfering files is required when working on different computer, multiple components and wires can lead to clutter