CAIE IGCSE ICT - Flashcards

Flashcards covering hardware, software, data types, CPU, memory, I/O devices, storage, operating systems and types of computers.

Hardware

The electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer system. These may include input and output devices as well.

Software

The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions tell the device what to do and how to do it.

Application software

Provides services that allow the user to do specific tasks. E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.

System Software

The software is designed to provide a platform all other applications to run on.

Compilers

Translates the High-level language into Machine code (Language Processor).

Linkers

A Software that creates the links between Language processors into workable solutions (Data definition language).

Device drivers

A software that enables the device to work with another, externally connected device.

Utilities

A system software that provides the necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk Defragmentation, etc.)

Operating systems (OS)

To enable computer systems to function and allow users to communicate with computer systems, special software, known as…

Analogue Data

Data in the real world, not limited to two specific values.

Digital data

Data in the form of binary digits (0,1).

ADC (analogue to digital converter)

Hardware that converts real-world data into digital form.

DAC (digital to analogue converter). Backing and Secondary Storage

Hardware that outputs data back in analogue form.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The component of the computer that understands and executes hardware and software operations. Nowadays, it's also known as a microprocessor.

Random access memory (RAM)

temporary memory storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read and write functions, is used to store data that are currently in use, and can be increased in size to improve operational speed.

Read-only memory (ROM)

permanent memory storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to store computer's configuration data, such as BIOS.

Input device

hardware that enables data entry.

Output device

shows the result or solution of the input after it has been processed.

Operating System

Controls operation of input, output & backing storage, Supervises loading, running & storage of application programs, Deals with errors in application programs, Maintains security of the whole computer system, Maintains a computer log.

Desktop Computers

Usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example, a laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of several separate components, which makes it not very portable.

Laptop computer

Refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all together in one unit. This makes them extremely portable. lightweight (to aid portability). Low power consumption (and also long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is very important).

Smartphones

Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an operating system (such as iOS, Android, or Windows), allowing them to run a number of computer applications (known as apps or applets). Smartphones communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.

Tablets

They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main difference is that they are somewhat bigger in size as compared to a smartphone.

Phablets

Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone. They have much larger screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A machine or application which carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence.

Augmented reality (AR)

A merger between the virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects onto pre-existing objects.

Virtual reality (VR)

Enables an entirely new world to be created, unlike AR, which has no link to the actual surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be specially equipped with a VR headset, joystick, and headphones.