Computer Systems & Hardware

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering systems, computer system components, hardware categories, input/output devices, memory, storage, and internal components aligned with IGCSE Computer Science specifications.

System

A group of interrelated components working together toward a common goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organised transformation process.

Feedback (System Model)

The phase in a system loop where a new condition or output is measured again, closing the loop to regulate subsequent inputs or processing.

Computer System

A combination of hardware and software designed to accept input, process data, produce output, and store information.

Hardware

The physical, tangible, manufactured parts of a computer system that can be touched, such as the keyboard, monitor, CPU, and motherboard.

Software

The non-physical instructions and programs that tell computer hardware what to do, including the operating system and applications.

Data

The raw facts and figures that a computer processes, which can include text, numbers, images, and sound.

User (Liveware / Peopleware)

The person operating the computer system, providing instructions, and using the resulting output.

Input Devices

Hardware components that allow users to interact with a system by entering data for processing (e.g., keyboards, mice, barcode scanners, light sensors).

Output Devices

Hardware components that present the results of data processing to the user (e.g., monitors, printers, 3D printers, speakers).

Touchscreen

A dual-purpose hardware component that functions simultaneously as an input device via touch and an output device via visual display.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary processing device, known as the 'brain' of the computer, responsible for carrying out the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A specialised processor optimised for rendering images, video, and graphics by executing many simple calculations in parallel.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Primary internal memory that plugs directly into the motherboard and provides temporary, volatile storage while programs run.

ROM

Primary computer memory that stands for Read Only Memory.

Secondary Storage (HDD / SSD)

Non-volatile storage, such as Hard Disk Drives and Solid State Drives, used to hold the operating system, applications, and user files permanently.

Volatile Memory

Memory (such as RAM) that retains its data only while powered; all stored contents are lost when power is turned off.

Non-Volatile Storage

Storage (such as HDDs, SSDs, and USB drives) that preserves its data permanently, retaining contents even when electrical power is switched off.

Motherboard

The main internal circuit board that connects every component of the computer system together.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

An internal hardware component that converts mains electricity into usable electrical power for all internal computer parts.

Cooling Fan

An internal component designed to remove heat produced by the CPU and other operational parts within the computer case.

CPU Heat Sink

A component that draws heat directly away from the CPU to prevent overheating.

I-P-O-S-C

An acronym representing the five basic functions of a computer system: Input, Processing, Output, Storage, and Communication.

Communication (Computer Function)

The basic computer system function involving connecting with other systems or networks to send and receive data.