Hardware and Software

What is a computer?

A machine that takes instructions and performs computations and operations accordingly.

What are three uses of computers?

Education, Banking, Entertainment

What is hardware?

The physical components that a computer system requires to function.

Examples of hardware in a computer?

Screen, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, CPU, RAM, ROM, Hard drives (HDD, SSD), Graphics Card, Motherboard

What is software?

A set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.

Examples of software in a computer?

Operating Systems (e.g. Windows, Android), Internet Browsers (e.g. Chrome, Firefox)

What can you do with computer hardware?

You can physically touch it.

What is the CPU?

The most important component in a computer, processing all commands and actions.

What does RAM stand for?

Random Access Memory.

What is the function of RAM?

Stores data from the apps and programs that you open and use.

How does RAM affect computer speed?

The more RAM a computer has, the faster it can process instructions.

What is ROM?

Read-Only Memory, a type of memory that stores software and data needed to start up the computer.

What does Firmware refer to?

Software stored in a ROM chip.

What is a graphics card?

A specialised circuit board that stores and manipulates digital images.

What is a motherboard?

The central part of a computer that connects all components.

What is an input device?

A piece of hardware that helps us enter data into a computer.

Examples of input devices?

Keyboard, Touch screens, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, Barcode reader

What is an output device?

A piece of hardware that gives out the result of entered/processed input.

What are output devices?

Devices that allow the user to receive output from a computer system.

What are examples of visual output devices?

Video card, Projector, Monitor

What do data output devices do?

Allow users to read and understand output in textual format.

What are examples of data output devices?

GPS, Kindle

What are print output devices used for?

Produce a printed hard copy of electronic data.

What are examples of print output devices?

Scanner, Printer, Braille reader, Barcode reader

What do sound output devices do?

Receive information from the computer in audio formats.

What are examples of sound output devices?

Sound card, Headphones, Speakers

What is application software?

Group of programs that perform specific tasks for users.

What is system software?

Software intended to control, support or operate the computer.

What are examples of operating systems?

Apple’s macOS Sierra, Linux (Ubuntu), Windows 8, Windows 10

What are the functions of an operating system?

Managing hardware and software, Maintaining security, Providing a user interface

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

An interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices using graphical icons and visual indicators.

What are some components of Windows?

Dialogue box, Textbox Spinner, Radio button, Command button

What are examples of utility software?

Snipping Tool, Calculator

What is included in an office suite?

Word processor, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentation software

What are examples of communication software?

Desktop publishing, Games, Web authoring software

What is the purpose of software licensing?

To permit installation and use of one copy of the software on one device, along with other rights.

What is a licensed device?

The device to which the software license is assigned.

What is allowed on a portable device?

You may install another copy for use by the single primary user of the licensed device.

What does separation of components in software licensing mean?

Components of the software are licensed as a single unit and cannot be separated for installation on different devices.

What are EULAs?

End-user license agreement

What is software piracy?

Illegal installation, copying, and distributing of proprietary software.

What is the consequence of software piracy?

It can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

What is a single use license?

You may only install ONE copy of the software and make one backup copy of the media.

What is a site license?

Allows unrestricted installations within a company or organization, more expensive than a single license.

What is freeware?

Fully functioning software that can be used and copied without restrictions.

What is shareware?

Software that can be downloaded free for a trial period; after that, payment is required for the full version.

What is open source software (OSS)?

A decentralized development model that distributes source code publicly for open collaboration and peer production.

Give examples of open source software.

Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC Media Player, Linux, Android

What are potential disadvantages of open source software?

It adds a certain level of vulnerability, it is not always user-friendly, personalized support is rarely available, not all the open-source applications are easy to use.

What is copyright?

The legal right to make copies, publish, and sell.

What does intellectual property refer to?

Ownership of the person who created the original idea or thought.

What is Creative Commons?

A non profit organization and international network