types and components of compter systems

• 
What is software?:

Programs and data that make the computer function. It consists of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
Applications software.
System software.

Compare RAM and ROM, including similarities and differences.

RAM is volatile//ROM is non-volatile
RAM data can be read from and written to//ROM is read only
RAM is temporary memory//ROM is permanent memory
ROM stores the start up instructions whereas RAM is used to store the current program/instruction

Both are internal memory
Both are primary storage
The data on both can be read
Both are directly accessed by the CPU

• 
RAM.

Volatile internal memory storing current instructions:

• 
Motherboard.

Circuit board containing the CPU and other components:

• Video card / Graphics card.

Circuit board controlling output to a monitor:

Network Interface Card

Circuit board allowing connection to a network

Describe a dialogue-based user interface.

• It uses voice recognition to interact with the computer.

• The system uses spoken language to communicate back to the user.
Benefits: Hands-free operation allows the driver to keep hands on the wheel/eyes on the road. No need to learn complex button layouts.
Drawbacks: Background noise (engine/traffic) can cause recognition errors. Users with strong accents or speech impediments may find it difficult to use.

• 
Applications software

Provides the tools for users to perform specific tasks (e.g., writing a letter, editing a photo). Eg. Word processor, Spreadsheet, Database, Web browser.

• 
System software

Provides the environment needed to run applications and manages the computer’s hardware.Eg. Operating system (e.g., Windows), Compiler, Linker, Device drivers.

Contrast analogue and digital data.

Contrast analogue and digital data.!

Analogue data is continuous and has no discrete value.
Digital data is discrete and consists of 0s and 1s (binary).

• Computers can only process digital data, so analogue data from sensors must be converted using an ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter).`

7. Role of the CPU

• It interprets and executes instructions.

• It performs logical and mathematical calculations.

• It coordinates and manages the flow of data within the computer system.

8. Laptop vs. Smartphone (The "Big" Rule)

• Laptop wins because it is BIGGER:

  1. Big Screen: View more detail.

  2. Big Keyboard: Faster typing.

  3. Big Power: Better processor/software.

  4. Big Precision: Mouse is better than a finger.

  5. Big Storage: Fits more files.

9. Projector Risks (Eyes & Heat)

• Health (Body): Eye strain (bright light) and Headaches (flicker).

• Safety (Room): Tripping (cables) and Burns (hot lamp).

10. Extended Reality (XR)

• Hook: It’s the "Umbrella."

• It covers VR, AR, and MR. It blends real + virtual for a "fully immersive" feel

12. Data Contrast (The "ADC" Rule)

• Analogue: Physical/Real-world (temp/sound).

• Digital: Computer-world (CPU).

• Bridge: You need an ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter) for the computer to understand the real world.