Information Technology: Hardware, Software, and Operating Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to computer hardware, software, operating systems, and the role of computers in everyday life.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system that you can touch (tangible parts).

Internal Hardware Components

Hardware components necessary for the proper functioning of the computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and Hard Drive.

Motherboard

A circuit board that holds the CPU and other essential internal hardware and functions as the central hub that all other hardware components run through.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The brain of the computer that processes and executes digital instructions from various programs.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Temporary memory storage that makes information immediately accessible to programs; it is volatile memory, so stored data is removed when the computer powers off.

Hard Drive

A physical storage device that stores data permanently.

External Hardware Components (Peripherals)

Items that are often externally connected to the computer to control either input or output functions, such as mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, speaker, camera, etc.

Software

A set of instructions or commands that tell a computer what to do; a computer program that provides instructions to execute a user’s commands. It is intangible.

System Software

Software that controls the overall functionality of a computer system and the hardware devices attached to it. The main type is the Operating System.

Operating System (OS)

A collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs; it controls the overall operations of a computer system.

Application Software

Software designed to perform a specific task for users, fulfilling users’ requirements. Examples include: Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Database Management, Inventory Systems, Payroll Programs, etc.