Computer System Components: Hardware, Software, Peopleware, and Operating Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering hardware components, software types, storage, utilities, and major operating systems.

Computer Hardware

The physical components of a computer that you can touch, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internal parts.

Computer Software

Programs, instructions, and data that control the operation of a computer and enable it to perform tasks.

Peopleware

The human aspect of a computer system, including users, programmers, and IT personnel who interact with hardware and software.

Peripheral Devices

External hardware components attached to a computer, e.g., monitor, printer, scanner, mouse, and keyboard.

Internal Hardware Components

Parts designed to fit inside the computer system, including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and internal drives.

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects and allows communication between all components of a computer system.

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RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile internal memory used for temporary data storage that the CPU can access directly.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile internal memory that permanently stores firmware and essential instructions.

Primary Storage

Collective term for RAM and ROM, where data can be directly accessed by the CPU.

Graphics Card (Video Card)

Hardware that enables image display on a monitor, often requiring driver software and equipped with cooling fans and display ports.

Sound Card

Internal hardware that outputs audio and allows microphone input; converts analog signals to digital and vice versa.

Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A built-in data storage device that holds the operating system, programs, documents, and other files.

Storage Devices

Hardware used to store data not instantly needed by the computer, providing long-term data retention and backup.

Internal Storage

Storage devices installed inside the computer case, such as internal HDDs or SSDs.

External Storage

Removable storage devices like external hard drives and memory sticks used for additional or backup data storage.

System Software

Programs and files that make up a computer’s operating system, managing hardware and fundamental operations.

Application Software

Software designed to help users perform specific tasks, also known as application programs.

Utility Software

Programs that assist with system management, optimization, and maintenance tasks such as backups and antivirus scans.

Antivirus Software

Utility software that protects computers from viruses, malware, and spyware (e.g., Norton, McAfee, Avast).

Disk Cleanup Tools

Utilities that remove temporary files and other unnecessary data to free disk space (e.g., Windows Disk Cleanup, CCleaner).

Operating System (OS)

The most important software that manages hardware, memory, processes, and provides a user interface for interaction.

Kernel

The core component of an operating system that manages hardware resources; Linux is an example of an open-source kernel.

Linux

An open-source kernel used in many OS distributions; known for being lightweight, secure, and popular among programmers and servers.

Windows

A widely used operating system that supports gaming, office work, programming, and runs on most PCs and laptops.

macOS

Apple’s operating system that supports multimedia tasks, web browsing, and software development using languages like C and Swift.

Unix

An older, powerful operating system designed for servers and high-end computing, commonly used by large organizations.

BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution)

A Unix derivative known for reliability, used in high-performance systems like PlayStation and Netflix’s infrastructure.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the computer; calculates and processes calculations and data