Flashcards · 0417 · Topic 1

Types and components of computer systems flashcards

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Hardware vs software: Hardware is the physical components of a computer system. Software is the programs that run on it.
System software vs application software: System software runs the computer: the operating system, utilities, device drivers and compilers. Application software does the user's work: word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, databases.
Is a device driver system software or application software?: System software. Although it relates to one device, it helps run the computer rather than doing a task for the user.
Why must analogue data be converted to digital, and what does it?: The real world is analogue (continuously variable), but a computer only stores and processes digital data. An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) samples the signal and stores each sample as a binary number.
What does a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) do?: It turns stored binary values back into a continuously variable signal that a device such as a speaker or motor can use.

What does the CPU do, and what does it contain?: It processes instructions and data. It contains the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and registers.
RAM vs ROM: RAM is volatile, can be written to, and holds the programs and data in current use. ROM is non-volatile, normally read-only, and holds the boot instructions.
Does ROM store the operating system?: No. ROM holds the boot (start-up) instructions that begin loading the operating system. The operating system itself is stored on backing storage and loaded into RAM.
Internal memory vs backing storage: Internal memory (RAM and ROM) is accessed directly by the CPU. Backing (secondary) storage is non-volatile and keeps files permanently, but is not directly accessed by the CPU.

What does an operating system manage?: Memory, files, processes, input and output devices, and it provides the user interface.
Command line interface: advantages and disadvantages: The user types commands. Efficient and powerful for experts, with direct access to the system. But commands must be memorised and typing errors are not forgiven.
Graphical user interface: advantages and disadvantages: Uses windows, icons, menus and a pointer (WIMP). Intuitive for beginners and needs no commands learned. But it uses more memory and processing power.
Dialogue-based and gesture-based interfaces: Dialogue-based: the user speaks commands (voice control), useful when hands are busy, but less reliable in noisy places. Gesture-based: the user controls the device with movements such as swipes.

Name the five types of computer on the 0417 syllabus: Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone and phablet.
Desktop vs laptop: A desktop is the most powerful and upgradeable for its cost, but is not portable. A laptop has a built-in screen and keyboard and is portable, with moderate power and a battery.
Tablet vs smartphone: A tablet is very portable and touch-based with a longer battery life, but limited power for heavy tasks. A smartphone is the most portable and always with the user, but has the smallest screen and least power.
What is a phablet?: A device between a large smartphone and a small tablet in size, combining the uses of a phone and a tablet.

What is artificial intelligence (AI)?: Technology that lets a system appear to learn and make decisions rather than simply following a fixed set of instructions, e.g. voice assistants and recommendation systems.
Virtual reality vs augmented reality: Virtual reality (VR) places the user in a fully simulated environment. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information on the real world. Both are forms of extended reality (XR).
Give two uses of extended reality: Any two of: gaming, training simulations (e.g. pilots or surgeons), education, virtual tours, viewing products in your own room before buying.