Hardware & Software (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT): Flashcards
Exam code: 0417 & 0983
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Define hardware.
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Cards in this collection (32)
Define hardware.
Hardware is the physical components of a computer system.
Name the three categories of hardware.
The three categories of hardware are internal components, internal memory and hardware components.
What is the role of the motherboard?
The motherboard connects all the important components together, allowing them to communicate.
Define processor.
A processor is an electronic circuit that processes information.
True or False?
RAM and ROM are classed as internal memory.
True.
Internal memory is one of the three categories of hardware, and it contains RAM and ROM.
What does a graphics card do?
A graphics card (GPU) processes images and video.
What does a sound card do?
A sound card processes audio.
The CPU is described as the of the computer.
The CPU is described as the brain of the computer.
What is the purpose of an input device?
An input device allows user input, for example a mouse or a keyboard.
What is the purpose of an output device?
An output device outputs the results of processing, for example a monitor.
Define software.
Software is the set of programs that control the hardware; it lives on the computer system but cannot be physically touched.
What are the two categories of software?
The two categories of software are application software and system software.
Define application software.
Application software is software chosen by a user to help them carry out a specific task.
Define system software.
System software is software that is essential for the operation of a computer system.
True or False?
Control software is system software.
False.
Control software is application software, even though it controls a system.
What does a compiler do, and which category of software is it?
A compiler is system software that translates high-level programming languages into machine code.
What does a device driver do?
A device driver is system software that controls hardware components and peripherals.
Give three examples of application software.
Application software includes word processing, spreadsheet, database management systems, control/measurement, video editing, graphics editing, audio editing and computer-aided design (CAD).
Define operating system.
An operating system is software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware in a computer system.
Give three things an operating system does.
An operating system controls input/output devices, oversees the loading, running and storage of application software, deals with errors, maintains security and keeps a log of events.
Name the four types of user interface.
The four types of user interface are command line (CLI), graphical (GUI), dialogue-based and gesture-based.
A command line interface uses commands, whereas a graphical user interface uses visual elements.
A command line interface uses text-based commands, whereas a graphical user interface uses visual elements.
Define analogue data.
Analogue data is continuous data created from non-digital devices, which changes gradually and smoothly.
Define digital data.
Digital data is data represented in a binary format (1s and 0s), created and stored using digital devices.
Give two examples of analogue data.
Examples of analogue data are the sound waves produced when you talk, and data collected by sensors.
Give two examples of digital data.
Examples of digital data are software and documents or files.
True or False?
Digital data loses quality during storage and transmission.
False.
Digital data maintains its quality during storage and transmission. It is analogue data whose quality can be lost.
Define analogue to digital conversion (ADC).
ADC is the process of taking samples of an analogue signal and converting them to a binary code.
Why must analogue data be converted to digital data?
Analogue data must be converted to digital data so that it can be processed by a computer.
Why must digital data be converted to analogue data?
Digital data must be converted to analogue data so that it can be used to control devices.
A higher and a higher number of binary digits give a more accurate representation of the original signal.
A higher sample rate and a higher number of binary digits give a more accurate representation of the original signal.
What is the drawback of using a higher sample rate?
A higher sample rate gives a more accurate representation, but it takes up more space on secondary storage.
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