Chapter 1: Types & Components of a Computer System

What is the difference between Hardware and software?

Hardware is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer system:
the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and so on. Hardware can be either external or
internal. Software is a general term for the programs that control the computer system.
There are two types of software: application and system.
Briefly describe the purpose of the following hardware components:
Central Processing The central processing unit (CPU) is the part of the computer
Unit (CPU): that interprets and executes the commands from the computer
hardware and software.
Motherboard: It allows the processor and other computer hardware to
function and communicate with each other.
Internal Hard Disk: Basically, hard disk drives (HDD) are magnetic in nature and
are one of the main methods for storing data, files (text, photos
and music) and most of the system and application software.
Sound Card: A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a
computer with the ability to produce sounds.
Graphics Card: A video card allows the computer to send graphical information
to a video display device such as a monitor, television or
projector.
What are the differences between ROM & RAM?
ROM: RAM:
Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used Random access memory (RAM) is an
to store information that needs to be internal chip where data is temporarily stored
permanent. It is often used to contain, for when running applications. This memory can
example, configuration data for a computer be written to and read from. Since its
system. These chips cannot be altered and contents are lost when power to the
can only be read from (hence their name). computer is turned off, it is often referred to
ROM chip is not lost even when power to the as a volatile or temporary memory.
computer is turned off. They are often
referred to as non-volatile memories.
What are the differences between Application & System Software?
Application: System:
Apps (short for Applications) normally refers The operating system (OS) is essentially
to the type of software that runs on mobile software running in the background of a
phones or tablets. They are usually computer system. It manages many of the
downloaded from an ‘Apps Store’ and range basic functions. Without the OS, most
from games to sophisticated software such computers would be very user-unfriendly
as phone banking. and the majority of users would find it almost
impossible to work with computers on a day-
to-day basis.
Examples with use: Examples with use:
Word Processing - Used to prepare A device driver is the name given to
reports, school essays software that enables one or more
hardware devices to communicate with the
computer’s operating system.
What is measure and control software used for?
Control and measuring software is designed to allow a computer or microprocessor to
interface with sensors so that it is possible to: measure physical quantities in the real world
(such as temperatures) control applications (such as a chemical process) by comparing
sensor data with stored data an sending out signals to alter process parameters (for
example, open a valve to add acid and change the pH).
What are the main functions of an operating System?
Input/output operations users to communicate with the computer (for example,
windows) error handling to take place the loading and running of programs to occur
managing of security (for example, user accounts, log on passwords).
Advantages: the user is in direct Advantages: the user doesn’t need to learn Commented [U1]:
communication with the computer the user is any Commands it is more user-friendly;
not restricted to a number of predetermined icons are used to represent applications a
options it is possible to alter computer pointing device (such as a mouse) is used to
Configuration settings. click on an icon to launch the application –
this is simpler than typing in commands.
Disadvantages: the user needs to learn a Disadvantages: uses up considerably more
number of commands to carry out basic computer memory than a CLI interface the
operations all commands need to be typed user is limited to the icons provided on the
in, which takes time and can be error prone screen needs an operating system, such as
each command must be typed in using the Windows, to operate, which uses up
correct format, spelling, and so on more considerable memory
difficult to edit once commands entered.
Describe the four main features of the graphical user interface?
Windows
Icons
Menu
Pointer

What are the differences between Main Memory and Backing Storage? (4)
Main Memory (ROM/RAM/Cache): Backing Storage:
Random access memory (RAM) is an The internal hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state
internal chip where data is temporarily drive (SSD) is the computer’s main internal storage;
stored when running applications. This this is where the applications software, disk
memory can be written to and read from. operating system and fi les (for example, text,
Since its contents are lost when power photos or music) are stored. The main advantage
to the computer is turned off, it is often of these storage devices is the fast data
referred to as a volatile or temporary transfer/access times and their large capacity to
memory. Read-only memory (ROM) is a store data.
memory used to store information that
needs to be permanent. It is often used
to contain, for example, configuration
data for a computer system.