1.1, 1.2, 1.

3 - Hardware, Software & Components

Worksheet for IG1

1.1 - External Hardware Devices

Name of Device Key Features Photo

Keyboard Input device

It is a way of humans interacting with a computer
The keys are mostly used for typing words and numbers on
computer software

Mouse Input device

computer mice have one or more buttons to allow operations
such as selection of a menu item on a display.

Monitor Output device

an instrument or device used for observing, checking, or keeping
a continuous record of a process or quantity.

Printer Output device

a machine for printing text or pictures onto paper

Scanner Input device

a device that scans documents and converts them into
digital data.
Photocopier device for producing copies of text or graphic material by
the use of light, heat, chemicals, or electrostatic charges.

USB drive Output device

1. a small external flash drive that can be used with any
computer that has a USB port.

Webcam Input device

a video camera that inputs to a computer connected to the
internet, so that its images can be viewed by internet users.

Other?
1.3 - Types of Software

System Software Key Features Photo

1. the software that supports a computer's basic functions,

such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling
Operating system peripherals.

In computing, a device driver is a computer program that

Device driver operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to
a computer or automaton.

1. permanent software programmed into a read-only

Firmware memory.

Programming Language  a programming language processor that converts a

Translators computer program from one language to another. 

an organization supplying the community with electricity, gas,

Utilities
water, or sewerag
Application Software Key Features Photo

Word processor a machine that processes something.

Spreadsheet a computer program used to create and manipulate spreadsheets.

a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is

Database
accessible in various ways.

he giving of something to someone, especially as part of a formal

Presentation
ceremony.

an application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile

Apps device.

 actions and/or activities that are taken to prevent,

Control& measuring eliminate or reduce the occurrence of a hazard that you
have identified.
1.3 - Software (Activity)
System Software - Name Description
- This software enables humans to interact with the computer by providing easy to understand visuals
Application - This software creates security for a computer by asking for passwords, finger print scans, etc..
- This software is used in the background and all other software will interact with it.
- This software takes object code that is produced by a compiler, and combines it into chunks of code and makes it
Link into a program
- This software is a computer program (build into a computer and can’t be changed)
- This software is where groups of code (called modules) are combined into a program
- This software is a computer program that takes code from the source (programmer)
Code - This software takes the source code and turns it into code that the computer can read (object code)
- This software makes blocks of code that can be reused over and over again.
- This software is a program that communicates between the hardware and software
Driver - This software is commonly seen when connecting printers to the computer
- This software can be saved on a USB drive, as a download, or on other storage devices (CD, floppy disk, etc..)
- This software provides tools for the operating system to do tasks that can be repeated
application - This software can be found in the utilities folders on a computer
- This software only does the job it is made to do (e.g. antivirus, disk repair, backup, etc..)
1.3 - Systems Software questions

Q1) Where would the compiler be?

A)

Remember, it takes code from the programmer, and turns it into an objective file so that the
Linker can use it to make a fully working program.

This is an example of how a program is types

in Python, Javascript, C++, etc...

There are blocks of code that can be re-used called

Imagine a computer game:

If, the user presses the x button, then kick.

If, the user presses the y button, then jump.
If, the user presses the a button, then fight.

Each of the above ”if statements” can be saved as a module, so they don’t need to be typed again.

Imagine a piece of code with 100 lines! You don’t want to type that out over and over again. (for different
characters in the game for example.)

Q2) What software takes the code from the source, and turns it into modules that can be reused, called object code?

A)
Q3) What are the two types of software:
A)

Review and Extension

1.2 - Main Components of a Computer System

Component Name What does it do? What are it’s parts? / components? How to remember it
- The brain of the computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU) contained on an integrated circuit
- The organiser, manager
(a microprocessor) chip called a microprocessor.
 Volatile or non-volatile?
HDDs are a legacy storage - Long Term Memory
technology that use spinning disks
Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Memories can be saved forever
to read/write data. SSDs are faster
(Solid state drive - SSD) - Memories can even be changed
and more power efficient than
HDDs.  Volatile or non-volatile?
RAM gives applications a place - Short Term Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) to store and access data on a - Will forget after sleeping
short-term basis.  Volatile or non-volatile?
a type of storage medium - Can’t be changed, built in.
that permanently stores data on - Like how to breath or go to the toilet
Read Only Memory (ROM)
personal computers (PCs) and (can you forget how to do that?)
other electronic devices.  Volatile or non-volatile?
the program a computer's - Start up system
BIOS microprocessor uses to start the
- Kind of like how your body wakes up,
(Basic input / output system) computer system after it is
before you know it.
powered on.
CMOS battery-powered and stores the - The part of the brain that remembers
(Complementary metal oxide hard drive's configuration and what day it is and how you should
semiconductor) other information. behave.