Define hardware.
Physical parts of a computer system that can be touched.
Define software.
Programs that control the operation of a computer or process electronic data.
What is the motherboard?
A printed circuit board that allows the processor and other hardware to function and communicate.
State the function of the CPU.
To execute program instructions, process data, and control other computer components.
Name the three main parts of the CPU.
Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Registers.
Describe the function of the Control Unit (CU).
Coordinates computer actions, manages components, and controls execution of instructions by sending control signals.
Describe the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
Performs all mathematical and logical operations.
What is the function of registers?
To store instructions and data currently being used by the CPU.
Define clock speed.
The number of pulses per second sent by the clock, controlling the rate at which the CPU works.
What is RAM?
Volatile memory where data is temporarily stored when running applications; can be written to and read from.
What is ROM?
Non-volatile memory that stores the boot file (BIOS); data cannot be altered.
State four differences between RAM and ROM.
• RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile. • RAM is temporary, ROM is permanent. • RAM is read/write, ROM is read-only. • RAM has larger capacity than ROM.
Give an example of application software.
Word processor, spreadsheet, photo editing software.
Give two examples of system software.
Compiler, Operating System, Device Driver, Utilities.
What is a compiler?
A program that translates high-level language code into machine code.
What is an operating system?
Software that manages the basic functions of a computer and runs in the background.
Describe a Command Line Interface (CLI).
A text-based interface where the user types commands at a prompt.
State one advantage of a CLI over a GUI.
User is in direct communication with the computer / Not restricted to predetermined options / Can alter configuration settings.
State one disadvantage of a CLI.
User must learn many commands / All commands must be typed in / Commands must be typed with correct format.
Describe a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
An intuitive interface where users interact by clicking on icons, menus, or windows.
State one advantage of a GUI over a CLI.
User does not need to learn commands / More user-friendly / Easier to use with a pointing device.
State one disadvantage of a GUI.
Uses more memory than CLI / User is limited to on-screen icons / Needs an OS which uses considerable memory.
Describe a dialogue-based interface.
An interface allowing user interaction through spoken words.
State an advantage of a dialogue-based interface.
Allows hands-free control / Requires no training / Safer when operating machinery / Useful for disabled users.
