TOPIC 1: COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MODE OF USE

1. Define the terms:

1.1. Hardware;

Hardware refers to a physical piece of a computer. This could be a hard drive, monitor, memory chip, or CPU. The key idea is that the item is something you can touch.

http://www.mariosalexandrou.com/definition/hardware.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hardware
http://www.liv.ac.uk/HPC/HTMLF90CourseSlidesnode3.html

1.2. Software;

Software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/software.html

1.3. Input device;

An input device is any device that provides input to a computer.

http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?inputdevice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Input_device




1.4. Storage device;

A computer storage device is any type of hardware that stores data.

http://www.techterms.com/definition/storagedevice



1.5. Output device;

Any peripheral that presents output from the computer, such as a screen or printer.

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=output+device&i=48677,00.asp
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/o/outputde.htm
http://www.techterms.com/definition/outputdevice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Output_device



2. Describe the purpose of:

2.1. Input devices;

The purpose of input device is to provide data and control signals to an information processing system

http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-input-devices


2.2. Storage devices;

The purpose of storage device is for recording (storing) information (data)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_storage_device


2.4. Output devices;

The purpose of output device is to transfer data out of the computer in the form of text, images, sounds or other media to a display screen, printer, loudspeaker or storage device.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Output+devices


3. Give THREE description of operating system.

• Multi-user : Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.

• Multiprocessing : Supports running a program on more than one CPU.

• Multitasking : Allows more than one program to run concurrently.

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/o/operating_system.html


4. Explain the term 'user interface'.

The user interface (UI) is everything designed into an information device with which a human being may interact

http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci214505,00.html


5. Describe what is a translator and the purpose?

Translator is a program which translate a high level language program into another language (usually machine code)


6. Give THREE types of utility software with its examples and functions.

• Disk defragmenters can detect computer files whose contents are stored on the hard disk in disjointed fragments, and move the fragments together to increase efficiency.

• Disk cleaners can find files that unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the user to decide what to delete when their hard disk is full

• Backup utilities can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore either the entire disk (e.g. in an event of disk failure) or selected files (e.g. in an event of accidental deletion)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/utility_software


7. State TWO types of programming languages and its descriptions.

• Visual Basic (VB) is the third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft for its COM programming model. VB is also considered a relatively easy to learn and use programming language, because of its graphical development features and BASIC heritage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic

• A++ stands for abstraction plus reference plus synthesis which is used as a name for the minimalistic programming language that is built on ARS.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%2B%2B


8. State THREE types of common applications software and state its functions.

• Micosoft office word is use to write letter, text and any writing document. The latest version can even insert pictures

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Word#Word_2007

• The function of Microsoft office powerpoint is to present data information in a slide show. Musics, pictures, text and animation can be included

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_PowerPoint

• ACDSee Pro 2 software is the essential application for acquiring, organizing, viewing, enhancing and sharing your digital photos and other media files

http://download.roro44.com/en/783-acdsee-pro-20238.html

9. Describe TWO hardware that are used to enable computers to communicate.

• Webcams are video capturing devices connected to computers or computer networks, often using USB or, if they connect to networks, ethernet or Wi-Fi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webcam

• A wireless headset gives you the freedom to confer with a group of people without being "tethered" to your PC desktop

http://www.web-conferencing-zone.com/4063-computer-microphone.htm