Computer SystemsRevision Checklist

Name: Topic Section Definition/Example

HARDWARE

Input Input is a device that inputs information into a computer e.g. mouse, keyboard

Output Output is something that puts information out of your computer e.g. speakers, monitor

Backing Storage This is an external device that can store information

Sequential / Random Access

Sequential information is information that you have to go through in a sequence to get to the part you want

Random Access memory can access any part of any information stored

Virtual Reality Hardware and/or software that induces reality

Specialised Devices

Input and output devices for disabled users

Computer Types e.g. Laptops, desktop computers, palmtops

SOFTWAREProgram Files An executable file that starts an

application or programData Files This is a file that is created by a

programApplication Software

Software that helps you do tasks on your OS

Functions of an Operating System

e.g. file management, memory management, control of input and output devices

Hierarchical Filing System

It allows the user to create folders and sub-folders, at the very start of the structure it is called the root

Device Drivers This is a software that allows a piece of input, output or backing storage to function and communicate with the computer

PROCESSOR ALU Carries out calculations and makes decisions

CPU The CPU is made up of ALU, CU and registers

CU Fetched and executes instructionsRegisters Temporary storage areas for data

and instructions being processedAddressability Word Length ASCII This is a world wide format of text

allowing computers to communicate easily

Graphics RepresentationBinary Numbers This is basically Bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB

This is the name of different sizes of files

RAM Random access memory, in contrary to sequential memory you can access anything without having to go through the rest of the data

ROM This is irremovable or editable data stored on the computer that tells the computer how to boot