Unit One

Unit One

1. Software and Programs

   • Operating System
     • This is a piece of software that manages hardware and software resources
     • It loads the main parts of the computer
     • It handles the needed data
     • It provides the needed services for the computer programs
   • CLI-Command Line Interface
     • Used to order and give instructions to the Operating System
     • It relies solely on human input and output through text
   • GUI-Graphical User Interface
     • It allows user to interact with the computer through icons and visual indicators
   • Software is a platform for running applications

2. Hardware

   • Input Devices
     • Input devices allow the user to put data into the computer
     • A webcam
       • Allows the user to import a moving image of themselves into the computer
     • E.g.
       • A mouse
       • A Keybaord
   • Output Devices
     • An output devices is a piece of hardware that allows data to be sent out from the computer
     • A monitor
       • Allows the user to view the application that is being used
     • E.g.
       • Speakers
       • A printer
   • ROM-Read Only Memory
     • This means that data can only be read and not written
     • ROM has a non volatile memory
       • This means that the data is kept whether the computer is off or on

3. Mainframe Computer

   • Used to handle bulk data processing
   • Used in industry and companies
   • Used for mass customer statistics

4. RAM-Random Access Memory

   • Allows the user to access memory from anywhere
   • RAM is volatile memory
     • This means that data is only maintained while the computer is powered

5. CMOS

   • A chip inside a computer that stores the start up information
   • It also contains BIOS

6. BIOS

   • A set of instructions that control the input and output operations