iGCSE ICT - Chapter 1 - Types and
components of a computer system
hardware - Answer- The physical components of a computer.
software - Answer- A program or instructions that give directions to the computer.
application software - Answer- computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task
system software - Answer- software responsible for the general operation of a computer system, including the operation
of hardware, running application software, and file management
motherboard - Answer- A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.
random access memory - Answer- volatile computer memory which is used to store files and programs that are currently
running
read-only memory - Answer- a type of memory that is used to store permanent data an instructions because it is
nonvolatile
video card - Answer- An interface card installed in the computer to control graphical output. Also called display adapter or
graphics card.
sound card - Answer- an expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate, input, and output sounds
hard disk drive - Answer- A magnetic, large capacity, main internal storage device for software and documents.
solid state drive - Answer- a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data, instructions, and information
word processor - Answer- A computer application used to create, modify, print, and e-mail documents.
spreadsheet - Answer- A program that allows you to use rows and columns of data to manage, predict, and present
(usually numerical) information.
database - Answer- a collection of organized data that allows access, retrieval, and use of data
compiler - Answer- A computer program created to read an entire program and convert it into a lower-level language and
ultimately to assembly language used by the processor.
linker - Answer- Software that combines together a number of separate object code files.
device driver - Answer- A software program that provides the instructions your computer needs to communicate with a
hardware device, such as a scanner.
operating system - Answer- the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing
applications, and controlling peripherals.
system utility - Answer- A program that helps to manage computer resources: to maintain, modify or update the computer.
central processing unit - Answer- the part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed.
basic input/output system - Answer- the instructions that tells the computer what to do when it starts up
command line interface - Answer- a user types commands represented by short keywords or abbreviations or presses
special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions
graphical user interface - Answer- a visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and
menus, used by most modern operating systems.
windows icon menu and pointing device - Answer- When talking about a GUI, WIMP is short for...
components of a computer system
hardware - Answer- The physical components of a computer.
software - Answer- A program or instructions that give directions to the computer.
application software - Answer- computer software created to allow the user to perform a specific job or task
system software - Answer- software responsible for the general operation of a computer system, including the operation
of hardware, running application software, and file management
motherboard - Answer- A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.
random access memory - Answer- volatile computer memory which is used to store files and programs that are currently
running
read-only memory - Answer- a type of memory that is used to store permanent data an instructions because it is
nonvolatile
video card - Answer- An interface card installed in the computer to control graphical output. Also called display adapter or
graphics card.
sound card - Answer- an expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate, input, and output sounds
hard disk drive - Answer- A magnetic, large capacity, main internal storage device for software and documents.
solid state drive - Answer- a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data, instructions, and information
word processor - Answer- A computer application used to create, modify, print, and e-mail documents.
spreadsheet - Answer- A program that allows you to use rows and columns of data to manage, predict, and present
(usually numerical) information.
database - Answer- a collection of organized data that allows access, retrieval, and use of data
compiler - Answer- A computer program created to read an entire program and convert it into a lower-level language and
ultimately to assembly language used by the processor.
linker - Answer- Software that combines together a number of separate object code files.
device driver - Answer- A software program that provides the instructions your computer needs to communicate with a
hardware device, such as a scanner.
operating system - Answer- the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing
applications, and controlling peripherals.
system utility - Answer- A program that helps to manage computer resources: to maintain, modify or update the computer.
central processing unit - Answer- the part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed.
basic input/output system - Answer- the instructions that tells the computer what to do when it starts up
command line interface - Answer- a user types commands represented by short keywords or abbreviations or presses
special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions
graphical user interface - Answer- a visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and
menus, used by most modern operating systems.
windows icon menu and pointing device - Answer- When talking about a GUI, WIMP is short for...
