Collins Guide chapter 3
Physical components of a computer that you can touch, for example:
Processes instructions that make a computer function.
Random Access Memory (RAM) - stores running programs and data e.g. a word processor and a document. Contents of RAM are lost when computer is switched off.
Read Only Memory (ROM) - stores system software used at start-up. Contents not lost when computer switched off.
| Input devices | Output devices | Secondary storage |
Is a computer whose price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals. It is a computer designed to be used by one person, especially in a domestic setting. Divide into desktop computers and laptop/notebook computers. Main components: CPU, memory, I/O devices, storage
Laptop is a portable computer. How are they different to desk top computers? Size, power, portability, functions, I/O devices, price, reliability. Laptops are capable of the same tasks as a desktop computer, although they are typically less powerful for the same price.
PDAs are handheld computers that were originally designed as personal organizers but became much more versatile over the years. It combines the functions of an electronic organizer with the capacity for networking and telecommunication.
These devices have the computing power of major systems from 30-40 years ago. Tiny hard disc drives are used to store music in MP3 players or video or still photographs in variations of these. Mobile phones have a wide range of functions such as games, MP3 and video playback, Internet access, emails and even phone calls. Watches may have similar processing power but they are small and creating a suitable interface is difficult.
Binary data on disc and in memory, programs that run on computers.