Definitions
Software is a general term for the programs that control the computer system. e.g Adobe, Microsoft, Windows 7.
For a computer system to be useful it must consist of both hardware and soft ware.
Central Processing Unit
The CPU is the brain of the computer. The device that carries out software instructions. CPUs usually plug into a large socket on the main circuit board (the motherboard) of a computer. They get very hot when they are operating so usually have a large fan attached to their top to keep them cool. Main Memory The CPU needs to store data whilst its carrying out the processing requi red.The data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed into main memory . Memory can be classed in two types: RAM and ROM RAMRandom Access Memory A temporary store of data Holds the data that is currently being used by the user Volatile - so data is lost when computer is turned off It can be read from or written to The data in RAM can b e changed It is needed so that users are able to make changes to the data they are working on / to store the program or data they are currently using. ROMRead Only Memory Non-Volatile - not lost when computer is switched off Stores things such as: BIOS, programs in washing machines, program instructions for games The data cannot be changed It is used so that programs/coding/software can be stored permanently/ cannot be changed. Exam Paper Questions |