Systems

Question	Answer
RAM	Main memory. Data stored on it is lost when the computer is switched off
ROM (Read Only Memory)	ROM cannot be changed and it is used by the system with essential settings that are used when the computer is switched on.
Software	The actual programs or coded instructions that make the computer run.
Hardware	The physical parts that make up a computer system.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)	Controls the input of data and the output of information
Motherboard	This is the large printed circuit board inside the computer that contains the CPU and memory
Input Devices	used to input data into a computer system: keyboard, mouse, joystick and sensors are commonly used input devices.
Output Devices	used to output data from a computer system: printers and computer screens are commonly used output devices.
Backing Storage	Used to store data for use in a computer system: normally there is a hard disk fitted as a backing store.
Mainframe computers	Mainframe computers are powerful and are mainly used by large organisations for bulk data processing.
Supercomputers	Supercomputers are high specification computers that are capable of performing complex calculations at very high speed. Used in research establishments
Embedded Systems	The output from the system can be input into another system; this technique is used frequently in the aviation and motoring industry where embedded ICT systems communicate to perform further calculations.

Resource summary

	Created by Dean Whittle over 10 years ago