Computer Hardware and Software

Front

What is hardware?

Back

Hardware is the general term for the physical components that make up a typical computer system, such as keyboard and mouse.

Front

What are the two categories of hardware?

Back

Internal and external.

Front

What is software?

Back

Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer system and process data.

Front

What are the two categories of software?

Back

Applications and system.

Front

What does applications software do?

Back

Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a given task, such as word processing and spreadsheets.

Front

What is system software?

Back

System software is designed to provide a platform on which all other software can run, such as compilers and operating systems.

Front

What is a compiler?

Back

A compiler is a computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language (HLL) into machine code.

Front

What is source code?

Back

The original program written in a high-level language before compilation.

Front

What is object code?

Back

The code after compilation that can be directly used by a computer.

Front

What is a linker?

Back

A linker is a computer program that takes one or more object files produced by a compiler and combines them into a single program.