02 Hardware Flashcards
1
Q
Define hardware and software
A
Hardware: any device that assists in input, processing, storage, output or communication of an information system.
Software: computer programs that aid in the operation of a computer system that has a specific use.
2
Q
Explain primary memory
A
- Storage/memory used by the processor in computer devices.
- Allows the processor to access instructions quickly or store data for quick retrieval during processing
- Data is stored in a specific memory location.
- It is close to the processor or on the processor
- Data stored in primary memory is temporary – it is wiped once the computer/device is shut down
3
Q
Explain RAM
A
- Random access memory
- External to the CPU (but often on the same module), and close to the CPU for fast access.
Instructions for a program are stored in RAM.
May also be used for storing processed data by the CPU (if there is no room in cache).
4
Q
List the main types of RAM
A
- DRAM
- SRAM
- Cache
5
Q
Explain DRAM
A
- Memory constantly refreshed or it’ll loose its contents
- ram is synchronous with system clock, increases number of instructions that the processor than perform
- also called DDR (double data rate) & represents how much data memory can transfer in one clock cycle.
6
Q
Explain SRAM
A
- used as system cache
- static, doesn’t need to be refreshed
- faster than DRAM
- saved data may be used again or instructions are stored.
- called a buffer
7
Q
Explain a cache
A
- High speed storage mechanism
- Reserved section on main memory
- Some of the memory is built into processor
- Graphics cards also use Cache on their processor
8
Q
Explain registers
A
- Quickly accessible location on a processor
- Very small holding place
- May contain small bits of information such as the address for the next instruction
9
Q
Explain secondary memory
A
- Permanent storage
- Referred to as storage on computer
- Cannot be processed directly by CPU
- Slowest form of storage
10
Q
List types of secondary memory
A
- HDD
- SSD
- Optical disks
- Flash memory
- Magnetic disks and tape
11
Q
Explain the cpu
A
- Highly complex, extensive set of electronic circuitry that executes stored program instructions
- Performs computer operations by rapidly executing power of computer
- speed of cpu plays a large part in determining power of computer.
- cpu executes instructions that perform a set of basic instructions
- operations execute very quickly and allows computer to perform wide range of functions
12
Q
how does the cpu work
A
- via the fetch execute cycle
1. Instructions fetched from ram
2. instructions decoded by control unit
3. instructions is executed usually by arithmetic logic unit (alu) and operation is performed
4. result of instructions is stored in primary memory
13
Q
control unit
A
- the circuitry that controls operations within the cpu
- it directs the arithmetic and logic unit, memory, input and output devices in response to instructions received from the software.
- the control unit fetches instructions from memory and converts it into control signals
- will send it to the logic unit, memory, or input or output devices to execute the function.
14
Q
alu
A
- most operations are performed here
- they load data from input registers
- executes the instructions
- stores the result in register
- performs basic arithmetic and logic operations
15
Q
register
A
- small data storage unit
- may hold instructions
