1.2 Computer Components Flashcards
Name 3 Components of the computer
Processor
Motherboard
Power supply unit
Memory
Secondary storage
What’s the main role of a processor
Manages the functions of computer system by processing data and instructions
What is the Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer - components such as CPU and ROM are connected
What does the PSU do
Converts electricity from Alternating Current from the mains power supply to Direct current which the computer system can use
What are 2 types of Memory
Volatile
Non volatile
What is Volatile
Temporary - data is lost whenever the power is turned off
What is Non volatile
Long term - saves data even when power is off
What is RAM
Volatile
Stores all programs that are currently running
Stores pats of the operating system to be accessed by the CPU
Each RAM location can be identified by unique address
What is ROM
Non Volatile
Can’t be changed
Stores the boot program/ BIOS for when computer is on
BIOS then loads up the operating system to take over managing the computer
What is Cache Memory
Volatile
Stores data that is frequently accessed
Very quick to access - its closer to the CPU
Name all 4 Secondary storage
Magnetic Storage
Optical Storage
Solid State Storage
Cloud Storage
Give Examples of Magnetic Storage
HDD - Hard Disk Drive
Magnetic Tape - has high capacity storage, has to be accessed in order
Floppy disk - obsolete
Adv and Disadv of Magnetic Storage
A - Large capacity
A - Cheaper per GB than SS
A- Relatively quick access sped but slower than SS
D- Not Durable
D - Not Portable when powered on because moving it can damage the device
Examples of Optical Storage
CD
DVD
Blu-Ray
Adv and Disadv of Optical Storage
A- Discs are thin + very portable
D- Low capacity
D - Not durable - fragile + can break/scratch easily
D - Slowest access speed
Examples of Solid State Storage
USB flash drive
Memory card (SD card)
Adv + Disadv of Solid State Storage
A - Durable
A - Portable - small size
A - Fastest access speed - No moving parts
A - High capacity
D - More expensive
Examples of Cloud storage
Google Drive
Dropbox
iCloud
Adv + Disadv of Cloud Storage
A - Huge capacity - can upgrade
A - Convenient - allows ppl to work on the same file at the same time
D- Requires internet connection
2 Types of Storage protocols
SCIS - Small Computer System Interface
SAS - Serial Attached SCSI
What is SCIS
A protocol for attaching external devices to a computer system, such as printer, scanners
What is SAS
An improved version of SCSI that enables many more external devices to be connected at the same time to a computer system
Types of Expansion Cards
Graphics Card
Network Interface Card - NIC
Fibre Channel Card
Sound Card
Storage Controller Card
What is Graphics Card
Processes graphical data + converts it into a displayable output on a monitor
What is NIC
Allows computers to connect to networks and enables them to transfer data to other computers
What Is Fibre channel card
Transfers data between servers across a network
> allows for quick transfer speeds
>connect data storage to servers
What is Sound card
- Inputting audio = SC convert analogue sound waves into digital data
- Outputting audio = SC convert digital data to analogue sound waves
What is Storage Controller Card
Manages and use any attached storage devices
What is a Port
The interface between external device and the computer
> allows data to be transferred to + from
What is USB Port
> Connects storage devices (usb sticks)
connects input devices (keyboard)
data transfers
What is Firewire port
> Transfers data at a high speed (ext. hard drive)
What is SD Port
Enables data from SD card to be transferred (to camera)
What is Ethernet Port
Connects comp to network devices»_space; allowing access to internet
What is SATA Port
Allows data transfer to ext HDD / SSD
Micro SD Port
Allows data from Micro SD Card to be transferred (from + to smartphones)
