3 Memory and processors Flashcards

1
Q

Why is memory used?

A

Can be accessed faster than secondary storage so processor can fetch instructions quickly and access them

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2
Q

What are the 3 types of memory?

A
  1. Random access memory (RAM)
  2. Read only memory (ROM)
  3. Flash memory
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3
Q

What does RAM do?

A

RAM is a fast temporary type of memory in which programs, applications and data are stored

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4
Q

Give examples of what’s stored RAM?

A

the operating system
applications
the graphical user interface (GUI)

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5
Q

Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?

A

Volatile - if a computer loses power, all data stored in its RAM is lost

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6
Q

Define volatile

A

Data is lost if power is turned off

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7
Q

How does an increase in RAM impact the user?

A

The more RAM that is available the more programs can run at the same time
This is important for multi-tasking

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8
Q

What happens when there isn’t enough RAM and how does this impact user experience?

A

The OS creates virtual memory using secondary storage

Secondary storage is S L O W therefore performance DECREASES

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9
Q

Why are SSDs used for memory

A

SSDs can be used rather than hard disk drives as they have a faster access time

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10
Q

How can a user increase performance?

A

A user can add additional RAM to the computer’s capacity

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11
Q

What is ROM?

A

Read only memory which cannot be changed by the user

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12
Q

Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?

A

Non-volatile

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13
Q

Give examples of where ROM is used

A

In computer systems such as calculators, digital watches and washing machines

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14
Q

What type of memory does flash memory fall under?

A

ROM

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15
Q

What is the advantage of flash memory?

A

It has no moving parts so it has a fast access time and low power consumption

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16
Q

Give examples of where flash memory is used

A

SSDs

Used as removable storage in USB drives and SD cards

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17
Q

How many clock cycles per sec does Hertz, KiloHertz, MegaHertz, GigaHertz have?

A

1
1000
1000,000
1000,000,000

multiply by 1000 each time

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18
Q

Define clock cycles per second

A

Used to measure processor speed; the number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions

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19
Q

List 3 characteristic of RAM that make it different to ROM

A
  1. Volatile
  2. Stored temporarily
  3. Upgradable
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20
Q

Explain 2 reasons why the characteristics of flash memory make it suitable for use as secondary storage in smartphones

A

Has no moving parts

So there is lower power consumption

21
Q

What does disk formatting do?

A

Prepares storage media (e.g. hard disk drive, USB drive) for first time use

22
Q

What happens if you format a disk that has already been used?

A

All data on the disk will be unreadable by normal applications

23
Q

What does the OS do?

A

Allows user to control and manage computer’s hardware

24
Q

What is a single-user operating system?

A

Only allow for a general use and don’t provide the option to customise user interface for different users

25
Q

What is a network operating system?

A

Operating systems that have additional functionality

e.g. seperating user accounts to ensure they can’t access each other’s files
Providing access to a network storage and shared resources such as printers

26
Q

Define memory management

A

A system that ensures the applications are able to run and don’t interfere with each other

27
Q

Define resource managment

A

Allocating things to make sure every user area has all the resources it needs

28
Q

Define firewall

A

A security system that can help protect your network by filtering traffic and blocking outsiders from gaining unauthorized access to the private data on your computer

29
Q

Define authentication

A

A process to ensure that the right person is accessing something

30
Q

Define print spooling

A

System enabling you to send large document files or a series of them to a printer, without needing to wait until the current task is finished

31
Q

Define word processor

A

Allows you to create documents such as letters or reports

32
Q

Define desktop publishing software

A

Allows to work with complicated page layouts

33
Q

Define spreadsheet software

A

Allows you to record and analyse data in the form of a spreadsheet

34
Q

Define database software

A

Allows you to store, organize and order large volumes of data

35
Q

Define web authoring software

A

Allows to create web pages including text and images

36
Q

Define graphic editing software

A

Allows to create or edit vector graphics

37
Q

Define bitmap

A

Computer image that is stored as an arrangment of bits

38
Q

Define vector

A

Cimputer image made up of points and lines

39
Q

Define photo editor software

A

Allows to edit and enhance photographs and images

40
Q

Define sound editing software

A

Allows to edit audio files or join together different audio files

41
Q

Define presentation software

A

Creates engaging multimedia content as slides

42
Q

Define control application

A

Used to make something happen in the physical environment

43
Q

How do control applications work?

A

Take in input of sensors then makes a decision in response and outputs it

44
Q

Define project management software?

A

Help plan and track individual tasks in a project

45
Q

Define software license

A

Legal arrangement that gives a user the right to install and use software

46
Q

Define free software

A

Gives users the right to study, modify, copy or distribute the program. (Free does not mean that there is no charge for this software)

47
Q

Define open source software

A

A software that anyone has access to edit the code

48
Q

Define freeware

A

Propreitary softare provided free of charge to users

49
Q

Define propreitry software

A

A software where the code is locked from users and therefore can’t be edited to fit specific needs