Chapter 2- Computer Hardware Flashcards
What is meant by ‘2.5MHz quad core’ when describing a processor? (4 marks)
The CPU clock speed is 2.5MHz and has 4 cores meaning 2.5 million instructions can be processed per second by 4 independent processors working together
State one advantage and one disadvantage of a dual-core processor over a single-core processor (2 marks)
Advantage- A dual-core processor can process data simultaneously and faster
Disadvantage- A more complicated operating system is needed and it is harder to write software for multiple processors
Why does a computer have both ROM and RAM? (2 marks)
ROM is needed for the initial settings and boot sequence, RAM is needed to store data and programs in use
What is in RAM when the computer is working? (3 marks)
> Operating system
Programs
Data in use by programs
How does the use of virtual memory affect the performance of a computer? (3 marks)
Data is swapped between RAM and the hard disk. The hard disk access is slower than RAM access- slowing access to data, therefore making performance slow.
Identify two input devices and two output devices on a mobile phone (4 marks)
Input- Touch screen, microphone
Output- Touch screen, screen
Identify, with reasons, three devices her would held a visually impaired person to use a computer (6 marks)
Braille keyboard- raised dots to identify symbols
Speaker and voice synthesis- to read documents
Microphone with voice recognition- to issue commands
Why does a computer need secondary storage? (2 marks)
Secondary storage is needed to store data and programs when the power is switched off because RAM is volatile without power
What is the most suitable type of secondary storage for: (4 marks)
a) Transferring work between home and school
b) Distributing a software application
c) Storing work and programs on a large school network
d) Storing images in a digital camera
a) USB flash memory drive
b) CD ROM
c) Hard disk drive
d) Flash memory card
What is the purpose of a CPU? (1 mark)
The CPU carries out processing on the computer; it fetches and executes instructions
