Chapter 5 Computer Hardware

Question 1

What does the CU stand for?

Answer 1

Control Unit

Question 2

What is the role of the CU?

Answer 2

It decides which instructions to carry out next, it then fetches it from memory, it then decodes the instruction and executes the instruction. It repeats this process (fetch-execute cycle)

Question 3

What does the ALU stand for?

Answer 3

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Question 4

What is the role of the ALU?

Answer 4

It carries out arithmetic calculations, like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

It performs logical comparisons to assist with decision-making by using the operators AND, OR and NOT

Question 5

What does the CPU stand for?

Answer 5

Central Processing Unit

Question 6

What is the role of the CPU?

Answer 6

It’s main role is to process programs and data, it does this by repeatedly fetching an instruction from memory and executing it (fetch-execute cycle)

Question 7

What does the IAS stand for?

Answer 7

Immediate Access Store

Question 8

What is the role of the IAS?

Answer 8

It stores all programs and data temporarily while they are in use.

During the fetch-execute cycle, instructions are fetched from their specific storage location in the IAS using an address.

Each memory location has a unique address assigned to it.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a graphics digitiser?

Answer 9

It allows a user to hand-draw images, which are captured by the computer.

It consists of a flat electronic sensitive surface and a stylus pen.

Question 10

What are 2 advantages of a graphics digitiser?

Answer 10

It’s more natural to draw diagrams with a stylus than with a mouse.

Using a stylus produces more accurate and detailed drawings.

Question 11

What are 2 disadvantages of a graphics digitiser?

Answer 11

They’re not suitable for selecting menus and pointing at menu items.

They’re more expensive than a mouse.

Question 12

What is the purpose of touchscreen?

Answer 12

It looks similar to normal computer screens, with a touch-sensitive surface.

When the screen is touched the position is calculated as a coordinate (x,y).

Question 13

What are 2 advantages of a touchscreen?

Answer 13

The user doesn’t need much ICT knowledge compared to using a keyboard.

Users can select and enter options much faster than using a keyboard.

Question 14

What are 2 disadvantages of a touchscreen?

Answer 14

Theres a limited number of options available on the screen.

Screens can become dirty quickly.

Question 15

What is the purpose of a speaker?

Answer 15

They allow sound to be outputted.

They can be external or internal speakers.

In addition to the hardware, a sound card has to be fitted inside the computer.

Question 16

What are 2 advantages of a speaker?

Answer 16

They’re useful for visually impaired users: text or figures can be spoken by the computer.

It’s a natural way to communicate with users.

Question 17

What are 2 disadvantages of a speaker?

Answer 17

External speakers need more desk space than using headphones.

Speakers can distract other users in the same office who are doing other tasks.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a laser printer?

Answer 18

A laser beam is used to scan the image of the page to be printed onto a drum by building a pattern of static electricity.

This attracts toners (printer ink) to reproduce the page.

Question 19

What are 2 advantages of a laser printer?

Answer 19

They’re faster to print in bulk compared to using an ink jet printer.

They produce high quality text and graphic output.

Question 20

What are 2 disadvantages of a laser printer?

Answer 20

Colour laser printers are expensive to purchase and use.

Since they are non-impact printers multipart stationary cannot be used.

Question 21

What is the purpose of a microphone?

Answer 21

They accept sound input into a computer system.

A voice recognition system can convert sound into text.