Components of a Computer System Flashcards
What is the purpose of a computer?
To take data, process it and then out output it.
Define hardware.
The physical parts of the computer that you can touch.
Define software.
Software are the programs that run on the computer.
Name an operating system.
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux ect.
Define an embedded sytem.
Computers that are built into other computers.
Two advantages of embedded systems?
- They are cheaper to produce.
- They are easier to design.
What is the cache?
Its a type of high speed RAM located in the CPU.
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory.
Additional Information: RAM can be read to or written on.
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
Define volatile memory.
Temporary memory. It loses its contents when the computer is powered off.
Give an example of volatile memory.
RAM
Define non volatile memory.
Permanent memory - memory that keeps its contents even when it is switched off.
Give an example of non volatile memory.
Secondary Storage.
eg. SSD
Describe the fetch, decode execute cycle. (4 marks)
- Fetch: The instruction is fetched from the main memory into the CPU
- Decode: The instruction is decoded.
- Execute: The instruction is executed.
- The value is incremented by 1.
What are registers?
Registers are small amounts of high speed memory in the CPU.
