Components of Computer Systems Flashcards
What is the purpose of the CPU?
The purpose ofthe Central Processing Unit(CPU) is to fetch, decode and execute instructions
What does the CPU do?
What is the purpose of the CPU?
To fetch, decode, and execute instructions. It acts as the brain of the computer.
What are the four key components of the CPU?
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), Cache, Registers.
What is the Fetch-Execute Cycle?
A cycle the CPU runs billions of times per second to make a computer work.
What happens during the Fetch stage?
The next instruction or data is fetched from RAM and brought to the CPU.
What happens during the Decode stage?
The CPU determines what is required from the instruction.
What happens during the Execute stage?
The CPU carries out the instruction, such as performing calculations or fetching data.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory; volatile storage that holds data and instructions currently in use.
What are two characteristics of RAM?
Read/write memory; volatile storage.
What is ROM?
Read-Only Memory; non-volatile storage that holds startup instructions (BIOS).
How does ROM differ from RAM?
ROM is non-volatile and read-only, while RAM is volatile and read/write.
What are input devices?
Hardware components that allow users to input data into a computer.
Give two advantages of a keyboard.
Easy method of entering data; very common.
Give two disadvantages of a keyboard.
Repetitive strain injury; slower than direct data entry.
What are output devices?
Hardware components that receive and present processed data to the user.
Give two advantages of LED monitors.
No motion blur; long life.
Give two disadvantages of LED monitors.
More expensive than LCD; contrast can be poor.
What are storage devices?
Hardware that reads from and writes to storage media, retaining digital data.
What are the three types of storage devices?
Magnetic, Solid State, Optical.
What are two advantages of magnetic storage?
High capacity; low cost per GB.
What are two disadvantages of magnetic storage?
Prone to mechanical failure; heavy and bulky.
What is an SSD?
A solid-state drive; fast, durable, and has no moving parts.
What are two advantages of SSDs?
Fast read/write speeds; no moving parts.
What are two disadvantages of SSDs?
Expensive per GB; limited read/write cycles.
What is cloud storage?
Online storage that allows data to be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Give two advantages of cloud storage.
Greater storage capacity; automatic backups.
Give two disadvantages of cloud storage.
Requires internet connection; potential security risks.
