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computer science > Computer Science > Flashcards

Computer Science Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the term: embedded system

A

A computer within an everyday object

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2
Q

Describe the term: CPU Cores

A

A multi-core processor is a single component with two or more independent actual CPUs.

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3
Q

Describe the term: Clock Speed

A

Measured in Hertz, the clock speed is the frequency at which the internal clock generates pulses. The higher the clock rate, the faster the computer may work.

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4
Q

Describe the term: Fetch-Decode-Execute-Cycle

A

The complete process of retrieving an instruction from store, decoding it and carrying it out.

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5
Q

Describe the term: PC

A

Program Counter: The main part of the computer, consisting of the registers, ALU and control unit.

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6
Q

Describe the term: Accumulator

A

Holds the result of the calculations

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7
Q

Describe the term: ALU

A

Arithmetic Logic Unit - performs calculations

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8
Q

Describe the term: CU

A

Control Unit: Decodes instructions. Sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU.

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9
Q

Describe the term: MAR

A

Memory Address Register: Holds the address of data ready for use by the memory data register.

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10
Q

Describe the term: MDR

A

Memory Data Register: Holds the data fetched from or to be written to the memory. Step 3 of the fetch, decode, execute cycle.

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11
Q

Describe the term: CPU

A

Central Processing Unit: The main part of the computer, consisting of registers, ALU and control unit.

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12
Q

Describe the term: Cache

A

Memory in the processor providing fast access to frequently used instructions and data.

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13
Q

Describe the term: RAM

A

Random Access Memory - Volatile memory which requires power to run, and contains the operating system, and the programs and data which are currently running.

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14
Q

Describe the term: ROM

A

Read only memory - Non-volatile memory which contains the BIOS/bootstrap program.

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15
Q

Describe the term: BIOS

A

Basic Input and Output System - Loads the operating system.

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16
Q

What does Non-Volatile mean?

A

Permanent

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17
Q

What does Volatile mean?

A

Temporary

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18
Q

What is an OS?

A

Operating System

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19
Q

What is firmware?

A

Permanent software programmed into RAM in hardware - embedded system.

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20
Q

What is Primary Storage?

A

Main memory

21
Q

What is secondary storage?

A

Storage for files, images, videos, applications, programs when not in use.

22
Q

What is a Hard Disc?

A

A rigid non-removable magnetic disk with a large data storage capacity.

23
Q

What is Virtual Memory?

A

The part of the hard drive which is assigned as RAM when the RAM is full -much slower than RAM.

24
Q

What is Flash Memory?

A

An electronic (solid-state) non-volatile computer storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.

25
Q

What is Optical storage?

A

A form of non-volatile memory. A laser bean buns pits and lands into the medium to write it. To read it, the laser beam is bounced off the surface.

26
Q

What is magnetic storage?

A

A form of non-volatile memory. A read/write head is hovered over magnetic platters.

27
Q

What is solid state storage?

A

A form of non-volatile memory based on electronic circuits (made of silicon microchips) with no moving parts.

28
Q

Give an example of magnetic storage.

A

Floppy disk, hard drive disk, magnetic tape.

29
Q

Give an example of Optical storage.

A

DVD-ROMs, CD-ROMs

30
Q

Give an example of Solid state storage.

A

USB memory sticks, memory cards

31
Q

Advantages of HDDs/magnetic storage

A
  • Cost effective
  • Fast read/write speed
  • Can store vast quantities of data for cheaper prices
  • Portability: Internal (not portable), external(will fit in a large pocket)
  • Reliable: can last for years and an infinite number of read/write cycles.
32
Q

Disadvantages of HDDs/Magnetic storage

A
  • Not durable
  • slower access speed than SSD
  • Generates a lot of heat which can damage it
  • Uses much more power than an SSD
  • Can be very loud
  • Much larger than an SSD
  • Slower boot up time (30-40 seconds)
33
Q

Advantages of SSDs/Solid State storage

A
  • Fast access speed: up to 30% faster than HDDs
  • No noise
  • Generates less hat as no moving parts
  • Durability
  • Portability
  • Uses less power than an HDD
34
Q

Disadvantages of SSDs/Solid State Storage

A
  • Very expensive for the amount of storage bought.

- Smaller storage capacity than HDDs.

35
Q

Why do we need virtual memory?

A

If the RAM is full part of the hard drive is used instead. This is much slower because the instructions have to be copied back into RAM before the CPU can fetch decode and execute them.

36
Q

What storage device is suitable for back-up files?

A

Magnetic tape

37
Q

What storage device is suitable for music or films?

A

Optical

38
Q

What storage device is suitable for storage in a portable device like a mobile phone?

A

Solid

39
Q

Describe the term: LAN

A

Local Area Network: Small geographic area. All the hardware for the LAN is owned by the organisation using it. Wired with UTP cable, fibre optic cable or wireless using routers and Wi-Fi access points.

40
Q

Describe the term: WAN

A

Wide Area Network: Large geographic area. Infrastructure is hired from telecommunication companies who own and manage it. Connected with telephone lines, fibre optic cables or satellite links.

41
Q

Describe the term: Client-Server Network

A

A client makes requests to the server for data and connections. A server controls access and security to one shared file store. A server manages access to the internet, shared printers and email services. A server runs a backup of data.

42
Q

Describe the term: Peer-to-Peer Network

A

All computers are equal. Computers serve their own files to each other. Each computer is responsible for ts own security and backup. Computers usually have their own printer.

43
Q

Describe the term: Stand-Alone Computer

A

A single computing device not connected to any othe on a network, either wired or wireless.

44
Q

Describe the term: Router/Switch

A

In packet-switched networks such as the internet, a router is a device or, in some cases, software on a computer that determines the best way for a packet to be forwarded to its destination.

45
Q

Describe the term: The Cloud

A

Remote servers that store data that can be accessed over the internet. Advantages - access anytime, anywhere from any device. Automatic backup. Collaborate on files easily.

46
Q

Describe the term: Transmission Media

A

The physical media over which data is transmitted, e.g. twisted copper cable, fibre optic etc.

47
Q

Describe the term: NIC

A

Network Interface Controller: A computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network.

48
Q

Describe the term: Star Network and give advantages

A

Each device is connected by an individual cable directly to the switch/hub

Very reliable - if one cable of device fails then all the others will continue to work.

High performing as no data collisions can occur.

49
Q

Describe the term: Mesh Network and give advantages

A

All work stations and device are connected directly to one another

If one node fails other nodes are fully functional

The network is able to heal itself around the faulty nodes as long as other nodes can support the network.

Is considered highly scalable. It gives room for the addition of another node within the network without affecting its functionality.

This will improve the network’s capability to handle more traffic.

computer science (3 decks)

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