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Y11 GCSE Computer Science > Computer system > Flashcards

Computer system Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a computer

A

A machine that processes data

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2
Q 
What is hardware
Give examples (4 examples given in my answer)
A 
The physical parts of a computer
Motherboard 
CPU
Keyboard
Screen
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3
Q

What is software

What are the main categories

A

The programs that run on a computer

System software:
Programs that are needed for the computer to function (ie operating system)

Application software (apps):
Programs that enable a user to perform a specific task
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4
Q

What does a computer require in order to function

A

Both:
Hardware
Software

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5
Q

What is an embedded system

A

A computer that is built into another device to control it

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6
Q

Give examples of an embedded system

My answer gives 8

A 
Washing machine
Microwave
Vending machine
Traffic lights
Lifts
Smart meter (measures energy used)
Sat Nav
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7
Q

CPU stand for

A

Central processing unit

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8
Q

What is a CPU

A

A microchip that sits in the middle of the motherboard and carries out (processes) instructions stored in memory by fetching, decoding and executing them one at a time

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9
Q

CPU architecture meaning

A

Describes main components (internal parts) of the CPU and how they interact with each other

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10
Q

Most CPU based on a design by ….. in ……

A

John Von Neumann

1945

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11
Q

What are the main internal components of a CPU

A 
Control unit 
Clock
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Registers
Cache memory
Primary memory (RAM)
Secondary storage 
Buses
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12
Q

Control unit

Definition

A

Fetches instructions from memory and decodes them one at a time
Also controls the flow of data between the parts of a CPU, main memory, and input/ output devices

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13
Q

Clock definition
Ticks meaning
Measured in ….

A

Synchronises all parts of the CPU by sending electronic pulses at a constant rate
The number of clock “ticks” per second is called the clock speed and is measured in hertz

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14
Q

ALU meaning

Definition

A

Arithmetic Logic Unit
Carries out arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction and binary shifts.
Also do logical comparisons such as “greater than”, “less than”, AND, OR and NOT.

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15
Q

Registers

Definition

A

Small pieces of internal memory which hold instructions, data or memory addresses that are currently being used by the CPU.

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16
Q

What are the different types of registers

Names

A

Program counter
MAR (memory address register)
MDR (memory data register)
Accumulator

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17
Q

Program counter

Definition

A

Holds memory address of the next instruction to be executed

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18
Q

MAR

Definition and meaning

A

Memory address register

Holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched

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19
Q

MDR

Definition and meaning

A

Memory data register

Temporarily stores data fetched from main memory

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20
Q

Accumulator

Definition

A

Temporarily stored the result of calculations completed by the ALU until they can be saved to main memory

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21
Q

Buses

Definition

A

High-speed internal connection

Used to send memory addresses, control signals and data between the processor and other components

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22
Q

Cache memory

Definition

A

A small amount of very fast memory built into the CPU to store frequently used instructions.
This can save time by preventing it from having to fetch a common instruction from slower RAM every time it needs it

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23
Q

What is the process used by the CPU to carry out simple instructions

A

Fetch, decode, execute cycle

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24
Q

Explain fetch decode execute cycle

A

Fetch:
The memory address of the next instruction is copied from the program counter to the memory address register (MAR)

The instruction held in memory at this address is transferred to the memory data register (MDR)

The program counter is increased by one so that it is pointing to the next instruction ready for next cycle

Decode:
The control unit splits the instruction stored in the MDR into two parts called the opcode and operand

Execute:
The instruction is performed

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25
Q

RAM (other names)

A

Random access memory
System memory
Primary storage
Main memory

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26
Q

Volatile meaning

A

Lose all stored data if the power is turned off

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27
Q

What three things are RAM and cache memory? (In common)

A

Store instructions for CPU
High speed
Volatile

28
Q

What is ROM

A

Read only memory

A small microchip fitted into the motherboard with just a few instructions to follow when computer is first switched on

29
Q

2 main features of ROM

A

Non volatile

Read only memory

30
Q

Start up / boot up / bootstrap ladder meaning

A

First instructions from ROM

31
Q

Virtual memory alternate name

A

Fake RAM

32
Q

What is fake RAM / why is it used

A

Instruction for applications in use are stored in RAM, more applications opened, more RAM used.

RAM memory is limited in size and can become full so the computer stops working.

Some systems can move data that has not been used recently from RAM to a location on secondary storage called virtual memory (fake RAM)

33
Q

Why are computers slower when using virtual memory

A

(Fake RAM)
CPU cannot directly access data that has been moved to virtual memory, so this data must be moved back into RAM before it can be used.
This with relatively slow data transfer of secondary storage devices makes computers slower when using fake RAM

34
Q

What does CPU clock speed do?

A

CPU clock synchronises all parts of the CPU by sending electronic pulses at a constant rate
The number of clock “ticks” per second is called the clock speed and is measured in hertz

35
Q

What is overclocking

A

CPU clocks can sometimes be sped up slightly by the user.

This is called over locking and can cause damage to the CPU as it is working harder and producing more heat

36
Q

What is the benefit / how do the number of CPU cores affect a computer

A

Adding another core to a CPU allows it to process more than one instruction at the same time

37
Q

What is CPU cache memory

A

A small amount of high speed memory built directly within the processor
It is used to temporarily hold data and instructions that the CPU is likely to reuse
Allows for faster processing as CPU doesn’t have to wait for the data to be fetched from RAM

38
Q

GPU meaning

Definition

A

Graphics processing unit
Computer graphics needs lots of processing due to complex maths involved
To help CPU carry out some of the processing GPU is added

39
Q

Solid state secondary storage

A

SSDs can transfer data much faster than older storage systems ie magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs)

40
Q

Why do computers need secondary storage

A

Non volatile

Data in secondary storage cannot be accessed directly by CPU so data must load into primary storage first

41
Q

What are the categories of secondary storage and give examples

A

Solid state storage:
USB memory sticks, solid state drives

Optical storage:
CD, DVD and Blu-Ray discs

Magnetic storage:
Floppy disks and hard disk drives

42
Q

What is solid state storage

A 
Made from silicon microchips (flash memory)
Written and overwritten like RAM
Non volatile
No moving parts
Small
Fast
Durable
43
Q

Solid state storage
4 advantages
3 disadvantages
4 common uses

A 
Advantages:
Small, lightweight 
Fast data transfer speeds
Durable, reliable (no moving parts)
Low power consumption

Disadvantages:
Expensive
Limited storage capacity
Limited number of write cycles

Common uses:
USB memory sticks
Memory cards
Internal storage for smartphones
Increasingly installed into laptops
44
Q

Optical secondary storage

A

Optical disc drives use laser to scan surface of spinning disc made from metal and plastic
Types:
Read only discs:
Dats preprinted

Rewritable discs:
Blank

45
Q

Optical storage
2 advantages
3 disadvantages
3 common uses

A

Advantages:
Cheap to produce
Small and lightweight (portable)

Disadvantages:
Easily scratched/ not durable
Sensitive to movement
Limited storage capacity

Common uses:
CD
DVD / Blu Ray
Video games

46
Q

Magnetic storage

A

Old technology
Includes tapes, floppy disks and HDD
Coated with material that can be magnetised and uses electromagnet to read and write data

47
Q

Magnetic storage
3 advantages
4 disadvantages
2 common uses

A

Advantages:
High storage capacity
Low cost
Reliable if kept still

Disadvantages:
Bulky not portable 
Slow data transfer speeds
Sensitive to movement
High power consumption

Common uses:
Server storage
Server backup

48
Q

Operating system

A

System software that provides an important link between computer hardware and the person using it

49
Q

User interface

A

Operating system provides user interface to allow user to interact with the computer
Command line interface uses typed commands only
Graphical user interface (GUI) is designed for easy use controlled by mouse or touch screen - graphics used

50
Q

Memory management and multitasking

Running application software

A

OS can run multiple apps at once
(Multitasking)
Does it by managing which parts of main memory are used for Each app
Also control which app the CPU processing instructions at moment
And can switch between apps quickly

51
Q

Peripheral management and drivers

A

Operating systems uses device driver software to control or communicate with peripheral devices
Ie printer
When new device is connected operating systems will try to download and install appropriate device driver installer from internet

52
Q

User management

A

OS controls who can use computer and what can do with it

Multiuser can support multiple accounts
Each user can have different access rights
Responsible for keeping computer secure ie password fingerprint or face recognition

53
Q

File management

A 
Computers store data in secondary storage as files
OS responsible for organising files 
Renamed
Moved
Deleted
Rearranged to structures using folders
54
Q

File extension

A

Tells computer what type of days file contains ie jpg or png

55
Q

Examples of utility software

A 
Virus scanners
System clean up
Backup software 
Battery monitor
Data compression
Encryption software
Disk defragmentation
56
Q

Virus scanner

A

Inspect files on computer looking for viruses

Will download an up to date list of known viruses to look for

57
Q

System clean up

A

Software will attempt to delete files on a computer that are no longer needed to free up storage space

58
Q

Backup monitor

A

Regularly copy files from computer to external or online storage to protect against data loss

59
Q

Battery monitor

A

Used to manage battery in a mobile computer such as laptop or phone
Usually switching to low power mode when battery nearly empty

60
Q

Data compression

A

Used to compress or decompress files

61
Q

Encryption software

A

Scramble files so that even if they are stolen from a storage device they cannot be used

62
Q

Disk defragmentation

A

Organise files and fragments of files on a magnetic hard disk drive so that data can be accessed more quickly

63
Q

Logic gate

A

AND
NOT
OR

64
Q

Electronic switches in the CPU

Name

A

Transistors

65
Q

How logic gates made

A

Combining transistors

66
Q

Shape of gates

A

AND:
Semi circle with square

OR:
Fish fin shape

NOT:
Triangle with circle on end

Y11 GCSE Computer Science (7 decks)

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