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Computing Flashcards > Computer Systems > Flashcards

Computer Systems Flashcards

1
Q

What is computer?

A

A computer is a machine that processes data

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2
Q

Define hardware

A

The physical components that make up your computer system

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3
Q

Define software

A

The programs that a computer system runs

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4
Q

What is system software?

A

Systems software is software that controls the computer system and can control various hardware and other programs

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5
Q

What is application software?

A

It is a type of computer program that performs a specific personal, educational and business function. Each program is designed to assist the user with a particular process

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7
Q

Give some examples of application software

A

Word Processors Web browsers Email clients Games

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8
Q

What is an embedded system?

A

Embedded systems are computers built into other devices

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9
Q

Explain the role of the control unit in the CPU

A

To execute program instructions by following the fetch-decode-execute cycle Controls the flow of data inside the CPU (to registers, ALU, cache) and outside the CPU (to main memory and input/output devices)

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10
Q

What does ALU stand for?

A

Arithmetic Logic Unit

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11
Q

What does the ALU do?

A

Completes simple addition and subtraction Compares the size of numbers Can do multiplications and divisions using repeated addition and subtraction Performs logic operations such as AND, OR and NOT Performs binary shifts

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12
Q

What is cache?

A

Very fast memory in the CPU

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13
Q

What is cache used for?

A

To store regularly used data so that the CPU can access it quickly the next time its needed

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14
Q

Describe the function of the clock

A

Used to synchronise when instructions will be carried out (like a metronome)

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15
Q

What is a bus?

A

A collection of wires that are used to transmit data between components of the CPU and other parts of the computer system

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16
Q

Describe what happens at each stage of the CPU fetch-decode-execute cycle

A

FETCH - The control unit reads the memory address of the next CPU instruction. The instruction stored in that address is copied from memory to one of the registers. The memory address in the control unit is incremented to point to the address of the next instruction, ready for the next cycle DECODE - The instruction that was copied from memory is decoded by the control unit. The control unit prepares for the next step EXECUTE - The instruction is performed

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17
Q

What is volatile memory?

A

Temporary memory that requires power to retain its data

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18
Q

What is non-volatile memory?

A

Permanent memory that keeps its contents even when it has no power

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19
Q

What does RAM stand for

A

Random Access Memory

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20
Q

Describe how RAM is used in a computer system

A

To store all data, files and programs when they’re being used

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21
Q

What is ROM?

A

Read-only memory is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices

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22
Q

Explain why ROM is required by a computer system

A

It contains all the instructions a computer needs to properly boot up. These instructions are called the BIOS (basic input output system)

23
Q

Which usually has more RAM: an embedded system or a non-embedded system?

A

Non-embedded systems

24
Q

What characteristics of a processor may affect its performance?

A

Clock speed CPU cores Cache size Cache type

25
Q

Define primary storage

A

The memory areas that the CPU can access directly

26
Q

Define secondary storage

A

Non-volatile storage that isn’t directly accessible by the CPU

27
Q

Give some examples of primary storage

A

CPU registers Cache ROM RAM

28
Q

Give some examples of secondary storage

A

Magnetic hard disk drives Solid state drives CDs SD cards

29
Q

What are the advantages of a SSD compared to a HDD?

A

SSDs are faster SSDs don’t need defragmenting SSDs are more shock proof than HDDs HDDs make some noise, SSDs are silent

30
Q

What are the advantages of a HDD compared to a SSD?

A

HDDs are cheaper Both are high capacity, but HDDs are higher HDDs have a longer read/write life than SSDs - SSDs can only be written a certain number of time before they begin to deteriorate

31
Q

Why might someone choose magnetic tape as a form of storage?

A

It has a very high capacity and an extremely low cost per GB

32
Q

List some uses of flash memory

A

Cameras Smartphones Tablets

33
Q

What are the pros of optical disks?

A

They’re very cheap per GB Portable Won’t be damaged by water or shocks

34
Q

What are the cons of optical disks?

A

They are easily scratched Modern devices don’t have optical drives They can’t compete with flash storage devices due to their low capacity per disk, very slow read/write speeds and poor reliability of RW disks

35
Q

What are the pros of cloud storage?

A

Users can access files from any connected device Files can be shared with others or made public Easy to increase how much storage is available No need to buy expensive hardware to store data Cloud host provides security and backups for you

36
Q

What are the cons of cloud storage?

A

Need internet connection to access files Upload/download speed depends on bandwidth Stored data can be vulnerable to hackers Subscription fees for using cloud data may be expensive in the long term

37
Q

What are the functions of an operating system?

A

To communicate with input and output devices via device drivers Provide a platform for applications to run on, and a user interface Control memory management and allocation Organise the CPU and its processing tasks Deal with file management and disk management Manage system security and user accounts

38
Q

Explain how device drivers are used in a computer system

A

Device drivers act as a “translator” for the signals between the OS and the device

39
Q

Describe how the OS manages applications

A

Provides a platform for applications to run on and multitask Allows applications to access hardware, peripheral devices, RAM and secondary storage Provides a user interface that applications are accessed through

40
Q

Describe how the OS manages memory

A

Decides if applications or features have been used recently - if not they may be removed from memory Manages how much RAM a program has access to When running multiple applications at one, will make sure that they don’t overwrite or interfere with each other by allocating certain applications certain memory addresses, keeping their processes in separate locations

41
Q

Describe how the OS manages the CPU

A

Scheduling to determine the most efficient order for the CPU to execute instructions Interrupts the current CPU process if a higher-priority process becomes available

42
Q

Describe how the OS manages files and disk space

A

Manages the hard disk - splits the physical disk into storage sectors, decides which sector to write data to and keeps track of free space on the disk Organises and maintains the hard disk with utility software like defragmentation software

43
Q

Give ways in which an OS might keep your files secure

A

User account control Anti-theft measures Passwords Pins Fingerprint scanners Retina scanners

44
Q

List some types of utility software and explain what they do

A

Defragmentation- puts the files back into one block and collects the free space together Disk health - scans the drive for problems and fixes issues where possible Compression - reduces the size of files so they take up less disk space Encryption - scrambles (encrypts) data to stop third-partners from accessing it Backup - copies the computer system’s files and settings and stores them externally so that they can be restored in the event of data loss Virus scanners - inspects each file on your computer, looking for virus System cleanup - goes through and gets rid of temporary files left on your hard drive which can end up taking up lots of space unnecessarily

46
Q

Give some examples of system software

A

Operating systems Utilities

47
Q

What is the Von Neumann architecture

A

It consists of a single shaped memory for programs and data, a single bus for memory access, an arithmetic unit and a program control unit.

48
Q

AND gates

A
49
Q

NOT gates

A
50
Q

OR gates

A
51
Q

NOR gates

A
52
Q

How does a magnetic hard drive operate?

A

It consists of a number of disks coated in a magnetic material.

They spin at around 7200 rpm.

The data is encoded into bits and written onto the surface as a series of changes in the direction of the magnetisation.

53
Q

How does optical storage work?

A

Data is written onto the disc by a laser and is read from the disc by another laser.

54
Q

How do SSDs work?

A

There are no moving parts, unlike the spinning disc inside a magnetic drive. A SSD uses microscopic electronic switches to store data.

SSDs use switches called floating gate transistors. These create a special cage (the gate) that traps the electron flow within it.

Computing Flashcards (10 decks)

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