Computer Systems - 1.1.1

Question 1

What is the purpose of a computer?

Answer 1

To take data, process it and then output it more efficiently than humans

Question 2

What does a computer system consist of?

Answer 2

Hardware & software
Work together to process data and complete tasks

Question 3

What is hardware?

Answer 3

The physical parts that make up a computer system, e.g. CPU, motherboard.

Question 4

What is software?

Answer 4

The programs or applications that a computer runs, e.g. operating system, video games

Question 5

What is a general purpose computer?

Answer 5

Designed to do many tasks

Question 6

Features of a general purpose computer? (6)

Answer 6

Powerful processor
Expensive
Easily upgraded
Uses lots of electricity to run
Internet connection
Spare memory available

Question 7

What is an embedded system?

Answer 7

Designed to do one or a few tasks. They’re computers built in to other devices e.g. dishwasher, microwave.

Question 8

Features of an embedded system? (6)

Answer 8

Less powerful processor
Hard or impossible to update
Not very expensive, cheaper to produce
Uses little amount of electricity
More efficient as only performing few tasks
Most devices at home

Question 9

What is the Von Neumann Architecture?

Answer 9

Programs and data are both held in memory