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GCSE Computer Science AQA > Computer Systems > Flashcards

Computer Systems Flashcards

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1
Q

What is software?

A

Programs that the computer system runs

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2
Q

What is hardware?

A

The physical components that make up the computer

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3
Q

What is the function of system software?

A

system software manages the computer system resources and acts as a platform to run application software

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4
Q

What is the function of the application software?

A

application software is software that performs end-user tasks

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5
Q

What is the function of the operating system?

A

A collection of programs that manage and control the computer. Connects the hardware with the software

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6
Q

What are the main roles of the OS?

A
  • oranising the CPU and it’s processing tasks
  • memory managment and allocation
  • communicating with input/output (I/O) devices
  • providing a platform for applications to run on
  • managing security security and user accounts
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7
Q

Describe what a processing manager does?

A

It allocates the times each program has with the CPU, it allows multi tasking

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8
Q

Describe what a memory manager does?

A

Paging - allocation of memory, what goes in the RAM or secondary storage

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9
Q

Describe what a device driver does?

A

Allows instructions to be exchanged within peripherals (input output devices) , the have different languages.

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10
Q

Describe what a security manager does?

A

Individual users can be created and deleted,
Access levels to users
Passwords and usernames

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11
Q

What is the function of the utility systems?

A

Helps to maintain the systems
Utility programs help maintain or configure a computer

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12
Q

What does the utility system software include?

A 
🟣encryption (security)
🟣defragmentation 
🟣virus scanner
🟣back ups
🟣compression
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13
Q

Describe defragmentation

A

Takes fragmented files in the hard drives and puts them together, so that when the file is needed time won’t be wasted finding it. (Decreases time read/write head spends moving back and forth across the disk))

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14
Q

Describe the function of back ups

A

Made to high capacity secondary storage devices or the cloud, in case data is lost to hacker

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15
Q

Describe the control unit

A

It fetches , decides and executes instructions

Controls hardware and moves data around the computer

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16
Q

Describe the ALU

A

The arithmetic logic unit does arithmetic and logical calculations

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17
Q

Describe the registers

A 
Small amounts of High speed memory contained within the CPU.
PC
MAR
MDR
CIR
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18
Q

Cache

A

Small amount of high speed RAM. Temporarily holds data and instructions that the processor is likely to reuse

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19
Q

Clock

A

Co- ordinates all of the computer components by sending out regular electrical pulses which synchronises all the components.
The frequency is known as the clock speed

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20
Q

What is the Von Neuman Architecture?

A

Data and instructions are stored together and have memory addresses

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21
Q

How does clock speed affect CPU performance

A

The more pulses per second , the more FED cycles can be performed. This could lead to over heating tho

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22
Q

How does cache size affects CPU performance?

A

The larger the chance is , the less time a processor has to wait for instructions to be fetched

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23
Q

How does the number of cores affect the CPU performance?

A

Then more instructions can process in a given space of time, but some instructions rely on the previous so is not proportional to speed.

24
Q

The fetch decode execute cycle

A

🟣the CU reads the memory address of the next instruction
🟣this instruction is copied to the registers
🟣the address is incremented by 1
🟣the instruction is decoded by the CU
🟣the instruction is performed
Eg: ALU performing a calculation, data being stored into memory

25
Q

Embedded system

A

Dedicated systems within a larger system
Only have ROM,
Cheaper
Less power required- batteries

26
Q

What is a computer system.

A

The software and hardware of a computer

27
Q

what is a high level language?

A

a language easier for humans to understand .
Therefore, requires translation into machine code , by compiler, translator or assembler
*high level code = source code
eg: python / java

28
Q

what are low level languages?

A

closely represents machine language
difficult to understand , but execute faster
eg: machine code , assembley language

29
Q

Pros and cons of high and low level languages

A

*low language is efficient use of hardware available

30
Q

what is a translator?

A

something that translates the source code into machine code
= interpreter or compiler

something that translates assembly langue into machine code
=assembler

31
Q

What is a compiler?

A

takes the source code and translates it into machine code all in on go

32
Q

What is an interpreter?

A

translates source code into machine code, one instruction at a time.
when error is found , the translation process will stop and the location of error is highlighted

33
Q

What is an assembler?

A

translates assembly language into machine code

34
Q

Compiler pros and cons

A

✅programs run quickly , as have already been translated
✅only needed once to create an executable file , which is then portable

❌source code must be re-compiled every time the programmer changes the
program
❌code must be completely error free to compile

35
Q

Interpreter pros and cons

A

✅once an error is found , the program is stopped, debugging is easier
✅✅
❌no executable file is made , so an interpreter is needed each time the program want to be run
❌program run more slowly , as code is being translated ❌

36
Q

Low Level languages pros and cons

A

LL ✅= more control over program , program can be made with less memory use (more efficient)
Greater control over CPU, program may bee needed to run quicker
Maintain old code / hardware

❌=
Harder to read and learn ,
Only works for one type of machine and architecture

37
Q

High levels pros and cons

A

✅ easier to learn read and write , debugging i is easier ,
Can be translated into multiple machine architectures

❌ not much control over the CPU so the program may be slower ,
Not much control over the program , program may have a higher memory memory use
Will need to be translated by an interpreter or a compiler

38
Q

What are embedded systems?

A

computers system built into other devices

39
Q

what are some advantages of embedded systems ?

A

✅Use ROM instead of RAM for main memory , which is cheaper
✅more reliable, require less maintamce and lasts longer

40
Q

Why might assembler language be used ?

A

More readable than machine code, Easter to write and edit programs

assembly language has a 1:1 correspondence with machine code

41
Q

what is the Von Neumann architecture?

A

a type of CPU architecture , where only one memory is used for both the data and instructions.
The CPU runs programs stored in mmory , programs consist

42
Q

What is the difference between secondary and primary memory ?

A

Primary: CPU has direct access to (registers, cache, ROM & RAM)
Volatile ( only on with power)
Fast read/write speed
Secondary: not directly accessible
Non-volatile
Where data is stored when not in use
Slow read/ write speed

43
Q

Magnetic Hard Disks

A

Made up of magnetised metal disks spinning .
1 &0 for magnetised and demagnetised
Data is stored in sectors , on tracks.
Read write head on a movable arm accesses these sectors.
Long lasting( but moving parts), cheap, large capacity

44
Q

Solid state (flash)

A 
Drive:
Data stored in electrical circuits, by tapping electrons. (Transistors)
Fast read write time. 
Don’t need defragmentation 
More long lasting, no heat
no moving parts, 
Silent
45
Q

Optical discs

A

Eg: CD, DVD, blue Ray
Pits/ (0)holes are made, the reflected beam from laser read is the data
Low capacity, cheap, portable , slow read/write

46
Q

What is Cloud storage

A

Data is uploaded via the internet to a remote server (stored on HDD/SSD) . You pay with a subscription.

47
Q

Roles of the OS

A

Communicating with input output devices/ via device driver
Process manager- CPU and it’s time with programs
Providing a platform for applications to run
Memory management- how much RAM a program has access to
File management-read/write/delete
System management- user passwords

48
Q

Why is secondary storage required?

A

To store long term
Retains data when no power (non-volatile)
High capacity

49
Q

What is durability?

A

How much physical damage it can take without breaking

50
Q

Put in order , in terms of how quickly data is transferred (speed)

A

Solid
Magnetic
Optical

51
Q

What are the shapes for AND, OR,NOT and XOR

A

And- D
Not-triangle &circle
Or- arrow head
XOR- arrowhead with line, does not accept two trues

52
Q

How do you calculate the total number of combinations for a truth table?

A

2 * * number of inputs
Eg:
2* * 3 =8
2**2= 4

53
Q

Symbols for NOT, OR, AND, NOT OR

A

Not= line overhead
And = .
Or= +
Not or = circle over +

54
Q

What are advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage?

A

:)can be accessed from anywhere,
data can be shared ,
cheap,
provides back up/security

:( need Wi-Fi,
data vulnerable to hackers,

55
Q

Why choose a high level language?

A

🟡High level have built in subroutines
🟡Provides programming structures such as iteration and selection
🟡Easier to debug
🟡Easier to understand (more easier to read)

56
Q

what are some examples of application software?

A
  • games
  • web browsers
  • word processors
  • database software
57
Q

what are some examples for system software?

A
  • operating system
  • utilities

GCSE Computer Science AQA (13 decks)

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