Computer Systems Flashcards
Select the most accurate definition of a ‘Computer’
Software which takes in data, processes it and outputs the result
A programmable machine that takes in data, processes it and then outputs the result.
A programmable device which outputs data
A machine which serves a useful purpose to its users
A programmable machine that takes in data, processes it and then outputs the result.
What is the purpose of the Hard Drive?
To store programs and files for the long-term, even when the computer is switched off.
What is the purpose of the RAM?
To store the programs and files that the user is working on.
What is the purpose of the CPU?
To process data and instructions.
What is the purpose of the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)?
To add extra processing power to enable faster graphics.
What is the purpose of the PSU?
To provide power to the computer
What is the purpose of the Network Interface Card?
To convert electrical signals to either light or radio waves in order to transmit data across a network.
What is the purpose of the Motherboard?
To connect all of the computer components together allowing them to communicate with one another.
What is an input device?
It sends data to the CPU for processing.
What is an output device?
It sends information from the CPU to the user.
When you double click on an icon to open a program, the CPU will…
…ask the Hard Drive to load the program into RAM.
How does the CPU work?
It fetches instructions from the RAM, decodes them and then executes them.
What is the CPU also known as?
The brain of the computer.
A 3GHz CPU will process how many instructions per second?
3 billion
Where is the CPU located?
Motherboard
