Computer Systems Flashcards

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1
Q

Components of the CPU

A

-Cache memory
-Control Unit
-ALU (Arithmetic & Logical Unit)
-Registers
-Buses (Address bus,Data bus & Control
bus)

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2
Q

Address Bus

A

Carries information on where data is in the RAM

The storage address of data always travels along this

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3
Q

Data Bus

A

Carries control signals internally and to the peripherals

The path along which data travels

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4
Q

Control Bus

A

Carries data between memory and CPU

The control bus is used by the controller to send control signals to different parts of the computer.

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5
Q

Hardware Ports

A
Acts as an interface/ connection between the computer and other computer or devices
EXAMPLES:
 -USB port
 -HDMI
 -Ethernet
 -Audio and Video
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6
Q

Input Device

A

A device which transfers data into the computer

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7
Q

Output Device

A

A device which displays data/information out of the computer

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8
Q

Storage Device

A

A device which stores data in the computer
EXAMPLES:
-USB
-Cloud storage

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9
Q

Fetch-Decode-Execute

A

Fetch phase: An instructions is copied from memory into control Unit
Decode phase:determine the action that needs to be carried out.
Execute: The program is run

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10
Q

Cache size

A

The more cache memory the faster the computer will run and the better the computer’s performance

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11
Q

Clock speed

A

-The speed at which a processor operates
-The faster the clock speed, the faster the computer is able to run the fetch-decode-execute cycle and therefore process more instructions.
The speed is measured in Hertz

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12
Q

Number of Cores

A

-Number of processors within the CPU
-The more cores the more instruction ran
at once

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13
Q

CISC

A

complex instruction set computing
-used by phones and tablets
CISC processors can process a large number of complex instructions

Compared to RISCs…

  • has more instructions
  • larger
  • faster
  • Use more energy
  • More expensive
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14
Q

RISC

A

reduced instruction set computing
-used by laptops and desktops
RISC processors can process a limited number of relatively simple instructions

Compared to CISCs…

  • has fewer instructions
  • smaller
  • slower
  • Uses less energy
  • Cheaper
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15
Q

RAM

A
Random Access Memory
-Its volatile 
-stores programs while they are being 
 executed and data whilst it is being 
 processed
-Once the program is close , it is deleted from the RAM
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16
Q

ROM

A

Read only Memory
-Stores a computer’s BIOS
-it tests RAM
used for the permanent storage of data.
The data in each store location cannot be changed.

17
Q

BIOS

A

-basic input/output system
A low-level program that handles input and output operations relating to the keyboard and screen of the system. It provides an interface between the hardware and the operating system.

18
Q

Flash memory

A

-Flash memory is used for the permanent
storage of data.
-The data stored in flash memory can be changed.
-Data is not lost when the power is switched off.

19
Q

Magnetic storage

A

the storage of data on a magnetised medium
Examples:
-Hard disk
-Magnetic Tape

20
Q

Optical storage

A
Uses technology such as lasers.
Examples:
-CD
-CD-ROM
-DVD
-Blu-ray
21
Q

Solid state

A
Its called solid storage because it does not have any moving parts.
Examples:
-USB flash drive
-SD cards
-Micro SD cards
22
Q

Cloud storage

A
contemporary data storage facility that allows users to store their data on thrid party servers
Examples:
-Dropbox
-iCloud
-SkyDrive
23
Q

Cache Memory

A

used for the temporary storage of not frequently accessed data and instructions
used to temporarily hold instructions and data that the CPU is likely to reuse.
Cache memory is volatile
Its quicker than RAM

24
Q

Human-computer interaction (HCI)

A

the communication between people and computer systems.

25
Q

Menu driven

A

This type of interface allows people to interact with a computer system by presenting the user and allowing them to work through a series of menus.
- e.g IPOD

26
Q

benefits and Drawbacks of menu driven interfaces

A
Benefits	
•	No need to learn a lot of commands
•	Easy to navigate
•	Ideal for beginners – everything is in a logical place/order
•	No need of expert language to learn
•	Little processing power needed	

Drawbacks
•Irritating if there are too many menu screens to work through – users get annoyed or bored if it takes too long
•Navigating can be a long process

27
Q

Voice-driven

A

can be used to issue commands to a computer system and enter data into it through voice.
Voice-driven interface is a popular interface as it is natural for people to communicate in this way.

28
Q

benefits and Drawbacks of voice driven interfaces

A

Benefits
• Speech input is much faster than keyboard input
• No need to learn to type
• Reduces typing mistakes such as spelling/hitting wrong key
• Keyboard takes up room on the desk
• Users with a disability that prevents typing can use speech input
• Hands-free advantages – can multitask
Drawbacks
• Background noise interferes with speech recognition
• User when they have a speech impediment, sore throat, cold or a strong accent will not be understood
• Users with a disability that prevents speech would need to find a different method for input
• Difficult to keep data input private as people can hear what you are saying
• Words that sound the same, such as ‘too’ and ‘two’ may not be recognised

29
Q

CPU

A

Central Processing Unit

-The main component in the computer processing data and instructions

30
Q

Software ports

A
  • Non physical ports and are different to hardware ports

* They Allow multiple software application to use different software ports

31
Q

Controller

A

Manages the execution of instructions

It makes sure all process take place at the right time and in the correct order

32
Q

ALU

A

processes and manipulates data

33
Q

Register

A

Fast access temporary data store on the CPU e.g an accumulator

34
Q

Internal memory/Cache

A

fast access memory on the CPU.

Data is moved from the register to the Internal memory when not actively used