Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Computing > Computer Systems > Flashcards

Computer Systems Flashcards

1
Q

Define the term software.

A

Comprises all the programs that are written to make computers function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define the term hardware.

A

The electrical or electromechanical parts of a computer, and its input, output and storage device.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Explain what is meant by system software.

A

Software needed to run the computer’s hardware and application programs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Explain what is meant by application software.

A

Consists of programs that perform specific user-oriented tasks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Give examples of system software.

A

OS, utility programs, libraries, programming language translators.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain the need for, and function of operating systems (OS).

A

Disguises the complexities of managing and communicating with its hardware from the user via an Application Programming Interface (API).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain the need for, and function of utility programs.

A

Allows the user to manage the computer + provides housekeeping functionality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How does the OS handle management of the processor(s)?

A

With computers able to run multiple applications simultaneously, OS is responsible for allocating processor time to each one as they compete for the CPU.
While one application is busy using the CPU for processing, OS queues up next process required by another application to make the most efficient use of the processor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does the OS handle management of the memory?

A

When a program is running it must be in the computer’s main memory, and the OS must manage where in memory each program and the data it needs will go.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How does the OS handle management of the I/O devices?

A

When a user gives an instruction to print, the I/O management function takes over + controls the sending of the data to be printed from memory to the device driver.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does the OS handle management of the security?

A
  • Controlling access to a computer by setting up passwords for different users.
  • Setting different access rights + privileges for different users
  • Automatically downloading updates for OS to ensure security loopholes are patched
  • Encrypting files that are stored on the hard disk
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Explain the Von Neumann architecture.

A

In the Von Neumann Architecture:

  • program instructions + data to be processed are stored in main memory
  • there is a single memory (+ bus system) for accessing both data and programs.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Explain the role and operation of the control unit.

A

Coordinates all the activities taking place inside the CPU. Functions:

  • Controls execution of instructions in the correct sequence
  • Decodes instructions
  • Regulates + controls processor timing using regular pulses from the system clock
  • Sends + receives control signals to and from other devices within the computer.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Explain the role and operation of the clock.

A

System clock controls processor timing, switching between zero + one at rates exceeding several million times per second. Synchronises all CPU operations.
- Clock frequency is the number of clock cycles which occur each second.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Explain the role and operation of the bus.

A

Buses are internal connections that pass data between the components of the CPU.
Data and instructions are passed between registers and other components along these buses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Explain the effect of the clock speed on the performance of the CPU.

A
  • Determines the number of instructions a single processor core can carry out per second.
  • The greater the clock speeds, the faster instructions will be executed.
  • some cpus can be overclocked to make faster but this can cause overheating, crashes or permanent damage to the system + higher performance cooling system will be needed.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Explain the effect of the number of processor cores on the performance of the CPU.

A

A PC with a multi-core processor, executing many tasks at the same time, will operate faster than a single-core processor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Explain the differences between RAM and ROM.

A

RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
RAM stores user data/programs/part of OS which is currently in use.
ROM is used to store BIOS/bootstrap loader which is required at start-up of computer.
Memory in RAM can be written to or read from, ROM is read-only.

19
Q

Why is secondary storage required?

A

For long term storage - it retains its contents when the computer’s power is turned off (including computer’s internal hard disk, optical media + solid state disks).

20
Q

What are the different types of secondary storage?

A

Solid state drives, optical media and magnetic disks.

21
Q

Give examples of application software.

A

Microsoft word, spreadsheet, adobe browser etc

22
Q

Explain the operation of solid state.

A
  • Millions of transistors either on or off (remain so as long as electricity is applied to system).
  • SSDs use switches (floating gate transistors). Creates a special cage (the gate) that traps the electron flow within it.
  • Gate effect continues whether electricity is in system or not
  • So storage remains when the power is removed
23
Q

Explain the operation of optical storage.

A
  • Low-powered laser reads disk by bouncing light onto its surface - covered in pits (lower parts) + lands (raised parts).
  • Where a pit starts or ends, light is scattered (not reflected well). Land + bottom of pit reflects light well.
  • Non-reflective areas = 1s, reflective areas = 0s
  • Only one single track on disk, arranged as tight spiral.
24
Q

Explain the operation of magnetic storage.

A
  • Magnetic disk drive consists of a number of platters (disks) coated in a magnetic material.
  • Spin at around 7200 rpm.
  • Data is encoded into bits + written onto the surface as a series of changes in the direction of the magnetisation.
  • One direction represents 0 and the other 1.
  • Data is read by detecting the changes in direction.
25
Q

Explain how an embedded system differs from a non-embedded system.

A

System is held in non-volatile memory (ROM or EPROM) + rarely changed during the lifetime of the device.
Some firmware devices are permanently installed + cannot be changed after manufacture.
Not usually possible to upgrade the hardware or attach peripherals.

26
Q

How does a recordable disk work?

A

Uses high-powered laser to change the reflecting properties of a disk and thus makes lands and pits.

27
Q

What is rpm?

A

Revolutions per minute - measure of speed of rotation.

28
Q

What do security utilities do?

A

Keep your data safe.

29
Q

What do disk organisation utilities do?

A

Organise your files into folders and tidy up the desk.

30
Q

What utilities programs are there?

A

Security utilities
Disk organisation
Data compression utilities
File backup utilities

31
Q

What is a register?

A

A small amount of high speed random access memory (RAM) contained within the processor.

32
Q

What is a core?

A

A processing unit within a CPU.

33
Q

Which register holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched from memory?

A

The program counter

34
Q

Give an example of magnetic storage.

A

Hard disk drive (HDD)

35
Q

What is RAM?

A

An internal component which holds data and programs that are currently in use.

36
Q

What are pros of an embedded system?

A

Dedicated to a single task:

  • normally easier to design
  • cheaper to produce
  • more efficient than a general purpose computer
37
Q

How / why do we test for time efficiency?

A 
Less time = more efficient. 
Tested for :
- memory accessed
- CPU cycles
- Execute commands
38
Q

What is a subroutine?

A

Set of instructions for performing some task that have been grouped together and given a name.
Later, when that task needs to be performed, it is only necessary to call the subroutine by giving its name, rather than repeating the whole sequence of instructions.

39
Q

What characteristics can improve the performance of the CPU?

A 
Number of cores
Clock speed
Bus width
Word size
Architecture of processor/CPU
Type of cache memory (NOT amount)
40
Q

Why has there been a large growth in the use of cloud storage?

A

People have high level trust in cloud storage.
Increased availability of mobile devices
Reduction in cost of high capacity storage devices.
Improvements in network security
Companies managed to develop business models on cloud computing - allows them to make a profit.

41
Q

What are the advantages of cloud storage?

A

Users can access data from multiple devices/locations.
Share data more easily with others
Increases amount of storage available
Reduced cost of computing devices for users as no need for built in secondary storage.

42
Q

What are the disadvantages of cloud storage?

A

Increased security risks
Relies on access to high-bandwidth network connection
Can cost more due to ongoing costs
Reliance on company providing the cloud service
Increased chance of others accessing personal data

43
Q

What security utilities are there?

A

User accounts - sets up different user access levels
Encryption - encrypts data when stored/transmitted over network
Anti-virus software - detects + blocks viruses
Firewall - filters trusted/untrusted networks + prevents programs communicating through use of ports.

44
Q

What maintenance utilities are there?

A

Backup
Disk cleaner
Disk defragmentation
Formatting

Computing (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions