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Computer Science > Computers 1 > Flashcards

Computers 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the

stored program concept?

A

a design for a new computer architecture that allowed both program instructions and data to be stored together in a computer’s main memory

(by von Neumann)

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2
Q

What does the von Neumann architecture consist of?

(the stored program concept)

A

main memory and a central processing unit (CPU) interconnected by buses

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3
Q

What does main memory consist of?

A

a collection of storage locations each with their own unique memory address

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4
Q

What is

writing?

(computer science)

A

when the CPU saves data into memory

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5
Q

What is

reading?

(computer science)

A

when the CPU accesses data from the memory

(the CPU must specify which part of memory to read from)

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6
Q

What does volatile mean?

A

content is lost when the power is turned off

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7
Q

What does RAM stand for?

A

Random Access Memory

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8
Q

Define

RAM.

A

the main place for storing instructions and data whilst a program is being executed

(aka main memory)

program data is copied into RAM before the CPU can run the program

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9
Q

What does the CPU consist of?

A
  • the control unit (CU)
  • the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
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10
Q

What does the control unit (CU) do?

(in the CPU)

A

decodes instructions recieved from main memory and coordinates the actions of the other parts of the CPU in order to execute them

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11
Q

What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?

(in the CPU)

A

performs arithmetic and logic operations on data

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12
Q

What does the CPU do

A
  1. fetches an instruction from memory
  2. decodes it
  3. executes it

it then fetches the next and so on

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13
Q

How many times can the fetch-decode-execute cycle be run per second in modern CPUs?

A

billions of times

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14
Q

What is an

embedded system?

(and some examples)

A

a small computer designed to perform one specific function

(e.g. coffee machine, central heating, washing machine, lighting, etc)

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15
Q

What are the typical characteristics of embedded systems?

A
  • small physically
  • single purpose not general purpose
  • limited user interface
  • simple/robust operating systems
  • affordable with a low cost per unit
  • low power consumption
  • limited processing resources
  • little storage
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16
Q

What are the components of an

embedded system?

A
  • sensors
  • battery
  • actuators
  • microcontroller

the microcontroller consists of a CPU, RAM, flash memory and integrated peripherals

17
Q

How does an embedded system work?

A
  1. Input devices supply an embedded system with information from the outside world. Data recieved from an input device, such as a sensor, is stored temporarily in the microcontrollers RAM.
  2. The CPU interprets and acts upon the data according to the program instructions stored in flash memory.
  3. If necessary, a signal is sent to an output device, such as a actuator, to carry out appropriate action.
18
Q

What is the

internet of things?

A

the collection and exchange of data between embedded system devices with little or no human intervention

19
Q

What is

utility software?

A

an available tool that helps to minimise the impact of data loss or damage caused by events such as a system failure, a cyberattack, a fire or a flood

20
Q

What does file repair do?

A
  • scans a damaged file
  • extracts as much data from it as possible
  • stores it in a new usable file
21
Q

What is the purpose of backup?

A

should a file get lost or damaged, the most recent backup can be restored

22
Q

What is

disaster recovery planning?

A

a set of protocols and procedures for backing up data on a regular basis and for being able to recover data quickly in the event of its loss

23
Q

What does data compression do?

A

compresses files to reduce their file size, freeing up storage space and speeding up their transfer across networks

24
Q

What does a disk defragmenter do?

A

Addresses the problem caused by fragmentation on hard drives. It rearranges all the files so that every file is stored in sequential sectors and free space is grouped.

25
Q

What do anti-malware tools do?

A

eliminate malicious software (malware) from a computer

26
Q

Define

robust software.

A

software that is capable of handling the unexpected without crashing, generating incorrect output or revealing sensitive data

27
Q

What is a

code vulnerability?

A

A flaw in a program that compromises security.

It can be exploited by an attacker to gain access to a computer system, enabling them to steal or corrupt data, introduce malware or take over control of the computer for some purpose of their own.

28
Q

What does input validation do?

A
  • checks if user input meets certain criteria
  • reports an error or requests the data be re-entered if needed
29
Q

What does sanitization do?

A

modifies the user input to make it valid

30
Q

What does authentication do?

A

ensures that the system is only accessible to users who can pass a security test

31
Q

What are

code reviews?

A

reviews that are designed to spot instances of poor programming practice, find any vulnerabilities in code and check its efficiency

32
Q

What are the two main types of code review?

A
  • review by another programmer
  • automated review
33
Q

What is an

audit trail?

A

a way of tracking who made what changes and when when a software application is being developed

it reduces errors and improves accountability

Computer Science (8 decks)

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