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Edexcel Computing > Computers > Flashcards

Computers Flashcards

1
Q

What is Vonn Neumann architecture/Stored program concept

A

Programs stored inside the computer that can be reprogrammed.

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2
Q

CPU

A

Carries out program instructions and it does this using the FDE cycle.

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3
Q

Processing unit

A
  • an arithmetic logic unit
  • processor registers
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4
Q

Control unit

A

Receives signals from other parts of the computer system and sends signals to them,

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5
Q

RAM

A
  • Random Access Memory - Used to store data and machine code currently being used
  • Volatile - data lost when turned off
  • Stores programs and instructions.
  • Read and Write
  • 1-256GB
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6
Q

ROM

A

Read-Only Memory
* Stores important system information and boot code.
* Volatile.
* 6-8MB

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7
Q

Cache

A

High-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data or instructions. Located closer to the CPU than the main memory, allowing for faster access times and improving system performance

Stores frequently accessed data, e.g. A font, a texture pack

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8
Q

FDE

A

Fetch
Decode
Execute

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9
Q

Fetch

A
  • the CPU fetches data and instructions from the RAM and saves it in its very short memory, called register.
  • CPU uses the address bus. the memory address of the next item that the CPU wants is put on the address bus.data from this memory address travels from the RAM on another bus called the data bus.
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10
Q

Decode

A

CPU working out what the instructions that it has just fetched actually mean.

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11
Q

Execute

A

when the data processing happens
instructions are carried out on the data. some instructions are carried out by the ALU (adding, shifting, AND, OR)

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12
Q

Contents of the CPU

A
  • an instruction register
  • a program counter
  • memory that stores data + instructions
  • external data storage
  • input and output date
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13
Q

What is a computer

A
  • Anti malware
  • Encryption
  • Acceptable use policies
  • Backup
  • Recovery procedures
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14
Q

Embedded system

A

An embedded system is a computer that has a specific function and does not do anything else

Small storage device to store simple programs, as it relies on fixed inputs and outputs. It needs no software updates.

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15
Q

Uses of an embedded system

A

A traffic light

Switch lights, keep track of time, recieve input from pedestrian button, recieve input from road sensors

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16
Q

Characteristics of an embedded system

A
  • Task specific (single purpose)
  • Low power consumption
  • Small physical size
  • Low maintenance
  • Low cost per unit
  • Less storage
  • Limited user interface
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17
Q

Purposes of an OS

A

Software that manages a computer’s hardware and software resources and providing common services for computer programs

Provides easy-to-use GUI (graphical user interface)

18
Q

Functionality of an OS

A

Input and output from peripherals

Providing user interface

File management
Program management
Memory management
Processor management

Running applications

Ensuring security
Error handling

19
Q

Utility software

A
  • File repair
  • Backup
  • Data compression
  • Defragmentation
    Backup
    Antivirus
    Firewall
    App update mangement
    Formatting disks and drives
    System analyis tools
20
Q

Characteristics of a general purpose computer

A
  • Non task specific
  • High power consumption
  • Often large
  • High cost
21
Q

Methods of identifying vulnerabilities

A

Audit trails
Code reviews

22
Q

ALU

A

Performs actual operations on data, arithmetic or relational.

23
Q

Registers

A

extremely fast memory. located on the processor, and very very small. (Bytes)
Faster than RAM as no buses needed

24
Q

Clock

A

determines the speed of the CPU.

the chip uses a vibrating quartz crystal that maintains a constant rate of vibration.

25
Q

Instruction register

A

holds instructions executed by CPU

26
Q

Accumulator

A

holds ALU vales

27
Q

Program counter

A

holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched

28
Q

Bus

A

A thin wire used to connect computer components and transfer data between them

29
Q

Data bus

A

Carries binary data from component to component
Bidirectional

30
Q

Control bus

A

Carries signals that control CPU components
Birdirectional

31
Q

Address bus

A

Carries the address of a memory location
Unidirectional

32
Q

Interpreter

A

Transfers from high level to machine code line-by-line as the program runs

33
Q

Compiler

A

Translates from high level to machine code before the program runs

34
Q

High level programming languages

A

Easier for humans to use as the language is closer to English
* - Abstracted away from hardware
* - Uses English-like statements
* - Requires a translator to convert source code to machine code
* - Python, HTML, Java, C++

35
Q

Microprocessors

A

Each microprocessor with a unique set of components requires a different unique set of instructions. For each allowable and defined behaviour, there is an abstract instruction.

36
Q

Low level programming languages

A

Assembly and machine code are the only two low-level programming languages.

  • Sits close to hardware
  • Consists of mnemonics that represent binary code
37
Q

Machine code

A

Binary patterns representing a program
* Simple for CPU to execute, difficult for humans to understand
* Not portable - each microprocessor requires a different set of instructions

38
Q

Assembly code

A

One line of assembly code is one instruction
Easier to understand than binary, as the mnemonics are similar to English.

39
Q

Secondary storage

A

**Stores data for long periods of time. **
* Easy portability
* Faster read speeds
* Greater durability

40
Q

Magnetic

A

** Large moving parts**
* Series of polarised dots
* Large capacity
* Inexpensive
* Lifespan until dots aren’t polarised and cannot be read

41
Q

Optical

A

Uses lasers to heat/burn pits and lands into a reflective surface that represents 1s and 0s -> binary code
* Moving parts
* Small capacity
* Cheap
* Lifespan until information cannot be read

42
Q

Solid state

A
  • If a row of transistors are charged, this represents a 1
  • If a row of transistors is uncharged, this represents a 0
  • Arranged in a gird
  • At row/column intersections, two transistors create a cell (control gate and floating gate)
  • Applying voltage to the control gate transistors causes electrons to flow onto the floating gate
  • Creates a net positive charge that interrupts current flow

Edexcel Computing (11 decks)

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