Computing hardware

Question 1

state the purpose of the CPU

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Question 2

describe the function of the CPU as fetching and executing instructions stored in memory

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Question 3

explain how common characteristics of CPUs such as clock speed, cache size and number of cores affect their performance.

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Question 4

explain why data is represented in computer systems in binary form

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Question 5

understand and produce simple logic diagrams using the operations NOT, AND and OR

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Question 6

produce a truth table from a given logic diagram.

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Question 7

describe the difference between RAM and ROM

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Question 8

explain the need for ROM in a computer system

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Question 9

describe the purpose of RAM in a computer system

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Question 10

explain how the amount of RAM in a personal computer affects the performance of the computer

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Question 11

explain the need for virtual memory

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Question 12

describe cache memory

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Question 13

describe flash memory

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Question 14

discuss how changes in memory technologies are leading to innovative computer designs.

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Question 15

understand the need for input and output devices

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Question 16

describe suitable input devices for a wide range of computer controlled situations

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Question 17

describe suitable output devices for a wide range of computer controlled situations

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Question 18

discuss input and output devices for users with specific needs

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Question 19

explain the need for secondary storage

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Question 20

describe common storage technologies such as optical, magnetic and solid state

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Question 21

select suitable storage devices and storage media for a given application and justify their choice using characteristics such as capacity, speed, portability, durability and reliability

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