Intro Computer Systems Flashcards
What’s a CPU?
CPU is the brain of computer that performs calculations, executes instructions, and processes data
What is the primary function RAM?
RAM stores data that the CPU needs to access while computer is running
What’s the difference between primary and secondary storage?
Primary storage holds data temporarily for access and secondary holds data permanently
What are the key components of a computer system?
CPU, RAM, keyboard and monitor
What’s an operating system?
Software that manages hardware and software resources
What’s the role of operating system in computer system?
Controls hardware, manages memory, runs applications, and acts as interface between user and hardware
What’s binary code? / why is it used?
Binary code uses 0s and 1s to represent data. Why because digital circuits can represent two states on and off
What’s the purpose of the motherboard in a computer?
Connects all the components of the computer
What’s the difference between volatile and non volatile memory?
Volatile loses data and non volatile retains when power is lost
What’s the function of a hard disk drive(HDD)?
Storage device that uses spinning disks to store and retrieve data
What’s solid state drive (SSD)?
Storage device that uses flash memory to store data, offering faster data access
What does “booting” refer to in a computer system?
Process of starting a computer and loading the operating system from storage into memory
What is the role of input devices?
Allows users to provide data to the computer
What is the function of output devices in a computer system?
Allows the computer to send data to the user
What’s the difference between hardware and software?
Physical components and the other programs or applications run on it
What’s a network in computing?
System of interconnected devices that can communicate
What’s the role of a computer network interface (NIC)?
Allows computer to connect to network to send and receive data
What’s cloud computing?
Refers to using remote servers on the internet to store, manage, and process data
What’s a device driver?
Program that enables the OS to communicate with hardware devices
What is an input/output device?
Allow data to be transferred between the computer and external devices
What’s the purpose of the ALU in the CPU?
Performs arithmetic and logical operations in the CPU
What’s a bus in computer systems?
Communication system that transfers data between different parts of a computer
What’s the function of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?
Provides power to the computer by converting AC power from the wall outlet to DC power required by the components
What’s the difference between 32bit and 64bit systems?
64 bit system can process more data at once and address larger amounts of memory
What’s the function of basic input/output system (BIOS)?
Firmware that tests hardware components during boot-up and provides an interface for the operating system
What does the term “virtual memory” mean?
Memory management technique that uses part of the storage as if it were RAM
What’s cache memory?
Memory that stores used data to speed up access by the CPU
What’s the function of the graphics processing unit (GPU)?
Handles the rendering of images, videos and animations helping the CPU
What’s the difference between 2D and 3D computer graphic?
2D represents height and width 3D depth included
What’s the protocol in networking?
Set of rules that defines how data is transmitted and received over a network
