Miss Squires GCSE Computing Hardware Flashcards

1
Q

What is cache memory?

A

The fastest type of memory, attached to the CPU it is small and used for current instructions and data storage.

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2
Q

What is clock speed?

A

Clock speed describes how quickly the computer can fetch and execute instructions. It is measured in Hz.

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3
Q

Why do most modern CPU’s have multiple cores?

A

Because each individual core can only do one function at a time so it increases overall performance

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4
Q

From lowest to highest what are the measurements of data size? bits…..

A

bitsnibblebyteskilobytesmegabytesgigabytesterabytes

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5
Q

Define the purpose of the CPU

A

The purpose of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is to:- fetch instructions from main memory- fetch data from main memory- decode the instructions- execute the instructions- performs calculations- manages the movement of instructions and data to and from peripheral devices

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6
Q

What does quad-core mean in terms of the CPU?

A

This means the processor actually has 4 processors on the chip. It means it can fetch and execute up to 4 instructions simultaneously. (Operating systems and software have to be written so that they take advantage of multiple cores, or they will only use one at a time.)

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7
Q

What does 3GHz mean in terms of the CPU?

A

This is the speed at which it operates. The higher the number the quicker it can fetch and execute instructions.

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8
Q

What is a system bus?

A

The circuits/internal wiring that connect the processor and main memory together.

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9
Q

Explain how the clock speed affects the performance of the CPU.

A

The faster the clock speed (measured in Hz), this is the number of electrical cycles per second. The fast it is the quicker it can fetch and execute instructions.

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10
Q

Explain how the number of cores affects the performance of a CPU.

A

The more cores a CPU has the more instructions it can fetch and execute at the same time. Multiple cores are only useful if the operating system and program are written to take advantage of them, if they are not optimised for multiple cores then only one core will be used.

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11
Q

Explain how the cache memory affects the performance of a CPU.

A

The cache is attached to the CPU, it is the fastest memory available in the computer. More cache memory means that more of the frequently used instructions and data can be accessed quickly, improving the performance of the computer.

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12
Q

What is ROM?

A

Read Only Memory: memory that is hard-coded at the time of manufacture. Stores the boot-strap loader, which loads the operating system. Non-volatile, the instructions remain after the computer is turned off.

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13
Q

What is RAM?

A

Random Access Memory: a type of memory that is read-write and volatile. Used as the main memory of the computer. It is used to store the programs and data that are currently loaded on the computer. Traditionally it comes as ‘sticks’ made up of chips that plug into the motherboard.

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14
Q

Which is non-volatile, RAM or ROM?

A

ROM.

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15
Q

What is the difference between ROM and RAM?

A

RAM is computer memory which loses its data when the computer is switched off.ROM is computer memory which retains its data, even when the computer is switched off.

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16
Q

What is flash memory?

A

Secondary storage that has no moving parts. Used in memory sticks, cameras and phones. Made of silicon chips.

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17
Q

What is memory measured in?

A

Anything from bytes , Kilobytes , Megabytes, Gigabytes to Terrabytes.

18
Q

What are examples of optical storage media?

A

CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays.

19
Q

What are examples of magnetic storage media?

A

Hard drives, tape drives, floppy drives.

20
Q

What are examples of flash based storage media?

A

USB Drives, Solid State Hard drives, SD Cards.

21
Q

Define volatile

A

Describes memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.Eg: main memory

22
Q

Describe virtual memory

A

Sometimes there just isn’t enough main memory for all the programs that need to run. Computers can be configured so part of the hard disk behaves like main memory. This is called virtual memory. The access speed on a hard disk is much slower than the speed of RAM so this isn’t ideal. It is used to store parts of programs currently being run but the parts actually being executed still needs to be in main memory. As the processor gets to the next part of the program, sections are swapped between virtual memory and main memory.

23
Q

Define secondary storage

A

Main memory is also known as Primary Memory. Memory is all about storage so, strictly speaking, storage devices such as hard disks are also a type of memory. These long-term, non-volatile types of storage are also called Secondary Memory.Typically a PC will have a hard disk that stores all the files long term but secondary memory/storage also includes memory sticks, floppy disks (seldom used these days), tapes and CDs.

24
Q

Explain the need for secondary storage

A

Secondary storage is non-volatile and is used to store files over a long period of time. It is used for programs, photographs, projects, music, films, letters and spreadsheets.

25
Q

What would be a suitable storage media to save an album of digital photographs on?

A

Hard drive, CD, DVD, USB drive.

26
Q

Why might you use a USB flash drive to save copies of important work documents?

A

USB drives are small, reliable and durable. They make a good medium for making backups that you store away from your main computer. They are also an easy way to move files from one machine to another.

27
Q

What is cloud storage?

A

Cloud storage describes the use of online services to save documents and files. Examples would be Dropbox or iCloud. They may have web interfaces and also apps/programs to install on computers and mobile devices.

28
Q

How much data can a CD hold?

A

Approx 700Mb

29
Q

How much data can a DVD hold?

A

Approx 4.3Gb

30
Q

What sort of storage to mobile devices use?

A

Flash memory built into the device, and sometimes SD Cards.

31
Q

A computer hard disk can store 2 Terabytes, how much is this in Gigabytes?

A

Approx 2000Gb, or specifically 2048Gb.

32
Q

Would optical, magnetic or solid state storage be most suitable for use in a handheld device? Why?

A

Solid state. Because it’s small, has low power usage (hence good battery life), durable and not affected by movement.

33
Q

Would optical, magnetic or solid state storage be most suitable for use in a school network server? Why?

A

Magnetic. Large capacity, but cheaper than solid state. Reliable but cheap enough to allow multiple devices to be used for redundancy.

34
Q

Would optical, magnetic or solid state storage be most suitable for distributing videos? Why?

A

Optical. CDs/DVDs are cheap and easy to transport and large enough for storing videos. Alternatively they could just be shared online!

35
Q

Explain what an input device is.

A

A device which can be used to convert external inputs such as sound and movement into instructions / inputs for the computer system.

36
Q

Explain what an output device is.

A

A device which can be to transfer data out of the computer in the form of text, sound, images or other types of media.

37
Q

List examples of input devices.

A

Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Screen, Bar-code Scanner, Sensors, Microphones, Joysticks

38
Q

List examples of output devices.

A

Monitor/screen, Speakers, Headphones, Printer, Lights (LED), Actuator (mechanical action based on inputs)

39
Q

What inputs might a disabled person use to access a computer system?

A

Microphone. Pressure sensor. Movement sensor. Eye-ball tracking system. Foot mouse. Joystick. Touch screen.

40
Q

What specialist outputs might a computer system for a disabled person use?

A

Large screen. High contrast keyboard. Braille machine. Motors (e.g. on a wheelchair).

41
Q

What inputs might a patient monitoring system use?

A

Sensors for: heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing. Touch screen. Buttons.

42
Q

What outputs might a patient monitoring system use?

A

Warning lights. Speakers / sirens. Monitor. Printer. Touch screen. LED display.