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Computer Science > Paper 1: Hardware > Flashcards

Paper 1: Hardware Flashcards

(78 cards)

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1
Q

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A

The “brain” of the computer. It executes instructions and performs calculations.

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2
Q

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A

A part of the CPU that performs arithmetic operations (like addition and subtraction) and logical operations (like AND, OR, NOT).

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3
Q

Control Unit (CU)

A

A part of the CPU that manages the execution of instructions. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and coordinates the activities of other components.

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4
Q

Registers (CPU)

A

Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used to temporarily hold data and instructions that are being actively processed.

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5
Q

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

A

The fundamental process by which a computer retrieves and carries out instructions from memory:
* Fetch: Retrieve the next instruction from memory.
* Decode: Interpret the instruction.
* Execute: Perform the action specified by the instruction.

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6
Q

Clock Speed (CPU)

A

The number of instructions the CPU can execute per second, measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed generally means faster processing.

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7
Q

Cache Size (CPU)

A

A small amount of very fast memory within the CPU used to store frequently accessed data and instructions. A larger cache can improve performance by reducing the time the CPU spends waiting for data from main memory.

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8
Q

Number of Cores (CPU)

A

The number of independent processing units within a single CPU. More cores allow the CPU to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, improving multitasking performance.

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9
Q

Von Neumann Architecture

A

A computer architecture where the CPU and main memory use a single address space for both instructions and data. This is the most common architecture used in modern computers.

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10
Q

Input Device

A

A piece of hardware used to provide data and instructions to a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone).

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11
Q

Output Device

A

A piece of hardware used to present information from a computer to the user (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).

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12
Q

Primary Storage (Main Memory)

A

Memory that is directly accessible by the CPU and is used to store data and instructions that are currently being processed. Examples include RAM and ROM.

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13
Q

RAM (Random Access Memory)

A

A type of primary storage that is volatile (data is lost when power is turned off) and allows both reading and writing of data. It’s used for actively running programs and data.

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14
Q

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

A

A type of primary storage that is non-volatile (data is retained when power is off) and typically contains instructions that the computer needs to boot up. Data is usually written to ROM during manufacturing.

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15
Q

Secondary Storage

A

Non-volatile storage used to store data and programs permanently, even when the computer is turned off. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).

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16
Q

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A

A type of secondary storage that uses magnetic platters to store data. Generally has a larger storage capacity but slower access speeds compared to SSDs.

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17
Q

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A

A type of secondary storage that uses flash memory to store data. Offers faster access speeds, is more durable, and consumes less power than HDDs.

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18
Q

Optical Storage

A

Storage devices that use lasers to read and write data on optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

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19
Q

Magnetic Tape

A

A type of sequential access secondary storage, often used for backups and archival storage due to its high capacity and relatively low cost.

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20
Q

Virtual Storage

A

Using a portion of the hard drive as if it were RAM when the actual RAM is full. This can slow down the system.

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21
Q

Cloud Storage

A

Storing digital data on a network of servers rather than directly on the user’s device. It allows access to data from anywhere with an internet connection.

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22
Q

Embedded System

A

A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system, often with real-time computing constraints (e.g., in washing machines, cars, digital cameras).

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23
Q

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A

A common interface standard for connecting peripheral devices (like keyboards, mice, printers, external drives) to a computer. It also allows for data transfer and power supply.

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24
Q

MAR - Memory Address Register

A

Holds the address of the next thing to be written to memory or read from memory

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25
MDR - Memory Data Register
Holds the next piece of information to be written memory, or whatever has just been read from memory
26
Name the main components of the CPU.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and Registers.
27
What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
28
What is the function of the Control Unit (CU)?
Manages the execution of instructions by controlling the flow of data within the CPU and between the CPU and other components. It fetches instructions, decodes them, and coordinates their execution.
29
What are registers in the CPU?
Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU that hold data and instructions that are currently being processed.
30
What does the acronym FDE stand for in the context of CPU operation?
Fetch-Decode-Execute.
31
Describe the Fetch stage of the FDE cycle.
The Control Unit retrieves the next instruction from memory.
32
Describe the Decode stage of the FDE cycle.
The Control Unit interprets the instruction to determine what needs to be done.
33
Describe the Execute stage of the FDE cycle.
The ALU performs the operation specified by the instruction, and the results are stored in registers or memory.
34
What is a CPU core?
An independent processing unit within a CPU. Multi-core processors have multiple cores that can execute instructions simultaneously, improving performance.
35
What is CPU cache memory?
Small, fast memory located closer to the CPU cores than main memory (RAM). It stores frequently accessed data and instructions, allowing the CPU to access them more quickly.
36
What are the different levels of CPU cache (e.g., L1, L2, L3)?
L1 cache is the smallest and fastest, located closest to the core. L2 cache is larger and slightly slower. L3 cache (if present) is the largest and slowest of the cache levels, shared by all cores.
37
What is the CPU clock speed?
The rate at which the CPU executes instructions, measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed generally means faster processing.
38
What is a CPU instruction set?
The set of basic commands that a particular CPU architecture can understand and execute. These instructions tell the CPU what operations to perform.
39
Give some examples of types of instructions found in a CPU instruction set.
Data transfer (moving data between memory and registers), arithmetic operations, logical operations, control flow (branching, looping).
40
What is an embedded system?
A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It's often designed for a specific task and has limited resources.
41
Give some examples of embedded systems.
Washing machines, digital cameras, car engine control units, medical devices, smartwatches.
42
What are some characteristics of embedded systems?
Dedicated function, real-time operation (often), limited resources (processing power, memory), often designed for low power consumption, can be mass-produced.
43
What is the purpose of an input device?
To allow the user to enter data and instructions into a computer system.
44
Name some common input devices.
Keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, webcam, touchscreen.
45
What is the purpose of an output device?
To present processed information from the computer to the user.
46
Name some common output devices.
Monitor, printer, speakers, headphones, projector.
47
What is a sensor in the context of computer systems?
A device that detects and measures a physical change (e.g., temperature, light, pressure, motion) and converts it into an electrical signal that can be processed by a computer.
48
Give some examples of sensors and their uses.
Temperature sensor (climate control), light sensor (adjusting screen brightness), pressure sensor (touchscreens), motion sensor (security systems).
49
What is primary storage (main memory)?
Volatile memory that the CPU can directly access to store data and instructions that are currently being used. It is essential for the computer to run.
50
What is the most common type of primary storage?
Random Access Memory (RAM).
51
What are the key characteristics of RAM?
Volatile (data is lost when power is turned off), allows random access (any memory location can be accessed directly), faster than secondary storage.
52
What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
Non-volatile memory that stores instructions that are essential for booting up the computer. The data in ROM is typically written during manufacturing and cannot be easily changed by the user.
53
What is secondary storage?
Non-volatile memory used for long-term storage of data and programs, even when the power is off. It has a larger capacity and is generally slower than primary storage.
54
Name some common types of secondary storage.
Hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical discs (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray), magnetic tapes.
55
Describe how magnetic storage (like HDDs) works.
Data is stored by magnetizing tiny areas on a spinning platter. Read/write heads move across the platter to access the data.
56
Describe how optical storage (like CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray) works.
Data is stored as patterns of pits and lands on a reflective disc. A laser beam is used to read these patterns.
57
Describe how solid-state storage (like SSDs) works.
Data is stored electronically in semiconductor chips. They have no moving parts.
58
What are some advantages of SSDs over HDDs?
Faster access times, higher data transfer speeds, more durable (no moving parts), quieter, lower power consumption.
59
What is a main advantage of HDDs over SSDs?
Generally lower cost per gigabyte of storage.
60
What is virtual memory?
A memory management technique that allows a computer to compensate for a shortage of physical RAM by temporarily transferring pages of data from RAM to a storage device (usually a hard disk or SSD).
61
Why is virtual memory needed?
It allows users to run more applications or work with larger datasets than could fit into the physical RAM alone.
62
What is a disadvantage of using virtual memory?
Accessing data in virtual memory is much slower than accessing data in RAM, which can lead to performance slowdown (thrashing if overused).
63
What is cloud storage?
A service that allows users to store digital data on a network of remote servers, typically accessed via the internet. The physical storage is maintained by a third-party provider.
64
What are some advantages of cloud storage over local storage?
Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, automatic backups (often), scalability (easy to increase storage), potential for collaboration.
65
What are some disadvantages of cloud storage compared to local storage?
Requires an internet connection, reliance on a third-party provider, potential security and privacy concerns, subscription costs can accumulate.
66
What are some advantages of local storage over cloud storage?
Faster access speeds (no internet dependency), more control over data security, often a one-time purchase cost.
67
What are some disadvantages of local storage compared to cloud storage?
Risk of data loss if the local device fails, limited accessibility from other locations, responsibility for backups lies with the user, scalability can be more complex.
68
What is a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
A hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a network. It provides the physical connection to the network medium (e.g., Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi antenna).
69
What are the basic functions of a NIC?
To prepare data for transmission over the network, send data to other devices, receive data from the network, and act as an interface between the computer's operating system and the network.
70
What does MAC address stand for?
Media Access Control address.
71
What is a MAC address?
A unique 48-bit hardware address assigned to each NIC by the manufacturer. It's often referred to as a physical address or hardware address.
72
What is the primary purpose of a MAC address?
To identify a specific device on a local network segment for communication at the data link layer.
73
What does IP address stand for?
Internet Protocol address.
74
What is an IP address?
A logical address assigned to a device on a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It allows devices to be identified and located across different networks.
75
What is the main difference between a MAC address and an IP address?
A MAC address is a physical, hardware address that identifies a device on a local network. An IP address is a logical address that identifies a device on a network and allows for routing across different networks.
76
What is a router?
A networking device that forwards data packets between different networks. It determines the best path for data to travel based on IP addresses.
77
What are the key functions of a router?
Routing (determining the best path for data), forwarding packets, connecting different networks, and often providing security features like firewalls and network address translation (NAT).
78
How does a router use IP addresses?
Routers examine the destination IP address in a packet to determine which network it needs to be sent to and the next hop along the way.

Computer Science (7 decks)

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