Paper 2 Unit 7 Flashcards
What is the CPU?
Made up of a number of components to enable the computer to carry out instructions
What is the RAM?
Holds data and instructions currently in use.
What is the ROM?
Used to hold data when the computer is turned off, including start up instructions
What is secondary storage?
It holds the OS, data and applications required, examples include a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD)
Give examples of an input device
Mouse, keyboard, touch pad and touchscreen
Give examples of an output device
Display, printer, speakers
What are mobile devices?
Portable or handheld computers with many of the same features as a PC. They are typically battery powered, include touchscreens have WiFi and/or cellular access and are small and light
What are servers?
Computers that provide data storage, applications, services and access to resources for other computers (clients)
What do file servers do?
Store and distribute files for clients
What do application servers do?
Run applications for the client machine
What do mail servers do?
Store, send and receive mail for the network users
What do database servers do?
Store large data files that are centrally updated
What do print servers do?
Manage central printing services and can handle multiple requests meaning printers do not need to be attached to every client
What do web servers do?
Store data and applications that are available via web access to clients
What to DNS servers do?
Keep a record of the IP addresses of the servers that host websites
What do proxy servers do?
Act as a link between a client and the server to improve security by isolating the client from the server using an intermediary
What are virtual servers?
They are not physical servers and operate from within special software called a hypervisor
Give some examples of smart/internet-enabled devices
GPS trackers, sensors, biometrics, smart speakers, doorbells
What are the processors in the CPU and what do they do?
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) carries out all the calculations and logical decisions
Control Unit (CU) co-ordinates the activity of the CPU and memory in order to execute instructions
What factors affect the CPU performance?
Clock speed- the faster the clock speed, the more instructions can be executed every second
Amount of cache memory- the more cache available, the better the performance of the computer
Number of processor cores- if the program allows for it, the CPU can carry out more processes at the same time
Word length- the quantity of data handled at one time, more data in one pass means fewer passes are needed
What are the differences between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile
RAM holds any applications and data currently in use
ROM provides storage for start-up information
RAM can be read and written to, ROM is read-only
Name different types of secondary storage
Magnetic, solid state and optical
What is the mother board?
The main printed circuit board that contains all the electrical connections. It has sockets for various elements including the CPU, RAM, graphics cards and sound cards
Why is cooling needed?
To keep all the components within an acceptable range of operating temperatures
How does a batch operating system work?
Jobs with similar requirements are batched together and run as a group
Used for tasks such as payroll systems
The users do not interact with the computer directly while the job is running
Jobs are prepared offline
How does a multitasking/time-sharing operating system work?
Handles multiple job at the same time by switching rapidly between them
Used on most PCs for standard running
Multiple jobs are stored in the RAM ready to run
Scheduling algorithms works out how to share processor time
How does a real-time operating system work?
Designed to carry out actions within a guaranteed amount of time, even when left running for long periods
Used for critical systems like microcontrollers
Systems designed for reliability and predictability
Response usually given within a fraction of a second
How does a network operating system work?
Runs a server to provide access to client devices and clients
Manages a range of network functions including users, security, applications, file and device sharing
How does a mobile operating system work?
Runs on mobile devices to allow them to run applications
Determines which features are available and which third-party applications can be added
What is utility software?
Small programs with one purpose designed to help maintain or support the system, often concerned with the upkeep of a computer system