REVISION COMPUTING DO EVERYDAY Flashcards
Assessment
Define System Architecture
The design and structure of a computer system, describing how different parts like the CPU, memory, and I/O devices work together.
What is the purpose of the CPU?
To carry out instructions by performing calculations and processing data; it’s known as the “brain” of the computer.
What are the three main parts of the CPU?
Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers.
Explain the role of the Control Unit (CU)
Directs operations within the CPU by managing data flow between the CPU, memory, and other devices.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is temporary and volatile, used for active processes. ROM is permanent and non-volatile, storing essential startup instructions.
Define Cache Memory
A small, high-speed memory inside the CPU that stores frequently used data for faster access.
Why is primary storage faster than secondary storage?
Primary storage (like RAM) is directly connected to the CPU, allowing faster data access than secondary storage (e.g., hard drives).
What are examples of secondary storage devices?
Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives.
Explain the purpose of virtual memory
A section of the hard drive used as temporary RAM when actual RAM is full, allowing more applications to run.
Define Binary and why computers use it
A number system using only 0s and 1s; computers use binary to represent data because it’s simple and reliable for digital circuits.
What is network security?
Measures taken to protect a computer network from unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches.
Define Firewall
A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
What is phishing?
A cyber-attack where attackers impersonate trusted entities to trick people into providing personal information.
What is digital ethics?
The study of how technology impacts behavior, privacy, and morals in society.
Define the Digital Divide
The gap between those who have access to technology and the internet and those who do not, often influenced by socioeconomic factors.
What is the environmental impact of e-waste?
Electronic waste contributes to pollution and resource depletion when discarded improperly, harming ecosystems.
What is an algorithm?
A set of instructions designed to perform a specific task or solve a problem.
Define flowchart
A visual representation of the steps in an algorithm, using shapes and arrows to map out processes.
What does pseudocode mean?
A way to write algorithms using simplified code-like language that can be easily translated into actual programming code.
Explain what an IF statement does
Checks a condition; if true, it executes a specific block of code; if false, it skips or runs an alternative block.
Define a For Loop
A loop that repeats a block of code a specific number of times, based on a set starting and ending point.
What is a While Loop?
A loop that continues to run as long as a certain condition is true.
Describe what a Sub-program is
A block of code written separately from the main program to perform a specific task, often called a function or procedure.
What is the purpose of Input and Output in programming?
receives data from the user, while Output displays or sends data to the user or another system.
