Theory Year 10 Flashcards
Front: Define the terms ‘hardware’ and ‘software’.
Hardware: The physical components of a computer system (e.g., CPU, RAM, motherboard).
Software: The programs and operating information used by a computer (e.g., operating systems, applications).
Distinguish between system software and application software
System Software: Includes the operating system and utility programs that manage computer hardware.
Application Software: Programs designed for end users (e.g., word processors, games, browsers).
What are the roles of utility software
Maintains the computer system
(e.g., antivirus, backup software, disk defragmentation).
What does antivirus software do
-> Detects, prevents, and removes malicious software (malware).
-> Scans files and applications for viruses and quarantines infected files.
-> Requires regular updates to stay effective against new threats.
What is backup software and why is it important?
-> Creates copies of data to prevent data loss.
-> Can perform full backups (everything) or incremental backups (only changed files).
-> Used to restore data after hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyberattacks
What is disk defragmentation?
->Organises fragmented files on a hard drive to make them easier to access.
-> Helps the computer run faster by reducing the time needed to find and load files.
-> Not needed for SSDs, only for HDDs.
What is fragmentation
-> When files are split into small pieces and stored in different locations on a hard drive.
-> Happens over time as files are created, deleted, and modified.
-> Slows down the computer because the hard drive takes longer to find and read the scattered data.
What does compression software do?
Reduces file size to save storage space and improve transfer speeds.
What is memory management
Allocates RAM to programs and manages virtual memory.
What is user interface
Provides interaction between user and computer (GUI, CLI
What is process management
Schedules tasks and manages CPU usage.
What is file manage
Organizes and controls access to files
What is peripheral managwmt
Controls devices like printers and keyboards
What is the ALU
-> Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
-> Performs logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
Works closely with the control unit and registers.
What is the Control Unit (CU) used for?
-> Fetching, decoding, and executing instructions.
-> Controlling data flow between CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
-> Sending control signals to other components.
What are registers in a CPU?
-> Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU used to store temporary data and instructions.
What is cache memory
-> A small, high-speed type of memory inside the CPU.
-> Stores frequently used instructions and data to speed up processing.
-> Faster than RAM but smaller in size
How does cache memory improve CPU performance?
Reduces the time needed to access frequently used data.
Decreases reliance on slower RAM.
Helps the CPU process instructions faster, improving overall speed.
Explain what is meant by an embedded system
A computer system built into a device to perform a specific function
(e.g., washing machines, microwaves, traffic lights).
Explain the Von Neumann architecture.
A system where a single memory holds both data and instructions. (No RAM or ROM)
Uses registers to fetch, decode, and execute instructions.
Describe the factors that affect CPU performance.
-> Clock speed
-> Number of cores
-> Cache size
Describe the fetch-execute cycle.
Fetch: Retrieves instruction from memory.
Decode: Interprets the instruction.
Execute: Carries out the instruction.
Define ‘main memory’
RAM and ROM
what is RAM
Temporary, volatile memory used to store active programs
Random access memory
What is ROM
Permanent, non-volatile memory storing essential startup instructions
Read only memory
Explain the need for secondary storage.
Used for long-term storage of files and data, as RAM is volatile.
How does optical storage work?
Uses lasers to read and write data onto discs.
The disc has a spiral track of tiny bumps (pits) and flat areas (lands).
A laser shines onto the disc:
Lands reflect light → Read as 1
Pits scatter light → Read as 0
How does solid-state storage work?
Uses flash memory (electronic circuits) to store data with no moving parts.
Charge present = 1
No charge = 2
Advantages kf solid state
Very fast (much faster than HDDs)
Durable (no moving parts)
Silent and energy-efficient
Disadvantages of solid state
More expensive per GB than HDDs
Limited write cycles (eventually wears out)
How does magnetic storage work?
-> Uses magnetic fields to store data on spinning disks (platters).
-> domains are either magnetised north or south
-> north is read as 1 and south is read as 0
Examples: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Magnetic Tape.
Advantages kf magnetic storage
High capacity (several TBs)
Cheaper per GB than SSDs
Long lifespan if maintained properly
Disadvantages kf magnetic storage
Slower than SSDs due to moving parts
Fragile (can be damaged if dropped)
Can be affected by external magnets
Advantages of optical storage
Cheap to produce
Portable
Good for media distribution (movies, music, software
Disadvantage of optical state
Low capacity compared to other storage types
Slow read/write speeds
Easily scratched or damaged
Define cloud storage.
Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet
Explain the advantages of cloud storage.
Accessible anywhere, automatic backup, scalable.
disadvantages of cloud storage
Requires internet, security concerns, ongoing costs.
Construct and interpret truth tables for AND, OR, NOT, and XOR gates.
AND: Both inputs must be 1 to output 1.
OR: At least one input must be 1 to output 1.
NOT: Inverts input.
XOR: Outputs 1 if inputs are different.
Distinguish between high-level and low-level programming languages.
High-level: Easier to read, portable, but slower.
Low-level: Faster, closer to machine code, harder to write.
Distinguish between machine code and assembly language.
Machine Code: Binary instructions specific to a CPU.
Assembly: Uses mnemonics for easier coding but still CPU-specific.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of high- and low-level languages.
High-Level: Easy to use, but needs translation.
Low-Level: Faster, more control, but harder to program.
What are interpreters
Translates line-by-line, slower but easier to debug.
What are compilers
Translates all at once, faster execution but harder debugging.
What is an assembler
Converts assembly language into machine code.
What is virtual memeory
When the computer runs out of space in RAM, it uses part of the SSD storage as extra memory to help keep the computer running smoothly
How the fetch execute cycle work
Fetch
The instructions are fetched to CPU from the primary memory (could be RAM)
decode
The instructions are decoded by the CU
execute
The instructions are executed by different parts of the CPU such as ALU if the instruction is logical or other parts
Rank three storage states from slowest to fastest
Slowest - optical
Medium - Magnetic
Fastest - solid
Rank three storage states from lowest storage to most
Lowest - optical
Medium - magnetic
Most - solid state
Rank three storage states from most durable to Least
Most - Solid State Drives (SSDs),
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs),
Least - Optical Storage (CDs/DVDs).
