Topic 1.2 Part 1 - System Architecture/Memory and Storage Flashcards
What is system architecture?
System architecture refers to the design and structure of a computer system or network.
What is a central processing unit (CPU)?
The CPU is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?
RAM is volatile memory used to store data that is actively being processed by the CPU.
What is a motherboard?
The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer, connecting all hardware components.
What is an operating system (OS)?
An OS is software that manages hardware and provides a user interface for interacting with a computer.
What is a microprocessor?
A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that contains the CPU.
What is a bus in system architecture?
A bus is a communication pathway that allows data to be transferred between hardware components.
What is firmware?
Firmware is software that is permanently stored on hardware components, such as the BIOS.
What is BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)?
BIOS is firmware that initializes hardware components during system startup.
What is an instruction set architecture (ISA)?
An ISA is a set of instructions that a CPU can execute.
What is a cache memory in system architecture?
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data for faster retrieval.
What is a clock speed in system architecture?
Clock speed measures how quickly a CPU can execute instructions, typically in gigahertz (GHz).
What is parallel processing?
Parallel processing is the use of multiple CPUs to perform tasks simultaneously, improving performance.
What is a storage device?
A storage device is hardware for long-term data storage, such as hard drives and SSDs.
What is a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?
A GPU is specialized hardware for rendering graphics and performing parallel processing.
What is a file system?
A file system is the structure used to organise and manage data on storage devices.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory extends RAM by using disk space as temporary storage for data.
What is a network architecture?
Network architecture defines the structure and organization of a computer network.
What is a client-server architecture?
In a client-server architecture, clients request services from a central server.
What is a peer-to-peer architecture?
In a peer-to-peer architecture, devices communicate directly with each other without a central server.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing provides access to computing resources over the internet, often through remote data centers.
What is a distributed system?
A distributed system uses multiple interconnected computers to work together on a task.
What is a database management system (DBMS)?
A DBMS is software that manages the storage and retrieval of data in a database.
What is scalability in system architecture?
Scalability refers to a system’s ability to handle increased workloads by adding resources.
What is fault tolerance?
Fault tolerance is a system’s ability to continue operating in the presence of hardware or software failures.
What is redundancy?
Redundancy involves duplicating critical system components to ensure continued operation in case of failure.
What is a microservices architecture?
A microservices architecture breaks down applications into small, independent services.
What is a monolithic architecture?
A monolithic architecture builds applications as a single, tightly integrated unit.
What is API (Application Programming Interface)?
An API defines how software components should interact and communicate with each other.
What is load balancing?
Load balancing distributes network traffic across multiple servers to optimize performance.
What is latency in system architecture?
Latency is the delay between a request and a response in a system, often caused by data transmission.
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth measures the maximum data transfer rate on a network or communication channel.
What is RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)?
RAID combines multiple hard drives for data protection and improved performance.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security system that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
A VPN encrypts and secures internet connections for privacy and security.
What is IoT (Internet of Things) architecture?
IoT architecture involves connecting various devices and sensors to collect and exchange data.
What is containerisation?
Containerisation isolates applications and their dependencies for easy deployment and management.
What is a microcontroller?
A microcontroller is a compact computer designed for specific tasks, often found in embedded systems.
What is a system-on-a-chip (SoC)?
An SoC integrates various hardware components, including CPU, GPU, and memory, on a single chip.
What is virtualisation?
Virtualisation creates virtual instances of hardware, such as virtual machines or virtual networks.
What is edge computing?
Edge computing processes data closer to the source to reduce latency and improve real-time decision-making.
What is Moore’s Law?
Moore’s Law is the observation that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years.
What is an API gateway?
An API gateway is a server that acts as an API front-end, managing requests and responses.
What is SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture)?
SOA is an architectural approach that designs software as a collection of loosely coupled services.
What is ESB (Enterprise Service Bus)?
An ESB is middleware software that facilitates communication between different applications.
What is a container orchestration tool?
Container orchestration tools, like Kubernetes, manage the deployment and scaling of containerised applications.
What is a reverse proxy?
A reverse proxy handles client requests and forwards them to the appropriate backend server.
What is HPC (High-Performance Computing) architecture?
HPC architecture is designed for performing complex computations and simulations at high speeds.
What is RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture?c
RISC architecture uses a simplified instruction set for faster and more efficient processing.
What is CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) architecture?
CISC architecture uses a rich instruction set with complex operations, often requiring more clock cycles to execute.
