Topic 2) Computer Organisation Flashcards
What is the CPU?
The Central Processing Unit
Processes all instructions as binary code
The place where code is executed
Contains the arithmatic, logical, input and output operations
Directly connected to the RAM
What is the FDE Cycle?
(Also known as Machine Instruction Cycle)
Fetch Decode Execute:
1. Address to be checked comes up in the PC (Program Counter)
2. The PC sends the next address to be checked by the MAR
3. MAR sends the address to RAM
4. Data and the address is sent to the MDR
5. MDR sends data to the CIR (Current Instruction Register) for decoding
6. CIR passes the decoded instructions on to the ALU, which executes it all
7. ALU gives the address to the MAR for any further instructions
What is Primary Memory?
Volatility: Data is not retained after power loss.
Speed: Faster access compared to secondary memory.
Temporary Storage: Holds data and instructions currently being processed.
Direct CPU Access: The CPU can directly retrieve and store data in primary memory.
What is Cache?
Stores frequently used instructions from RAM
What is Secondary Memory?
Long-Term Memory
Persistent storage
What is Virtual Memory?
The place data is sent to when the primary memory is overloaded
Slower, temporary, stored in “pages”
What are Operating Systems?
Set of software that controls computer’s hardware and resources and provides services for computer programs
Think of google taking up CPU and Memory
What are the 5 roles of the Operating System?
User interference
Memory Management
Peripheral Management
Multitasking
Security
What is User Interface?
- and list the 4 types, briefly describing each one -
The link between the user and the hardware.
GUI- Graphical User Interface (menus, point and click)
CLI- Command Line Interface (type in commands)
NLI- Natural Language Interface (speaking to a computer ie. siri)
MBI- Menu Based Interface (only menu options, no CLI)
What is Memory Management?
- what are its capabilities?
Keeps tracks of storage devices (HDD, Flash Drive)
Allocates memory to programs (RAM)
Modifies memory locations
Sorts data on disk drives and RAM for efficiency
Organises data into folders
Copies and deletes files
What is Peripheral Management?
- What are its capabilities?
Co ordinates with BIOS
Uses device drivers as an interface to peripheral devices
The device drivers then translate the peripheral signal to a function
What is Multitasking?
Allocates CPU cycles to concurrent programs based on priority and time
Every program is then given a slice of time, or a ‘turn’ to use the CPU
What is Security?
Usernames, passwords
User permissions
File permissions for reading and writing
What are some examples of Application Software?
Word Processors
Spreadsheets
Database Management System
Email Clients
Web Browser
Computer Aided Design
Graphic Processing Software
What are Units of Data Storage?
1 byte = 8 bits
1 kilobyte = 1024 bites
1 megabyte = 1024 kilobytes
1 gigabyte = 1024 megabytes
1 terabyte = 1024 gigabytes
