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AS- Level Wjec CS Additional notes > Unit 1.1 Hardware and Communication > Flashcards

Unit 1.1 Hardware and Communication Flashcards

1
Q

Define CPU.

A

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - the ‘brain’ of the computer. It refers to that part of the processor which ‘processes’ the data and instructions.

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2
Q

State the 3 main parts of a CPU.

A
  1. ALU (Arithmetic and Logic unit)
  2. Control unit
  3. Some memory storage (Register)
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3
Q

Define ALU.

A

ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit)- which performs the calculations on the data.

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4
Q

Define control unit.

A

Control unit- which controls all operations inside the computer.

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5
Q

Define register.

A

Register is a place where a single item of data can be stored.

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6
Q

State 5 ‘things’ all computers have.

A
  1. Input device
  2. Output device
  3. Some memory
  4. Program a computer is running
  5. Data stored in memory
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7
Q

Define RAM.

A

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the type of memory used for temporarily storing programs and data.

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8
Q

What does memory consist of?

A

A large number of store locations in which data can be stored.

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9
Q

What are ‘store locations’ identified as?

A

Address

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10
Q

Define data bus.

A

Data will need to be moved between several of these elements. The path along which data moves is called a data bus.

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11
Q

What happens when data is saved to (or loaded from) memory?

A

The address of the store location at which it is to be stored (or loaded) must also be sent.

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12
Q

What is an address bus?

A

The address of data always travel along an address buss.

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13
Q

State the function of the control unit.

A

It sends and receives signals from all parts of the computer which makes sure that all processes take place at the right time and in the correct order.

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14
Q

Where does the signals of which processes take place travel along?

A

Control bus

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15
Q

What does a computer memory consist of?

A

It consists of a large number of ‘two-state devices’, which can be ‘On’ or ‘Off’.

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16
Q

What digit is stored when the switch is ‘On’?

A

1

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17
Q

What number is stored when the switch is ‘Off’?

A

0

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18
Q

What is a bit?

A

(Binary digIT) is a 0 or a 1.

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19
Q

What is 1 byte?

A

8 bits

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20
Q

What is 1 kilobyte (K)?

A

1024 bits

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21
Q

What is 1 megabyte (Mb)?

A

1024 kilobytes

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22
Q

What is 1 gigabyte (Gb)?

A

1024 megabytes

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23
Q

What is 1 terabyte (Tb)?

A

1024 gigabytes

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24
Q

What is all data stored as?

A

Binary numbers

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25
Q

Define a ‘word’.

A

It is the number of bits that the CPU can handle at a time (usually 16, 32, 64 or 128).

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26
Q

State 2 types of storage.

A
  1. Primary storage - (memory)
  2. Secondary storage - (backing storage)
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27
Q

State a fact about memory.

A

It is very fast to store data and retrieve data from it.

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28
Q

Define RAM.

A

RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for temporary storage of data and programs. It is volatile- the data is lost when power is switched off.

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29
Q

What does RAM consist of?

A

It consists of a large number of store locations, each of which can store a (binary) number.

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30
Q

What is each store location identified by?

A

A unique address

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31
Q

Define ROM.

A

ROM (Read Only Memory) is used for storing permanent data. The numbers in
the store locations cannot be altered. It is non-volatile. The data is never lost.

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32
Q

State Ex.1 of what ROM is used for.

A

It is used for storing the programs that control embedded systems.

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33
Q

State Ex.2 of what ROM is used for.

A

It may also store the first section of a program which boots a computer- this is the program which starts running as soon as you switch on a PC.

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34
Q

What are registers?

A

There are some special store locations in the CPU called registers which are used extensively when a program is being run.

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35
Q

What is RAM cache?

A

It is a memory chip used to temporarily store data.

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36
Q

Give no.1 function of RAM cache.

A

It is used to improve the speed of a computer when running a program, because it can supply data to the CPU faster than normal RAM.

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37
Q

Give no.2 function of RAM cache.

A

It is also used to store the most frequently used data when a program is run.

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38
Q

State an example of RAM cache.

A

When a loop in a program is executed, the data that is repeatedly used may be placed in cache memory.

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39
Q

What is a disc cache?

A

It is an area of memory used for storing data when it is input from a disc.

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40
Q

Give an example of why disc cache is being used.

A

Recently accessed data from a disc may be temporarily stored in cache, because if
it is needed again, it is faster to access it from cache than keep reading it from the disc.

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41
Q

Describe how cache work when viewing web pages.

A

Recently viewed pages are stored temporarily in cache. A second viewing of the page (perhaps the ‘Back’ button has been clicked) would be loaded faster from cache than downloading the whole page again.

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42
Q

What is secondary storage also known as?

A

Backing store

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43
Q

Give 4 of the most commonly used secondary storage.

A
  1. Magnetic tape
  2. Magnetic disk
  3. Optical disk
  4. Flash memory
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44
Q

What is magnetic tape commonly used for?

A

Backup and archiving

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45
Q

Describe magnetic disc.

A

It has fast storage and access to data.

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46
Q

Describe optical disks.

A

Laser technology is used to read data.

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47
Q

Describe flash memory.

A

A flash memory chip stores the data.

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48
Q

State 3 facts about a hark disk.

A
  1. Available in several sizes (500Gb is possible).
  2. Permanently enclosed in their drive mechanism.
  3. Some drives are external and plug in to the USB port.
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49
Q

State an advantage of a hark disk.

A

It is faster to store and load than floppy disk.

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50
Q

State a disadvantage of a hark disk.

A

It is sealed; internal drives are not portable.

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51
Q

Give the abbreviation for RAID.

A

Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives

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52
Q

What is RAID used for?

A

To improve reliability. A number of disks are used as one logical unit.

53
Q

What is the main idea behind RAID?

A

If one disc crashes, no data is lost because it can be recreated from the other discs.

54
Q

Give an advantage of RAID.

A

Increased reliability- so often used on file servers.

55
Q

Give 2 advantages for DVD.

A
  1. Stores up to 17Gb; higher capacity.
  2. Portable
56
Q

Give an advantage of a memory card.

A

It can be used in digital cameras to store pictures.

57
Q

Give 2 advantages for USB flash drive/ USB memory stick.

A
  1. Portable storage media. It can be plugged into the USB port of any computer.
  2. Typical storage goes up to 8Gb.
58
Q

State the differences between digital data and analogue data.

A

Digital data can only have distinct values. Analogue data can vary continuously within a range of values.

59
Q

State 3 examples of digital data.

A
  1. Status of a light switch- it can only be ‘On’ or ‘Off’
  2. No. of cars passing a point in a road.
  3. No. of people attending a football match.
60
Q

State 3 examples of analogue data.

A
  1. Person’s heigh
  2. Sound frequencies
  3. Temperature in a greenhouse- it can be any numerical value.
61
Q

Describe a computer.

A

It is a digital device and so it can only process digital data.

62
Q

How do computers receive analogue signals?

A

If an analogue signal is sent to a computer, it is converted into digital signal first by an analogue- digital converter.

63
Q

What are analogue- digital converters most often found in?

A

Control systems

64
Q

State 2 examples of control systems.

A
  1. Speech recognition system
  2. Computer monitoring the temp. of a manufacturing process
65
Q

Describe an analogue watch.

A

The hands of the watch can be in any position.

66
Q

Describe a digital watch.

A

The time displayed can only be distinct values.

67
Q

What is a peripheral?

A

A device which can be connected to a computer and controlled by it.

68
Q

What does I/ O stand for?

A

Input/ Output

69
Q

State 5 input devices.

A
  1. Keyboard
  2. Mouse
  3. Scanner
  4. Touch screen
  5. Digital camera
70
Q

Describe a keyboard.

A

It allows characters to be inputted. Used on all computers. Particularly useful in word
processing and command line OS (eg DOS).

71
Q

Describe a mouse.

A

Its used on PCs. Directs a screen pointer. Used in a GUI (WIMP) environment.

72
Q

Describe a scanner.

A

It scans and inputs images from a printed sheet. Hand-held or flat-bed.

73
Q

Explain touch screen.

A

The user touches the screen to select menu items etc. Often used in public spaces, eg libraries, where mouses or keyboards may be stolen.

74
Q

Describe a digital camera.

A

It allows photos to be downloaded into a computer and stored.

75
Q

State 5 output devices.

A
  1. Monitor
  2. Printer
    3.Graph plotter
  3. Sound output
  4. Control signals
76
Q

Describe a monitor.

A

Screen displays are composed of a large number of pixels which display ‘dots’ in different colours. High-powered graphics
can be used if a graphics card is fitted into a PC.

77
Q

Describe a printer.

A

It is used to create ‘hard copy’.

78
Q

State 2 types of printers.

A
  1. Laser printer
  2. Inkjet printer
79
Q

Describe a laser printer.

A
  1. Good quality print
  2. Quiet
80
Q

Describe an inkjet printer.

A
  1. Cheaper
  2. Slow
  3. Can use colour
81
Q

Describe a graph plotter.

A

It’s used to produce high quality graphics for CAD applications. eg building plans; microchip designs etc.

82
Q

State 2 types of graph plotters.

A
  1. Flatbed plotter
  2. Drum plotter
83
Q

Explain sound output.

A

It’s used in speakers. Useful for music; voices and sound effects for games; spoken warnings in cars; telephone banking. Also used on MIDI keyboards.

84
Q

Describe control signals.

A

Computers in control systems will send out control signals to activate devices.

85
Q

Describe an interface.

A

It is the hardware and software needed for the processor to be able to communicate with the device.

86
Q

What is the socket?

A

It is the port through which signals to and from the device travel.

87
Q

State 3 different type of ports most PCs come with.

A
  1. Serial port (for mouse or modem)
  2. USB (Universal Serial Bus) port
  3. Parallel port (for printers)
88
Q

What is handshaking?

A

When two devices need to communicate, one device sends a message to the other (‘Are you ready to receive data?’). When the other is ready, it sends a signal back to the first device (‘Yes, I am ready to receive data’)…, and then communication can begin. This exchange of preliminary signals is called handshaking.

89
Q

Define network.

A

Consists of a number of computers and peripherals connected together.

90
Q

State 3 advantages of a network.

A
  1. Hardware/ software can be shared
  2. Data can be shared
  3. Computers may communicate between each other
91
Q

How can hardware be shared?

A

A number of computers can use the same printer.

92
Q

How can software be shared?

A

A number of workstations can all load up a program from a file server.

93
Q

How can data be shared?

A

A number of computers can access the same database stored on a file server.

94
Q

How can computers communicate with each other?

A

Through messages/ email.

95
Q

State 5 disadvantages of networks over standalone computers.

A
  1. Viruses can be spread to all computers on a network.
  2. Hackers may access computers on a network.
  3. Network failure means nobody can use the computers.
  4. Networks may be slower than using standalone computers.
  5. Complex cabling may be expensive to install.
96
Q

State the abbreviation for LAN.

A

Local Area Network

97
Q

What is LAN?

A

It is connected by cable, usually on the same site.

98
Q

State the abbreviation for WAN.

A

Wide Area Network

99
Q

What is WAN?

A

It is connected by telephone or satellite links, possibly in different towns, countries….

100
Q

What is it meant for networks to adopt ‘standards’?

A

It is common methods of sending data and consistent data formats.

101
Q

What would happen if networks were not able to adopt standards?

A

They would not be able to operate, therefore no communication with each other.

102
Q

Define protocol.

A

It is a set of rules for transmitting data across a network.

103
Q

Why would computers not be able to communicate if there were no protocols?

A

They would not be able to interpret each other’s transmitted data.

104
Q

State 7 things protocols have rules for.

A
  1. Detecting a connection
  2. Handshaking
  3. How to start and end a message
  4. How to format a message
  5. What to do about errors
  6. How to detect a loss of connection and what to do next
  7. Terminating a connection
105
Q

State 5 protocols.

A
  1. TCP/ IP
  2. HTTP
  3. FTP
  4. SMTP
  5. VoIP
106
Q

Describe TCP/ IP.

A

It is the basic communication protocol of the Internet and other networks.

107
Q

State the abbreviation for HTTP.

A

HyperText Transfer Protocol

108
Q

Describe HTTP.

A

It is used for transferring web pages
between a client and a server on the Internet. It is also used on intranets.

109
Q

State the abbreviation for FTP.

A

File Transfer Protocol

110
Q

Describe FTP.

A

It is used for transferring files from one computer to another. Eg. Uploading
web page files to a web server.

111
Q

State the abbreviation for SMTP.

A

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

112
Q

Describe SMTP.

A

It is used for sending an email over the internet.

113
Q

State the abbreviation for VoIP.

A

Voice over Internet Protocol

114
Q

Describe VoIP.

A

It is used for sending voiced messages over the Internet.

115
Q

What are wireless protocols?

A

They enable the transmission of data over a wireless network.

116
Q

Give an example of a wireless protocol.

A

WAP that allows access to the Internet from mobile phones.

117
Q

Define portable.

A

You can carry it around with you.

118
Q

Give 2 examples of portable devices.

A
  1. Laptop computers
  2. PDAs
119
Q

Describe laptop computers.

A

They are battery- powered portable computers that can be used anywhere. They have network cards built in so they can be connected to a network using a cable or by using a wireless connection.

120
Q

State the abbreviation for PDA.

A

Personal Digital Assistant

121
Q

Describe PDA.

A

It is a small hand-held portable computer. Many PDAs employ touch screen technology.

122
Q

State 5 uses for PDA.

A
  1. Scanning bar codes
  2. Clock, calendar and address book
  3. Calculation
  4. Recording survey responses
  5. Spreadsheets
123
Q

State 3 things newer PDA models are capable of being used as.

A
  1. Mobile phones
  2. Web browsers
  3. Portable media players
124
Q

What can radio waves be used for?

A

To transmit data from one computer to another.

125
Q

Why are wireless networks becoming very popular?

A

No need to lay a lot of cables.

126
Q

What does each computer in a wireless network need?

A

Wireless network card installed together with the software drivers.

127
Q

What is a wireless hub?

A

It is connected to the network and transmits and receives data from the computers.

128
Q

State 2 advantages for wireless network.

A
  1. No need for cabling
  2. Computers can be used anywhere within range of the signal.
129
Q

State 3 disadvantages for wireless network.

A
  1. Data transmission speeds can be slow.
  2. Data signals can only be received within a limited range.
  3. Security may be a problem as people may be able to pick up the data signals outside your premises. Careful setting up of the network is needed.

AS- Level Wjec CS Additional notes (1 decks)

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