Unit 3 Hardware Flashcards
1
Q
Hardware is categorised into
A
- Input
- Storage
- Processing
- Output
- Communication
2
Q
A computer follows the principle of
A
IPO
- Input
- Processing
- Output
3
Q
Components linked on the printed circuit
A
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Primary Memory (RAM)
- Connectors between and other peripherals
4
Q
CPU consists of
A
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit
- Registers
5
Q
CPU
A
- Largest chip on motherboard
- Square with pins that can be inserted onto motherboard into a socket
- Design was first developed in 1945: Von Neumann Architecture
6
Q
ALU
A
- Can only add numbers
- Perform all logical calculations: determines whether a condition will be evaluated to be true/false
- Logical calculations include rational operators e.g. <,>,=
7
Q
Control Unit
A
- ‘Co-ordinator’ of program instructions sent to processor
8
Q
Registers
A
- May hold instructions, a memory address or data
- Can refer to other registers as part of their instructions
- Smallest and fastest type of memory
9
Q
RAM
A
- Primary storage
- Volatile: contents/data constantly changing during processing and is lost when computer is switched off
- Large printed circuit boards that can be clipped onto motherboard
- Adding RAM improves speed of computer
10
Q
ROM
A
Rom data can sometimes be changed/not at all depending on type of chip and its purpose
11
Q
Firmware
A
- Typically stored in flash ROM of a hardware device
- “Semi-permanent”, remains the same unless it is updated by a firmware updater
12
Q
Secondary Storage
A
Can either be fixed inside a computer/removable (removable media)
13
Q
E.g. of removable media
A
- External hard drives
- Flash drives
- SD cards
- CDs
14
Q
E.g. of peripheral
A
- Input
- Output
- Secondary storage
15
Q
E.g. of components
A
- RAM
- CPU
16
Q
Hard Disk Drive designed with
A
Mechanical parts that include a read/write head that scans the disk for data that is represented magnetically
17
Q
HDD
A
- Vacuum sealed
- Stores data magnetically (not good idea to wave strong magnet past computer)
- Ensures data is not lost after you turn off computer
- Much cheaper than SDD
18
Q
Solid State Drives
A
- Only has electronic circuits
- Information is stored in microchips
- Much faster and less sustainable to shock or damage
- Internal or external
19
Q
Flash Drives
A
- Connect conveniently using USB port
- Small size makes them useful for transferring and backing up data
- Can have its data overwritten at will
20
Q
Optical Drives
A
- Lost popularity
- Not conducive to changing data
21
Q
Ports
A
- USB and HDMI are more versatile and universal ports
22
Q
Reason for universal ports
A
To reduce number of ports needed on a computer for all devices that may need to connect
23
Q
USB Port
A
- Wide variety of uses, e.g. support for electrical power
- Replaced a wide range of interfaces e.g. parallel and serial port
24
Q
HDMI
A
- Replaced older graphics VGA port and sound jack port
- Transmit data form any source devices to numerous display monitors
- Looks like a USB port but has tapered edges at the bottom
