1.2 Computer Compnents Flashcards
Name 3 Components of the computer
Processor
Motherboard
Power supply unit
Memory
Secondary storage
What’s the main role of a processor
Manages the functions of computer system by processing data and instructions
What is the Motherboard
The main circuit board of a computer - components such as CPU and ROM are connected
What does the PSU do
Converts electricity from Alternating Current from the mains power supply to Direct current which the computer system can use
What are 2 types of Memory
Volatile
Non volatile
What is Volatile
Temporary - data is lost whenever the power is turned off
What is Non volatile
Long term - saves data even when power is off
CPU
The central processing unit is the brain of the computer that fetches, decodes and executes instructions.
CU
The control unit is a component of the CPU that directs the operation of the processor
ALU
The arithmetic logic unit is the part of the CPU that carries out arithmetic and logic operations
Cache
A component of the CPU that is a small fast memory that stores decoded, frequently used instructions. It decreases transfer time and speeds up the cycle.
Fetch Execute cycle
A
The basic operation of a computer that fetches information from the memory and executes it.
Motherboard
The main printed circuit board in a computer which means that its the primary piece of circuitry that all the other pieces plug into
Power supply
Converts the alternating current (AC) to a low voltage direct current (DC) for the internal components of a computer
Optical storage
Any storage of data which is written and read by a lasers
