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A Level Computer Science > 4.6 Fundamentals of Computer Systems > Flashcards

4.6 Fundamentals of Computer Systems Flashcards

1
Q

Hardware vs Software

A

Hardware = physical components
Software = computer code that carries out operations on hardware

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2
Q

Application Software (definition) (examples (4))

A
  • Software created for a specific purpose in order for user to complete a task
  • E.g. word processing, spreadsheets, games, internet browsers
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3
Q

Bespoke Software (definition)

A

Tailor made for 1 specific user

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4
Q

System Software (definition) (examples (5))

A
  • Controls way computer works and tell what to do
  • Allows user to communicate with hardware and appl. software
  • E.g. OS, utilities, user interface, translators, libraries
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5
Q

The Purpose of the Operating System

A

Controls + organises the general operation of a computer

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6
Q

Features of the Operating System (7)

A
  • Managing the Processor
    • Scheduling processes (decides which to execute next)
    • Handles interrupts
  • Managing memory
    • Load programs
    • Move data in/out of RAM
    • Allocation of memory/virtual memory (when programs close)
  • Handling External Peripherals
    • Dealing with I/O requests
    • Using device drivers
  • Networking: interfacing w/ other computers
  • Security: log ins, authorisation to files
  • Providing a User Interface:
    • WIMP, touch gestures
  • Utilities
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7
Q

Examples of Utilities (6)

A
  • Disk defragmenters
    • Consolidate split up parts of files back together
    • Speeds up retrieval
  • File managers
    • Create/move/copy/delete/rename directories/folders/files
  • Anti Virus Programs
  • Compression
  • Back ups
  • Encryption
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8
Q

Low Level Languages (2)

A
  • Directly run on the hardware
  • Each function maps directly to 1 process in object code (1-1 mapping)
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9
Q

1st Generation Language (4)

A

Machine Code
- binary/hex instructions
- most direct level
- dependent on processor ran on

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10
Q

2nd Generation Language (2)

A

Assembly Language
- mnemonic code converted by assembler into machine code

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11
Q

High Level Languages (3)

A
  • Each function maps to many functions in object code
  • Several machine code lines = 1 HLL line
  • ‘Human’ like language
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12
Q

4th Generation Language (Examples)

A
  • Python
  • HTML
  • SQL
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12
Q

3rd Generation Language (Examples)

A
  • C
  • C++
  • Java
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13
Q

Imperative High Level Languages (2)

A
  • Program that uses sequence, selection , iteration where instr. must be executed in order
  • Aka procedural language as uses subroutines and procedures
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14
Q

Interpreters (2)

A
  • One line of code, translates, runs
  • HLL → machine code
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15
Q

Advantages of Interpreters (3)

A
  • debugging: if error found, source code easily edited
  • less memory
  • crashing (virtual machine)
16
Q

Disadvantages of Interpreters (1)

A
  • speed
17
Q

Compilers (2)

A
  • source code, translated all to object code, runs
  • HLL → machine code
18
Q

Advantages of Compilers (4)

A
  • executable file
  • code optimisation
  • makes source code independent
  • code can run on computer without compiler
19
Q

Disadvantages of Compilers (1)

A
  • handling errors
20
Q

Assemblers (1)

A
  • LLL → machine code
21
Q

Half Adder (definition)

A

Circuit that takes 2 bit input to produce 2 bit output which is result of addition of 2 inputs

22
Q

Full Adder (2)

A
  • adds 3 digits
  • combines 2 half adders
23
Q

D Type Flip Flop (3)

A
  • Stores single bit of info and flips between 1 and 0
  • 2 inputs: control input, clock signal
  • Used as a memory unit for registers/static memory to hold state of a single bit
24
Q

The Clock (2)

A
  • Output only changes when clock pulse at rising/+ve edge
  • Output remains static until next pulse even in control input changes
25
Q

Boolean Algebra (4)

A
  • Expand and factorise brackets
  • Simplify brackets
  • A + (A · B) = A
  • (NOT A · B) + (A · NOT B) = A ⊕ B

A Level Computer Science (12 decks)

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