2.1.2 Computer Hardware Flashcards
What is the CPU and what does it do?
CPU is the central processing unit, fetches the code, decodes it, then executes it
How can you check CPU performance?
With clock speed,core and cache
What is clock speed?
How fast the CPU goes, measured in Hz and GHz
What do cores do?
Having more cores allows you to process more data
What does the cache do?
Stores instructions that we use frequently in the CPU. The larger it gets the slower it becomes
What is RAM and what are its properties?
Random access memory - stores instructions for programs you’re running, clears when the PC is shut down, volatile, cant permanently store information
What is ROM and what are its properties?
Read only memory - permanent storage you can only read from, non-volatile, cant write over, when the computer is turned on instructions from the ROM are processed
What is BIOS and what does it do?
Basic input output system - core instructions to load up the computer once its turned on
What does a hard drive do?
Permanent storage device - tries to write the data in the same place but often ends up scattered
What does virtual memory do?
Creates a section on the hard drive when there is no more physical storage (slower than RAM)
What is disk thrashing?
When the memory is full and files are moved around to be able to use the PC, its a delay of moving data that happens when the memory is full
What is flash memory?
Memory that is stored on silicone and is faster than traditional storage types
What are examples of inputs?
Keyboard, mouse, microphone, barcode scanner
What are examples of outputs?
Headphones, speaker, screen
What is primary storage?
memory e.g. RAM and ROM
