Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE > 8525 Unit 4 > Flashcards

8525 Unit 4 Flashcards

(67 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Examples of hardware

A

Input devices:
Keyboard
Mouse
Trackpad
Microphone

Output devices:
Display
printer
Speakers

Storage devices:
Hard drive
CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive
SD cards
Flash media

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Definition of hardware

A

Hardware are the physical components that make up a computer system, including input/output/storage devices, the CPU and RAM

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Examples of software

A

Offic suite
Operating system
Computer games
Web browser
Email client
Photo editing software

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Software definition

A

The non physical programs that are stored by and run on a computer system

Software makes use of physical hardware components and devices as the way of:
- taking inputs from users
- outputting information to users
- storing information

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

System software

A

The software that provides a platform for other software to work, including OS and utility programs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Operating system examples

A

Microsoft
Google
Apple

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does an operating system do

A

MANAGE computer hardware, users and the resources used by software

Responsible for MANAGING:
Processors
Memory
Input/output devices
Applications
Security

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does an operating system do: processors

A

Programs are run by one or more processors
A single processor can have a number of cores
Each core is essentially another processor
The operating system is responsible for deciding which program will run on the processor and how much time it will get to run

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does an operating system do: memory management

A

To run a program, the computer must copy the program from storage into main memory
The operating system keeps a record of where each program and its data are located and will make sure not to overwrite existing data

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does an operating system do: input/output devices

A

OS manages getting inputs from and sending outputs to peripheral devices (mice, keyboard, printers, displays, digital cameras, graphics tablets)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What does an operating system do: device drivers

A

Device driver is a program that controls peripheral devices
Each device uses its driver to communicate with the OS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does an operating system do: sending data to a printer

A

Computer sends data to printer
Data is sent to a print queue
Data in print queue is transmitted to the printer
Printer will send its status back to OS, e.g out of paper (hardware interrupt)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What does an operating system do: application management

A

E.g web browsers, music and video players, PDF viewers, email clients and instant messaging software

The OS provides graphical user interface—windows, minimise, maximise, resize

OS copies the program into RAM and allocates an area of the RAM for the program to use when a new application is opened

Likewise the OS makes sure that the application’s program is removed from the RAM when it is closed

OS responsible for install and updating applications

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does an operating system do: security management

A

User management—sorts all users and their passwords in a file/database

Access rights to files, programs and services:
computer used by more than one person—each user only allowed to see their own files
Users and system administrators have different levels of access rights
Some users allowed to read but not edit files

Encryption: hard drives and removable media

Memory protection: prevents programs being able to view/overwrite other programs’ data stored in RAM

Security updates—automatically downloaded and installed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Utility software

A

Keeps OS working well—perform extra functionality and housekeeping tasks that keep computers running efficiently
Includes:
Encryption software
Defragmentation software
Data compression
Disk clean-up tools
Disk formatters
Anti-virus software

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Utility software: encryption software

A
  • organisations use email encryption:
    • Accountants discussing financial information of companies
    • Sharing confidential internal files
  • Encrypt entire hard disks
  • Encrypt files and folders on a portable disk, eg. USB removable storage
  • Encrypt communication with Eb sites
  • Encrypt data in an organisation’s database—sensitive data—passwords
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Utility software: defragmentation software

A
  • read times are far faster
  • Free space is also in one place so new files do not need to be fragmented
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why is defragmentation good

A

When a file is ‘fragmented’:
In order to read the file, the drive head will need to move to more locations
This makes it far slower to access files and programs

Defragmenting the hard disk reorganises files so they are stored together:
Read times are far faster
Free space is also in one place so new files do not need to be fragmented

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Utility software: data compression software

A

Utilities such as WinZip enable users to compress and decompress files or folders:

Reduces the amount of storage space needed on a disk
If sending the files, it reduces the amount of data that is sent
Compression may allow attachments to be sent via email that would otherwise have been larger than a file-size limit
More data can be stored on backup media

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Embedded systems

A

embedded computer is a single microprocessor that includes RAM, ROM and a CPU

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Embedded systems examples:

A

Washing machine
Interior light in a car
MP3 players
Digital watches
Calculators

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Embedded vs non embedded:
CPU speed
Software
Storage
Reliability

A

Embedded:
Typically slow
Has one purpose and cannot install new software
Programs stored on ROM
Typically very reliable—e.g a microwave should not have a bug that changes defrost to full power

Non-embedded:
Typically very fast
New software can be installed
Programs stored on hard drives
As it runs many software programs it may be less reliable and need restarting the device

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

High level programming languages

A

Python, Visual Basic, C#, Java, C++, PHP, Delphi, Logo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Query languages

A

SQL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Markup languages
HTML, XML
26
Low level programming languages
Assembly language
27
Machine code vs assembly
Machine: written all in binary—difficult and time consuming Assembly language: creates programs more easily
28
Machine code and processors
Processors can only execute instructions in machine code
29
Assembly languages
- processor-specific - Has to be translated into machine code before it can be executed - Used for software in embedded systems, e.g washing machine, used to control specific hardware components, e.g. device drivers
30
High level vs low level
- high level - easy to learn - Programs written faster - Easier to understand and debug - Need to by translated into machine code in order to run - Low level - Runs very quickly - Requires less RAM - Used to control and manipulate specific hardware components
31
Assembly language uses
Allows the programmer to precisely control any instruction on the processor Means that programs can be made to be very efficient For instance, when a graphics device driver is programmed to run quickly and make use of all the advance features
32
High level languages explain
Must be translated into machine code in order to run A single statement usually translates into several machine code instructions Translation is done by a program which may be either a compiler or an interpreter
33
Translators
Compiler Interpreter Assembler
34
Translators: compiler
- translates high level into machine code - Machine code produced can be saved on a storage device and run whenever required
35
Translators: interpreter
- translates high level into machine code - No object code is produced - Executes immediately - If it reaches a line with syntax error it stops and displays an error message
36
Translators: assembler
Assembly code to machine
37
Interpreter vs compiler vs assembler Input Output How it works Speed of execution What end users need to run program Source code
Interpreter: High level language No output—program runs straight away Translates source code and immediately runs it Slow as needs to be translated each time it is run Each end user needs the interpreter and the program End user can see the source code Compiler: A high level language Machine code Compile source code so it can be run later Fast as it just runs the machine code Users need just the compiled program End user can’t see the source code Assembler: Assembly language Machine code Assemble source code so it can’t e run later Fast as it just runs the machine code Users need just the compiled program End user can’t see the source code
38
The main components of a computer
Main memory—RAM, ROM Input devices—microphone, keyboard, keyboard Secondary storage—CD, SSD, HD,DVD Output devices—printer, screen, scanner
39
CPU
Runs instructions of a program Runs one instruction at a time Carries out billions of instructions per second Von Neumann architecture Control unit Arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) Registers Clock Buses
40
Von Neumann architecture
Program instructions and the data the programs are using are both stored in the same memory The CPU accesses both instructions and data from the same RAM
41
Control unit
- coodinates and controls all of the activities taking place within the CPU - Decodes instructions and executes them - Receives signals from the system clock - Directs the timing and control of other parts of the CPU
42
Registers
Carries out operations A register is a very fast memory location in the CPU Small memory Stores a piece of information for a short time
43
Arithmeric logic unit (ALU)
Arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Logical operations: comparing one data item to another
44
Clock (cs)
- controls the timing of the processor - A faster clock speed will result in the faster processing of instructions
45
Buses (cs)
- A bus is a set of parallel wires connecting two or more components of the computer - address bus Stores the address of the memory or device controller to be read from or written to One way only bus - Data bus Carries data throughout the computer system - Control bus Uses control signals to control all activities within CPU
46
What affects CPU performance
Clock speed—cycles per second measured in hertz Number of cores—the number of duplicate processing units placed in one CPU Cache size—memory on the CPU that is faster than RAM but slower than registers
47
Multi-core processors
A dual-core processor has two processors in the same integrated circuit, linked together - a dual core processor has the potential to perform tow instructions at the same time - allows twice as many instructions to be executed, but doesn’t always perform at this rate as software may not be able to take full advantage of both cores
48
Effector on speed of cache
Ram = relatively slow memory to access—further ways form the processor than cache Takes longer to retrieve an instruction/data from RAM than cache Program instructions and data that are fetched are stored in cache in case they are needed again soon
49
Fetch decode execute cycle
Instructions are placed in RAM The next instruction is fetched It is decoded by the CU The CU tells the relevant components to execute the instruction
50
RAM random access memory
Main memory Can be read from and written to Access to RAM is much faster than a hard drive Will normally store: OS currently in use Software currently in use Data which the software is using When computer is turned off, data in RAM is lost—RAM is volatile All programs and data are stored permanently on non-volatile storage
51
ROM read-only memory
Permanently holds data Data is read from ROM, but cannot be written to it Non-volatile Stores: Initial program that is run when the computer is turned on—the bootstrap Tells the computer where it will find the operating system on the hard drive Stores the basic input/output system (BIOS) BIOS can run without a hard drive/other secondary storage Controls basic technical configuration of the computer such as the processor speed and system time
52
RAM vs ROM Size Used to store Read ability Write ability Volatile
RAM: Typically 4GB - 32GB Running programs and operating system Yes Yes Yes ROM: Typically 4MB - 8MB BIOS and bootstrap Yes No No
53
Memory speed
The speed that data can’t e accessed changes through the different components in a computer
54
Secondary storage
Non volatile DVD Cd Tape drive SD Hard drive
55
Memory vs secondary storage
Main memory Secondary storage Volatile (RAM) Non-volatile Very fast to read/write Slow to read/write Expensive per GB Cheap per GB Stores data and programs currently Permanently stores data to be used in use by the computer system Directly accessible by CPU Not directly accessible by CPU
56
Storage methods of secondary storage
Magnetic Optical Solid state
57
Storage methods of secondary storage: magnetic
Mechanical parts move over the disks surface to read and write data magnetically, or a drive head reads a magnetic tape
58
Storage methods of secondary storage: optical
Lasers read and write data using light
59
Storage methods of secondary storage: solid state
Data is recorded onto solid memory chips without any moving parts
60
Magnetic storage advantages, disadvantages, uses, capacity
Advantages: Cheap, large storage capacities, relatively fast write speed Disadvantages: Lots of mechanical parts, durability and issue, sealed unit due to disk head and platter precision and not very portable Uses: Personal computers, storage of large quantities of data Capacity: 500GB - 12 TB
61
Optical storage advantages, disadvantages, uses, capacity
Advantages: • Cheap, very easily portable, takes up little space physically Disadvantages: • Less storage capacity compared to other types • Easily damaged / scratched, requires a CD reader • Slow write speeds Uses: • Songs, videos and other multi-media storage, backup and archiving of data Capacity: • CD-ROM - up to 720 MB • DVD - up to 8.4 GB (dual layered disk) • Blu-Ray- up to 50 GB (dual layered disk)
62
Solid state drives basic features
Solid-state drives use non-volatile flash memory to store information • Very fast read/write speeds as it doesn't need to wait for a disk to spin to the correct location and an arm to move • No mechanical or moving parts meaning these disks are very durable
63
SSDs advantages, disadvantages, uses, capacity
Advantages: • Highly durable, no moving parts, very fast read/write speeds, no noisy fan or drive arm, faster start up times Disadvantages: • More expensive than magnetic hard disks, similar storage capacity as magnetic disks Uses: • Higher end computers • Laptops • Smartphones and tablets Capacity: • 100GB - 16TB
64
Flash memory
Low cost Potable No moving parts Durable
65
Cloud storage
Refers to saving data in an off-site storage system maintained by a third party, e.g Dropbox, Google drive Data that is stored on cloud storage can be located anywhere in the world
66
Cloud storage advantages
Easy to use, most companies offer apps for desktop and mobile devices to manage their data Companies offer a high data storage capacity Convenient to use, users can access data from anywhere with an internet connection Backups are carried out by the cloud provider so save the need for local backups The data storage capacity can be increased easily as users need more
67
Cloud storage disadvantages
Data cannot be accessed without and internet connection A company needs to trust that the security of the cloud service is enough to stop a data breach—they won’t be directly able to control the security of the data Uploading and downloading data could take a long time and is dependant on the available bandwidth of the user’s connection

GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions