COMPUTER COMPONENTS

Question 1

Define CPU (Central Processing Point)

Answer 1

the cpu is the unit that controls the actions of the computer system and manipulates the data that is required to particular tasks

Question 2

where is the CPU located?
what is an disadvantage of this and how do we stop this from happening?

Answer 2

• located on the motherboard in the CPU socket.
• gets very heated while computer runs but we use a heat sink and fan to draw heat away

Question 3

what are three components that make up the CPU

Answer 3

• Control unit
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
• Register

Question 4

define control unit

Answer 4

ensures that the instructions are required to operate the computer as retrieved and interpreted in the correct sequence

Question 5

what does the control unit involve

Answer 5

involves collecting the instruction from where it is stored.
Storing it in a register until needed by ALU + then storing it result in right place.

Question 6

define arithmetic logic unit.

Answer 6

where mathematic and logical units are carried out

Question 7

define registers

Answer 7

Small sections of high speed memory located in CPU.

Question 8

registers are used to store small amounts of data needed during processing such as:

Answer 8

• Address of the next institution
• Current instruction being decoded
• Result of calculation

Question 9

what is a motherboard

Answer 9

• Main circuit board of a computer.
• Directly connected to this either by sockets, expansion slots own ports.
• Info is transmitted around computer.

Question 10

define power supply unit (PSU)

Answer 10

Converts electricity from alternating current from main supply to direct current.
PSU is an internal component

Question 11

define memory
What can it be classed as?

Answer 11

Name we give to components which are used to save data and instructions for fast access by CPU.
Can be classed as volatile and non-volatile

Question 12

define volatile memory

Answer 12

the data held is only saved while computer has power supply.
If computer turns off data is deleted

Question 13

define non-volatile memory

Answer 13

Data storage is persistent.
power removed = data still stored

Question 14

3 types of memory

Answer 14

• RAM
• ROM
• CACHE

Question 15

RAM (Random Access memory)

Answer 15

• volatile memory
• Also stores part of the operating system that needs to be accessed by CPU
• RAM= made up of large number of storage locations- Each can be identified by unique address.

Question 16

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Answer 16

• Non-volatile storage stores boot program/BIOS for when computer is switched on.
  Data stored in ROM cannot be changed.

Question 17

CACHE

Answer 17

• Volatile storage that stores things that the CPU needs to access frequently.
  Very quick access- closer to CPU than any other types of memory like RAM