computer hardware cpu and memory Flashcards
(23 cards)
What does hardware refer to?
The physical parts of a computer system.
What does software refer to?
The programs and applications which allow the computer system to run.
List the four categories of hardware devices.
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Processing Devices
- Storage Devices
What is the purpose of the CPU?
To process all data and complete instructions given by the user.
Name the three main components of the CPU.
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- Immediate Access Store (IAS)
What does the Control Unit (CU) do?
Manages the execution of instructions and communication between CPU and other components.
What operations does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) perform?
Arithmetic and logic operations.
Fill in the blank: The _______ holds all the data and programs currently being used by the CPU.
Immediate Access Store (IAS)
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory, used to hold programs and data currently in use.
True or False: RAM is non-volatile.
False
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory, which retains its contents when a computer loses power.
What is the function of cache memory?
Stores the most commonly used instructions and data for quick access.
What are registers?
High speed memory locations used for specific purposes within the CPU.
Describe the fetch-execute cycle.
The basic operation where the computer fetches an instruction from memory and executes it.
What is the first step of the fetch-execute cycle?
Fetching the instruction from memory.
What happens during the decoding step of the fetch-execute cycle?
The CPU understands the fetched instruction.
What is clock speed measured in?
Cycles per second (Hertz).
What is a typical clock speed for a desktop computer?
3GHz (3000 million cycles per second).
How does cache size affect processing time?
A larger cache size can greatly reduce processing time.
What does a dual core device mean?
The computer contains 2 processors.
What does a quad core device mean?
The computer contains 4 processors.
Fill in the blank: _______ memory loses its contents when the computer is turned off.
Volatile
Fill in the blank: _______ memory does not lose its contents when the computer is turned off.
Non-Volatile
