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Y11 GCSE Computer Science > Computer system > Flashcards

Computer system Flashcards

(66 cards)

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1
Q

What is a computer

A

A machine that processes data

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2
Q 
What is hardware
Give examples (4 examples given in my answer)
A 
The physical parts of a computer
Motherboard 
CPU
Keyboard
Screen
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3
Q

What is software

What are the main categories

A

The programs that run on a computer

System software:
Programs that are needed for the computer to function (ie operating system)

Application software (apps):
Programs that enable a user to perform a specific task
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4
Q

What does a computer require in order to function

A

Both:
Hardware
Software

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5
Q

What is an embedded system

A

A computer that is built into another device to control it

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6
Q

Give examples of an embedded system

My answer gives 8

A 
Washing machine
Microwave
Vending machine
Traffic lights
Lifts
Smart meter (measures energy used)
Sat Nav
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7
Q

CPU stand for

A

Central processing unit

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8
Q

What is a CPU

A

A microchip that sits in the middle of the motherboard and carries out (processes) instructions stored in memory by fetching, decoding and executing them one at a time

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9
Q

CPU architecture meaning

A

Describes main components (internal parts) of the CPU and how they interact with each other

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10
Q

Most CPU based on a design by ….. in ……

A

John Von Neumann

1945

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11
Q

What are the main internal components of a CPU

A 
Control unit 
Clock
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Registers
Cache memory
Primary memory (RAM)
Secondary storage 
Buses
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12
Q

Control unit

Definition

A

Fetches instructions from memory and decodes them one at a time
Also controls the flow of data between the parts of a CPU, main memory, and input/ output devices

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13
Q

Clock definition
Ticks meaning
Measured in ….

A

Synchronises all parts of the CPU by sending electronic pulses at a constant rate
The number of clock “ticks” per second is called the clock speed and is measured in hertz

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14
Q

ALU meaning

Definition

A

Arithmetic Logic Unit
Carries out arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction and binary shifts.
Also do logical comparisons such as “greater than”, “less than”, AND, OR and NOT.

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15
Q

Registers

Definition

A

Small pieces of internal memory which hold instructions, data or memory addresses that are currently being used by the CPU.

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16
Q

What are the different types of registers

Names

A

Program counter
MAR (memory address register)
MDR (memory data register)
Accumulator

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17
Q

Program counter

Definition

A

Holds memory address of the next instruction to be executed

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18
Q

MAR

Definition and meaning

A

Memory address register

Holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched

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19
Q

MDR

Definition and meaning

A

Memory data register

Temporarily stores data fetched from main memory

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20
Q

Accumulator

Definition

A

Temporarily stored the result of calculations completed by the ALU until they can be saved to main memory

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21
Q

Buses

Definition

A

High-speed internal connection

Used to send memory addresses, control signals and data between the processor and other components

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22
Q

Cache memory

Definition

A

A small amount of very fast memory built into the CPU to store frequently used instructions.
This can save time by preventing it from having to fetch a common instruction from slower RAM every time it needs it

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23
Q

What is the process used by the CPU to carry out simple instructions

A

Fetch, decode, execute cycle

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24
Q

Explain fetch decode execute cycle

A

Fetch:
The memory address of the next instruction is copied from the program counter to the memory address register (MAR)

The instruction held in memory at this address is transferred to the memory data register (MDR)

The program counter is increased by one so that it is pointing to the next instruction ready for next cycle

Decode:
The control unit splits the instruction stored in the MDR into two parts called the opcode and operand

Execute:
The instruction is performed

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25
RAM (other names)
Random access memory System memory Primary storage Main memory
26
Volatile meaning
Lose all stored data if the power is turned off
27
What three things are RAM and cache memory? (In common)
Store instructions for CPU High speed Volatile
28
What is ROM
Read only memory | A small microchip fitted into the motherboard with just a few instructions to follow when computer is first switched on
29
2 main features of ROM
Non volatile | Read only memory
30
Start up / boot up / bootstrap ladder meaning
First instructions from ROM
31
Virtual memory alternate name
Fake RAM
32
What is fake RAM / why is it used
Instruction for applications in use are stored in RAM, more applications opened, more RAM used. RAM memory is limited in size and can become full so the computer stops working. Some systems can move data that has not been used recently from RAM to a location on secondary storage called virtual memory (fake RAM)
33
Why are computers slower when using virtual memory
(Fake RAM) CPU cannot directly access data that has been moved to virtual memory, so this data must be moved back into RAM before it can be used. This with relatively slow data transfer of secondary storage devices makes computers slower when using fake RAM
34
What does CPU clock speed do?
CPU clock synchronises all parts of the CPU by sending electronic pulses at a constant rate The number of clock “ticks” per second is called the clock speed and is measured in hertz
35
What is overclocking
CPU clocks can sometimes be sped up slightly by the user. | This is called over locking and can cause damage to the CPU as it is working harder and producing more heat
36
What is the benefit / how do the number of CPU cores affect a computer
Adding another core to a CPU allows it to process more than one instruction at the same time
37
What is CPU cache memory
A small amount of high speed memory built directly within the processor It is used to temporarily hold data and instructions that the CPU is likely to reuse Allows for faster processing as CPU doesn’t have to wait for the data to be fetched from RAM
38
GPU meaning | Definition
Graphics processing unit Computer graphics needs lots of processing due to complex maths involved To help CPU carry out some of the processing GPU is added
39
Solid state secondary storage
SSDs can transfer data much faster than older storage systems ie magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs)
40
Why do computers need secondary storage
Non volatile | Data in secondary storage cannot be accessed directly by CPU so data must load into primary storage first
41
What are the categories of secondary storage and give examples
Solid state storage: USB memory sticks, solid state drives Optical storage: CD, DVD and Blu-Ray discs Magnetic storage: Floppy disks and hard disk drives
42
What is solid state storage
``` Made from silicon microchips (flash memory) Written and overwritten like RAM Non volatile No moving parts Small Fast Durable ```
43
Solid state storage 4 advantages 3 disadvantages 4 common uses
``` Advantages: Small, lightweight Fast data transfer speeds Durable, reliable (no moving parts) Low power consumption ``` Disadvantages: Expensive Limited storage capacity Limited number of write cycles ``` Common uses: USB memory sticks Memory cards Internal storage for smartphones Increasingly installed into laptops ```
44
Optical secondary storage
Optical disc drives use laser to scan surface of spinning disc made from metal and plastic Types: Read only discs: Dats preprinted Rewritable discs: Blank
45
Optical storage 2 advantages 3 disadvantages 3 common uses
Advantages: Cheap to produce Small and lightweight (portable) Disadvantages: Easily scratched/ not durable Sensitive to movement Limited storage capacity Common uses: CD DVD / Blu Ray Video games
46
Magnetic storage
Old technology Includes tapes, floppy disks and HDD Coated with material that can be magnetised and uses electromagnet to read and write data
47
Magnetic storage 3 advantages 4 disadvantages 2 common uses
Advantages: High storage capacity Low cost Reliable if kept still ``` Disadvantages: Bulky not portable Slow data transfer speeds Sensitive to movement High power consumption ``` Common uses: Server storage Server backup
48
Operating system
System software that provides an important link between computer hardware and the person using it
49
User interface
Operating system provides user interface to allow user to interact with the computer Command line interface uses typed commands only Graphical user interface (GUI) is designed for easy use controlled by mouse or touch screen - graphics used
50
Memory management and multitasking | Running application software
OS can run multiple apps at once (Multitasking) Does it by managing which parts of main memory are used for Each app Also control which app the CPU processing instructions at moment And can switch between apps quickly
51
Peripheral management and drivers
Operating systems uses device driver software to control or communicate with peripheral devices Ie printer When new device is connected operating systems will try to download and install appropriate device driver installer from internet
52
User management
OS controls who can use computer and what can do with it Multiuser can support multiple accounts Each user can have different access rights Responsible for keeping computer secure ie password fingerprint or face recognition
53
File management
``` Computers store data in secondary storage as files OS responsible for organising files Renamed Moved Deleted Rearranged to structures using folders ```
54
File extension
Tells computer what type of days file contains ie jpg or png
55
Examples of utility software
``` Virus scanners System clean up Backup software Battery monitor Data compression Encryption software Disk defragmentation ```
56
Virus scanner
Inspect files on computer looking for viruses | Will download an up to date list of known viruses to look for
57
System clean up
Software will attempt to delete files on a computer that are no longer needed to free up storage space
58
Backup monitor
Regularly copy files from computer to external or online storage to protect against data loss
59
Battery monitor
Used to manage battery in a mobile computer such as laptop or phone Usually switching to low power mode when battery nearly empty
60
Data compression
Used to compress or decompress files
61
Encryption software
Scramble files so that even if they are stolen from a storage device they cannot be used
62
Disk defragmentation
Organise files and fragments of files on a magnetic hard disk drive so that data can be accessed more quickly
63
Logic gate
AND NOT OR
64
Electronic switches in the CPU | Name
Transistors
65
How logic gates made
Combining transistors
66
Shape of gates
AND: Semi circle with square OR: Fish fin shape NOT: Triangle with circle on end

Y11 GCSE Computer Science (7 decks)

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