Computer systems Flashcards
what is von neumann architecture
the stored program computer involves storing both programs and the data that they use in memory.
what is the purpose of the cpu?
central processing unit
continuously reads and executes instructions stored in memory by carrying out the fetch-execute cycle.
what is the fetch-execute cycle?
cpu instructions are fetched from memory
decoded by the cu to find out what to do
and then executed.
every operation is carried out within the fetch-execute cycle regulated by a cycle of the cpu clock
name all the components of the cpu
alu
cu
clock
registers
bus
what does alu do and stand for?
arithmetic logic unit, and carries out mathematical and logical operations (boolean) and binary shifts
what does cu do and stand for?
control unit which coordinates all of the cpu’s actions.
sends and receives control signals to fetch and write data.
what does the clock do?
regulates the speed and timing of all signals and computer functions
what are registers?
smaller and faster than cache memory
built into the cpu chip to temporarily store memory addresses, instructions / data.
used in fetch-execute cycle.
function of the bus?
collection of wires used to transfer data and instructions from one component to another.
what are the types of memory?
ram
the main memory and is the largest
cache
relatively small and fast memory that can transfer data faster than ram (more expensive)
registers
special purpose memory located within cpu to execute instructions
Define hardware
Physical components of the computer
Define software
The programs that run are run on the computer hardware
What is the relationship between hardware and software
Both need each other to work.
Hardware takes user input, software runs the program then hardware outputs the program result
Define system software
System software manages the computer system and acts as a platform to run application software.
Give an example of system software
- ios
- Android
- Windows
Define application software
Application software is software that performs tasks on the computer
Give an example of application software
- Google docs
- Spotify
- Youtube
Define opperating sytems
A collection of programing that manages and controls the computer
What do opperating systems do
Opperating sytems manage :
- The processor
- memory
- input/output of devices
- applications
- security.
Define Utility programs
Software designed to help maintain and optimise a computer system
What are the different types of memory within the computer
- RAM
- ROM
- Cache
- Register
What is volatile data
Data that will not be saved if the computer is switched off
(RAM)
What is non volatile data
Data that will be kept if the power is turned off
What is RAM
Random Access Memory
- Volatile
- Can be stored and accesses from any location in the memory
