Flashcards in Computer Systems Deck (36):
1
What is in a CPU
The controller, ALU, registers, internal memory and buses
2
What is backing storage
Where data is stored when it is not being actively used
3
What is the address bus
To storage address of data travels along here
4
What is the data bus
This is the path along which data travels
5
What is a port
A port servers as an interface between the computer and other devices
6
What is the controller
The controller sends and receives signals from all parts of the computer
7
What is the ALU
It is the part of the CPU that processes and manipulates data, including comparisons
8
What is a register
A storage location found on the CPU where data or control information is temporarily stored
9
What is internal memory
Internal memory is fast access temporary storage
10
What are buses
Buses allow data to be transferred to different parts of the computer
11
What is the control bus
The control bus is used by the controller to send control signals to different parts of the computer
12
What is the cycle that the processor follows
The fetch-decode-execute cycle
13
What things affect performance
Size of cache, speed of clock, number of cores and types of processors
14
How does the cache help
Cache memory improves the performance of the CPU as it is able to provide instructions and data to the CPU at a much faster rate than other system memory such as RAM
15
How does the clock speed help
The faster the clock speed, the faster the computer is able to run the fetch-decode-execute cycle and therefore process more instructions
16
What is overclocking
A processor can be set to run faster than its original design. By doing this however, it uses more energy and produces more heat
17
How does the number of cores help
Multi-core processors therefore have many processing components within the same CPU
18
Describe Reduced Instruction Set Computer
RISC processors can process a limited number of relatively simple instructions. To carry out more complex commands the problem is broken down into a longer list of simpler instructions
19
Describe Complex Instruction Set Computer
CISC processors can process a large number of complex instructions. This allows the processor to understand and carry out complex tasks with only a few instructions
20
What is RAM
RAM is used for the temporary storage of currently running programs and data. It consists of a large number of store locations each of which is identified by a unique address
21
What is ROM
ROM is used for the permanent storage of data. The data in each store location cannot be changed.
ROM is permanent –data is not lost when the power is switched off
22
What is flash memory
Flash memory is used for the permanent storage of data. However, the data stored in flash memory can
be changed
23
What is the fastest type of memory
Cache memory
24
When is data written from memory to secondary storage
When data is no longer being actively used, for a later time
25
Common types of backing storage
Flash drive, hard drive, CD disk, magnetic tape
26
How is data read on optical storage
They use lasers to see if light is reflected back or not, which dictates if the data reads 1 or 0
27
How is data read on magnetic storage
Data is written by a write-head and read by the read-head
28
Why is solid state drives good
It does not have any moving parts, such as a read-head in magnetic storage
29
Advantages to storing in the cloud
Backup and cheaper than additional storage devices
30
Disadvantages to storing in the cloud
Internet connection is required, the third-party server location may not have good data protection legislation
31
Main features of a GUI
Windows, icons, menus, pointers and shortcuts
32
Advantages and disadvantages to GUI
Easy to use and no complication commands, but requires a lot of memory and processor intensive
33
Advantages and disadvantages to menu
Easy to understand and little processing power, but can be irritating due to the amount of menu screens and can be a long process
34
Advantages and disadvantages to voice-driven
No need to learn to type and reduce danger of RSI, but words that sound the same may not work and background noise can interfere
35
Advantages and disadvantages to CLI
Quicker to type commands and little storage space, but not suitable for a novice and a lot needs to be learnt
36