Computer Systems

Question 1

Components of the CPU

Answer 1

-Cache memory
-Control Unit
-ALU (Arithmetic & Logical Unit)
-Registers
-Buses (Address bus,Data bus & Control
bus)

Question 2

Address Bus

Answer 2

Carries information on where data is in the RAM

The storage address of data always travels along this

Question 3

Data Bus

Answer 3

Carries control signals internally and to the peripherals

The path along which data travels

Question 4

Control Bus

Answer 4

Carries data between memory and CPU

The control bus is used by the controller to send control signals to different parts of the computer.

Question 5

Hardware Ports

Answer 5

Acts as an interface/ connection between the computer and other computer or devices
EXAMPLES:
 -USB port
 -HDMI
 -Ethernet
 -Audio and Video

Question 6

Input Device

Answer 6

A device which transfers data into the computer

Question 7

Output Device

Answer 7

A device which displays data/information out of the computer

Question 8

Storage Device

Answer 8

A device which stores data in the computer
EXAMPLES:
-USB
-Cloud storage

Question 9

Fetch-Decode-Execute

Answer 9

Fetch phase: An instructions is copied from memory into control Unit
Decode phase:determine the action that needs to be carried out.
Execute: The program is run

Question 10

Cache size

Answer 10

The more cache memory the faster the computer will run and the better the computer’s performance

Question 11

Clock speed

Answer 11

-The speed at which a processor operates
-The faster the clock speed, the faster the computer is able to run the fetch-decode-execute cycle and therefore process more instructions.
The speed is measured in Hertz

Question 12

Number of Cores

Answer 12

-Number of processors within the CPU
-The more cores the more instruction ran
at once

Question 13

CISC

Answer 13

complex instruction set computing
-used by phones and tablets
CISC processors can process a large number of complex instructions

Compared to RISCs…

• has more instructions
• larger
• faster
• Use more energy
• More expensive

Question 14

RISC

Answer 14

reduced instruction set computing
-used by laptops and desktops
RISC processors can process a limited number of relatively simple instructions

Compared to CISCs…

• has fewer instructions
• smaller
• slower
• Uses less energy
• Cheaper

Question 15

RAM

Answer 15

Random Access Memory
-Its volatile 
-stores programs while they are being 
 executed and data whilst it is being 
 processed
-Once the program is close , it is deleted from the RAM

Question 16

ROM

Answer 16

Read only Memory
-Stores a computer’s BIOS
-it tests RAM
used for the permanent storage of data.
The data in each store location cannot be changed.

Question 17

BIOS

Answer 17

-basic input/output system
A low-level program that handles input and output operations relating to the keyboard and screen of the system. It provides an interface between the hardware and the operating system.

Question 18

Flash memory

Answer 18

-Flash memory is used for the permanent
storage of data.
-The data stored in flash memory can be changed.
-Data is not lost when the power is switched off.

Question 19

Magnetic storage

Answer 19

the storage of data on a magnetised medium
Examples:
-Hard disk
-Magnetic Tape

Question 20

Optical storage

Answer 20

Uses technology such as lasers.
Examples:
-CD
-CD-ROM
-DVD
-Blu-ray

Question 21

Solid state

Answer 21

Its called solid storage because it does not have any moving parts.
Examples:
-USB flash drive
-SD cards
-Micro SD cards

Question 22

Cloud storage

Answer 22

contemporary data storage facility that allows users to store their data on thrid party servers
Examples:
-Dropbox
-iCloud
-SkyDrive

Question 23

Cache Memory

Answer 23

used for the temporary storage of not frequently accessed data and instructions
used to temporarily hold instructions and data that the CPU is likely to reuse.
Cache memory is volatile
Its quicker than RAM

Question 24

Human-computer interaction (HCI)

Answer 24

the communication between people and computer systems.

Question 25

Menu driven

Answer 25

This type of interface allows people to interact with a computer system by presenting the user and allowing them to work through a series of menus. - e.g IPOD

Question 26

benefits and Drawbacks of menu driven interfaces

Answer 26

``` Benefits • No need to learn a lot of commands • Easy to navigate • Ideal for beginners – everything is in a logical place/order • No need of expert language to learn • Little processing power needed ``` Drawbacks •Irritating if there are too many menu screens to work through – users get annoyed or bored if it takes too long •Navigating can be a long process

Question 27

Voice-driven

Answer 27

can be used to issue commands to a computer system and enter data into it through voice. Voice-driven interface is a popular interface as it is natural for people to communicate in this way.

Question 28

benefits and Drawbacks of voice driven interfaces

Answer 28

Benefits • Speech input is much faster than keyboard input • No need to learn to type • Reduces typing mistakes such as spelling/hitting wrong key • Keyboard takes up room on the desk • Users with a disability that prevents typing can use speech input • Hands-free advantages – can multitask Drawbacks • Background noise interferes with speech recognition • User when they have a speech impediment, sore throat, cold or a strong accent will not be understood • Users with a disability that prevents speech would need to find a different method for input • Difficult to keep data input private as people can hear what you are saying • Words that sound the same, such as ‘too’ and ‘two’ may not be recognised

Question 29

CPU

Answer 29

Central Processing Unit | -The main component in the computer processing data and instructions

Question 30

Software ports

Answer 30

* Non physical ports and are different to hardware ports | * They Allow multiple software application to use different software ports

Question 31

Controller

Answer 31

Manages the execution of instructions | It makes sure all process take place at the right time and in the correct order

Question 32

ALU

Answer 32

processes and manipulates data

Question 33

Register

Answer 33

Fast access temporary data store on the CPU e.g an accumulator

Question 34

Internal memory/Cache

Answer 34

fast access memory on the CPU. | Data is moved from the register to the Internal memory when not actively used