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Computer Systems 1 > Section 1 - Components Of A Computer System > Flashcards

Section 1 - Components Of A Computer System Flashcards

1
Q

What’s meant by hardware ?

A

Physical components that make up a computer

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2
Q

What’s meant by software ?

A

Programs or applications that a computer systems run.

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3
Q

What’s an embedded system ?

A

Computer Systems built into other devices.

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4
Q

Give an example of embedded system ?

A

Dishwasher , microwave and tv

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5
Q

Give a benefit of using am embedded system :

A

It’s dedicated to a single task therefore are easier to design , produce and more efficient .

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6
Q

What’s does CPU stand for ?

A

Central processing unit

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7
Q

What’s does the CPU do ?

A

It’s function is to process all the data and instructions that make a system work using the fetch-decode-execute cycle .

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8
Q

What factor affect CPU performance ?

A

Clock speed ,Number of cores, cache size

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9
Q

What’s the control unit main task ?

A

To execute program instructions by following the fetch-decode-execute cycle

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10
Q

What does the control unit control?

A

It controls the flow of data inside the CPU and outside the CPU.

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11
Q

Describe the function of the Arithmetic Logic unit(ALU).

A

Performs calculation and logical decision .

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12
Q

Explain how cache is used by the CPU.

A

It stores regularly used data so that the CPU can access it quickly .

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13
Q

True or false? The cache is faster than the registers .

A

FALSE.

The cache is faster than RAM but slower than the registers .

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14
Q

Explain the purpose of CPU registers.

A

Is to temporarily hold tiny buts of data needed by the CPU.

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15
Q

Name all four CPU registers:

A
  • *PROGRAM COUNTER
  • *MEMORY ADDRESS REGISTER (MAR)
  • *MEMORY DATA REGISTER (MDR)
  • *ACCUMULATOR
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16
Q

What’s the function the of the ACCUMULATOR?

A

To stores intermediate results of the calculation in the ALU.

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17
Q

What’s the function of the MDR ?

A

Holds the actual data or instructions.

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18
Q

What’s the function of the MAR?

A

Holds any memory address about to be used by the CPU.

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19
Q

What’s the function of the PROGRAM COUNTER?

A

Holds the memory address of the instructions for each cycle .

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20
Q

What will happen will happen of the PROGRAM COUNTER is not incrementing with each cycle?

A

The same instruction will relate as no new instructions will be loaded to be execute .

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21
Q

What happen in the fetch stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

A

Memory address is copied from the PROGRAM COUNTER to the MAR .

  • *the instructions in the in the MAR is copied to the MDR.
  • *The PROGRAM COUNTER will point to the address of the next instructions ready for the next cycle.
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22
Q

What’s happen in the decode stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

A

The instructions in the MDR is decided by the control unit .

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23
Q

What happen in the execute stage of the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

A

The instructions is performed.

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24
Q

What’s meant by volatile memory ?

A

Is a temporary memory as it requires power to retain data ( RAM).

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25
Q

What’s meant by non volatile memory?

A

Is a permanent memory that doesn’t require power to retain data (ROM)

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26
Q

What’s( random access memory) RAM ?

A

It’s a high speed volatile memory. Which is the main memory in a computer. Can be read and written to.

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27
Q

What’s the purpose of RAM ?

A

To hold data files and programs while they are in use .

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28
Q

What’s the benefit of installing more RAM on a computer ?

A

For efficiency so data doesn’t have to be moved into virtual memory .

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29
Q

What’s virtual MEMORY?

A

It’s a storage of memory within a secondary storage (such as hard-drive ). When the RAM is full ,data that hasn’t been used recently is moved into virtual memory.

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30
Q

Physically ,what’s the ROM ?

A

A small,factory made chip built into the motherboard.

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31
Q

What does ROM contain?

A

All the instructions a computer needs to properly boot up , these instructions are called the BIOS .

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32
Q

What does the BIOS stand for ?

A

Basic input output system

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33
Q

What’s clock speed ?

A

The number of instructions a single processor can carry out per second .

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34
Q

What’s clock speed measured in ?

A

Hertz (Hz)

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35
Q

What’s overclocking ?

A

Forces computers to run at a higher clock speed than the factory set rate .

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36
Q

What happen if overclocking is not executed properly ?

A

It can make the CPU over heat , causing crashes or permanent damage .

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37
Q

Why does a CPU with a large cache capacity have an increased performance?

A

A larger CPU cache gives the CPU faster access to more data it needs to process .

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38
Q

What will happen if the CPU has more Cores?

A

More instructions it can carry out at once ,so the faster it can process a batch of data.

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39
Q

What’s does GPU stand for ?

A

Graphics processing unit

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40
Q

What’s is a GPU?

A

A specialised circuit for handling graphics and image processing .

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41
Q

What’s an advantage of having a GPU along with a CPU ?

A

They relieve processing load on the CPU, increasing performance .

42
Q

What’s does Primary storage refer to ?

A

MEMORY areas that the CPU can access very quick.

43
Q

Give an examples of Primary storage .

A

CPU register ,cache , ROM and RAM

44
Q

What’s an open source software ?

A

A software where the source code is freely available to user which might legally modify and copy the source code to create their own spin off software which can be share under the same license an terms as the original software .

45
Q

What’s are 5 examples of open source software?

A 
1 -  apache http server 
2 - GIMP (Image editor )
3- Mozilla firefox 
4- VLC media player 
5-linux
46
Q

What are the Advantages to open source software?

A
    • usually free
  • *very reliable and secure
  • *problems are quickly solve by community
  • *creativity and innovation
47
Q

What are the disadvantage of open source software?

A

**small projects may not get regular updates (could be buggy)
Or have unpatched security roles .
**no warranties if something goes wrong
**hard to hide source code away from competitors

48
Q

What’s a proprietary software?

A

Is a software where only the compiled code is released. The source code is usually a closely guarded secret .restrict modification copying and redistribution of the software. It’s usually paid for .

49
Q

2 examples of proprietary software.

A

1- Microsoft (office ,Windows,outlook )

2- Adobe (Photoshop,illustrator)

50
Q

What are the Advantages of proprietary software ?

A
  • *there’s warranties on it and customer support
  • *updates will be regular
  • *for companies it is usually cheaper than building their own .
51
Q

What are the disadvantage of proprietary source software?

A
  • *can be expensive
  • *may not exactly fit the users needs
  • *software companies may not maintain older software after warranties expire - they will want people to buy their latest product
52
Q

What’s meant by a system software?

A

It’s the interface between the hardware and application .

53
Q

What’s is an operating system?

A

It’s a collection of software that tells the computer hardware what to do

54
Q

Operating system are sometimes referred to as a platform . What’s meant by a platform ?

A

It’s an environment where application /program/software can run .

55
Q

What’s the purpose of kernel in an operating systems?

A
  • *It’s to connect application to hardware
  • *used to operate the hardware
  • *takes care of the low level hardware operation
56
Q

What’s meant by user interface?

A

Graphical or textual or auditory information that a program present to the computer user .

57
Q

How’s a command line interface (CLI) used ?

A

The user provide a text input /command /string using the computer keyboard and the computer displays or print text on the monitor.

58
Q

What’s meant by a multitasking operating system?

A

Many(multiple) tasks /instructions that can be executed on a single computer simultaneously .

59
Q

Windows is commonly used operating system. What are 2 others ?

A

Mac Os / iOS/ CHROME/LINUX

60
Q

Describe what’s meant by memory management ?

A

It’s the management of memory at the system level . Which is used to allocate free memory to program that need it and free up memory where is not needed .Which then optimise the system performance .

61
Q

Describe what is meant by peripheral management ?

A

It allows a computers external devices to communicate with the computer system. Also control external devices by sending them commands .

62
Q

What’s the purpose of a devices driver ?

A

It’s a software that uses signals to control the computers devices .

63
Q

In a network what is meant by user management ?

A

The administrative feature of a computer system to control user access into a network .

64
Q

What’s meant by file management ?

A

A system that’s used by the operating system to organise and keep track of files .

65
Q

What’s meant when a message is described as encrypted?

A

When a scrambled message is sent from one computer to another computer and is only able to unscramble the message using of a key /secret code

66
Q

What’s the purpose of encryption software.

A

It’s a software that encrypts and decrypts files on hard disk /data packets over a network .

67
Q

Describe how an encrypted email message is sent and received ?

A

The original message is scrambled (using a larger digital number /key)
Then the receiver will use the key to unscramble and then receive the original message .

68
Q

What’s a disadvantage of always sending encrypted messages?

A
  • **Takes longer for message to be sent

* ** a digital certificate is required as it contains part of the key / special code

69
Q

What’s the encryption method used by web browsers to encrypt details of purchases ?

A

Secure socket layer /ssl

70
Q

What’s meant by defragmentation ?

A

The process of physically organising the mass storage device into the smallest number of fragments .

71
Q

What’s meant by data compression ?

A

When a devices uses fewer bits to transmit the same amount of data .

72
Q

What’s meant by a back up?

A

When files and folders can be archived or copied to secure data from being list .

73
Q

What’s meant by a full backup ?

A

When data from all files and folders are backed up

74
Q

What’s meant by an incremental back up?

A

Stores the changes made since the last backup .

75
Q

What are two advantages for making an incremental back up instead of a full backup?

A
  • *takes less time to back up
  • *take up less memory
  • *allows more frequent backups
76
Q

What are the 2 types of anti-malware that should be used to protect a laptop ?

A

Antivirus
Malware scanner
Anti-spyware

77
Q

How could phishing take place at a call centre ?

A

Staff respond to a fake email /Staff respond to popup software fake instant messages

78
Q

What are the 2 potential problems to a call centre of phishing takes place ?

A 
##Staff disclose personal/confidential data 
##financial DATA theft
##acquisition of financial details /credit cards detail
79
Q

Describe one other example of social engineering that employees at the call centre should be aware of .

A

Blagging/pre-texting

Baiting scenarios

80
Q

What’s meant by the term Brute force attack ?

A

A trail and error method to decode passwords or encrypted data to gain confidential details

81
Q

What are 4 features of a strong password ?

A
  • *include upper case
  • *include numbers
  • *at least 8 characters
  • *include special characters
82
Q

What are 2 measures in addition to a password that could keep a computers data secure ?

A
  • *Install security software
  • *Download apps from trusted source
  • *Log out of sites
  • *keep the operating software and apps updates
83
Q

What are the three reasons why companies may be targeted by a denial of service attack ?

A
  • *Distraction technique
  • *competition between companies
  • *make a website unavailable
  • *suspend an organisation’s work
84
Q

What are the 2 measures that a company could take to prepare for a denial of service attack ?

A
  • *network should be monitored

* *penetration testing should take place to find vulnerabilities to the network system

85
Q

What are 4 reasons why an attacker might want to target an organisations database with an SQL injection?

A
  • **access sensitive data
  • **create /read/update/ modify /delete DATA
  • **take control of data
  • **retrieve personal data
86
Q

What are 2 measures that an organisation should take to guard their software applications from an SQL injection attack ?

A
  • **create user accounts
  • **limits user access
  • **apply input sanitation
  • **apply an input validation technique
  • **Install web application firewalls
87
Q

What are the 2 advantage of using firewall?

A
  • *block DATA from unauthorised sources
  • *protects against attackers
  • *filters advertisement/pop ups
88
Q

How does penetrating testing helps secure the telecommunication company’s computer network ?

A
  • *penetration testing looks for vulnerabilities
  • *it helps to protect a system from cyber attacks
  • *it help to protect company’s reputation
  • *it identifies and prioritises security risks
89
Q

What’s a secondary storage ?

A

Where a devices aren’t constantly connected to the computer

90
Q

Why is secondary storage needed on a computer ?

A

Used to back up data stored in the main memory or to store programs and other files that wu be lost when the power is switched off .

Provide large storage capacity for the computer

91
Q

Secondary storage is often referred to as what ?

A

Auxiliary

92
Q

What’s one external secondary storage devices ?

A

CDs ,DVD , USB ,flash drive ,memory card , EHDD ,ESSD

93
Q

What’s one internal secondary storage device ?

A

Hard disk drive (HDD)

Solide state drive (SSD)

94
Q

Give 3 types of secondary storage and describe advantages of each of their uses .

A

OPTICAL – inexpensive /reliable /robust/relatively large capacity

MAGNETIC – store large capacity/can be used to store OS and other files and programs/cost effective /reliable

SOLID STATE – flexible/faster access to data/can be used for portable devices /generally smaller in size / easy to use

95
Q

Which type of secondary storage is most suitable for distributing a movie ?

A

OPTICAL

96
Q

Give two reasons why a CD-ROM is suitable for distributing music?

A

Cheap to produce/easily portable/can be read by other devices/enough capacity for the music tracks

97
Q

What’s the disadvantage of using magnetic tape to store data ?

A

Slow to write to and read from memory

Data could be corrupted of close enough to a magnetic field

All data has to be raed before reading the data you want

98
Q

What are the factors that should be considered when deciding on how data is stored ?

A

Capacity / reliability/durability /cost / speed /portability

99
Q

How is virtual memory implemented ?

A

OS will set up virtual memory using virtual memory management . Which then creates a file on a hard disk large enough for extra memory needed .OS can then addresses used by a program into physical addresses in computer memory. Swapping or paging is a process used by the OS to move data between RAM and virtual memory. The OS moves data when some processes aren’t needed immediately out of the RAM to store them in the virtual memory .copies the data back into the RAM when the process is needed again .

100
Q

Flash memory is a solid state media. What does the solid state media mean ?

A

IS a storage media with no moving parts

101
Q

What are the advantage of using a flash memory ?

A

Flask is durable will not break if dropped or exposed to heat

Very reliable as no moving parts

Very compact but can store lot of data in a small space

Low cost and reliable

Light weight so easily portable

102
Q

What are the disadvantage of his g flash memory ?

A

Can get lost easily

Can wear out over a long time period

More expensive than CD or DVD

Computer Systems 1 (3 decks)

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