Theory Year 10 Flashcards
(51 cards)
Front: Define the terms ‘hardware’ and ‘software’.
Hardware: The physical components of a computer system (e.g., CPU, RAM, motherboard).
Software: The programs and operating information used by a computer (e.g., operating systems, applications).
Distinguish between system software and application software
System Software: Includes the operating system and utility programs that manage computer hardware.
Application Software: Programs designed for end users (e.g., word processors, games, browsers).
What are the roles of utility software
Maintains the computer system
(e.g., antivirus, backup software, disk defragmentation).
What does antivirus software do
-> Detects, prevents, and removes malicious software (malware).
-> Scans files and applications for viruses and quarantines infected files.
-> Requires regular updates to stay effective against new threats.
What is backup software and why is it important?
-> Creates copies of data to prevent data loss.
-> Can perform full backups (everything) or incremental backups (only changed files).
-> Used to restore data after hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyberattacks
What is disk defragmentation?
->Organises fragmented files on a hard drive to make them easier to access.
-> Helps the computer run faster by reducing the time needed to find and load files.
-> Not needed for SSDs, only for HDDs.
What is fragmentation
-> When files are split into small pieces and stored in different locations on a hard drive.
-> Happens over time as files are created, deleted, and modified.
-> Slows down the computer because the hard drive takes longer to find and read the scattered data.
What does compression software do?
Reduces file size to save storage space and improve transfer speeds.
What is memory management
Allocates RAM to programs and manages virtual memory.
What is user interface
Provides interaction between user and computer (GUI, CLI
What is process management
Schedules tasks and manages CPU usage.
What is file manage
Organizes and controls access to files
What is peripheral managwmt
Controls devices like printers and keyboards
What is the ALU
-> Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
-> Performs logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
Works closely with the control unit and registers.
What is the Control Unit (CU) used for?
-> Fetching, decoding, and executing instructions.
-> Controlling data flow between CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
-> Sending control signals to other components.
What are registers in a CPU?
-> Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU used to store temporary data and instructions.
What is cache memory
-> A small, high-speed type of memory inside the CPU.
-> Stores frequently used instructions and data to speed up processing.
-> Faster than RAM but smaller in size
How does cache memory improve CPU performance?
Reduces the time needed to access frequently used data.
Decreases reliance on slower RAM.
Helps the CPU process instructions faster, improving overall speed.
Explain what is meant by an embedded system
A computer system built into a device to perform a specific function
(e.g., washing machines, microwaves, traffic lights).
Explain the Von Neumann architecture.
A system where a single memory holds both data and instructions. (No RAM or ROM)
Uses registers to fetch, decode, and execute instructions.
Describe the factors that affect CPU performance.
-> Clock speed
-> Number of cores
-> Cache size
Describe the fetch-execute cycle.
Fetch: Retrieves instruction from memory.
Decode: Interprets the instruction.
Execute: Carries out the instruction.
Define ‘main memory’
RAM and ROM
what is RAM
Temporary, volatile memory used to store active programs
Random access memory
