Topic 4 - Computer Systems Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is volatile storage?
A type of storage which maintained only when the computer/device is turned on
What is non-volatile storage?
Even when the computer has been turned off, the data is kept and not lost.
What is ROM?
A storage medium that is used for firmware updates, data is saved even when PC is off which makes it non-volatile.
What is RAM?
A hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer, data is lost when PC is off which means its volatile.
What is a paging file?
An overflow for your RAM or system memory.
What is hardware?
A peripheral or essential part to a computer, either for convenience or something that helps the PC.
What is software?
An installed component for a computer system.
What does an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) do?
Performs all calculations, mathematical and logical.
What does the Control Unit do?
Controls the flow of data within the computer system.
What is a CPU’s clock speed?
The measure of how many clock cycles a CPU can perform in a second.
What is cache size?
The more cache there is, the data can be stored closer to the CPU.
Why do the number of cores in a CPU matter?
The more cores a CPU contains, the better it can multitask.
What does each instruction do in the Fetch Execute Cycle?
Fetch - instruction is given to CPU and ready to be decoded
Decode - instruction is decoded by the CPU to work out how it needs to be executed
Execute - instruction is carried out, cycle repeats.
What is an address bus?
Used to transfer data between devices.
What is a control bus?
Use by the CPU to communicate with devices that are contained within the computer.
What is optical storage?
The storage of data on an optically readable medium, data is read and recorded by making marks in a pattern that can be read back with the aid of light.
What is magnetic storage?
The storage of data on a magnetised medium, this storage uses different patterns of magnetisation in a magnetisable material to store data.
What is solid-state storage?
A type of computer storage that stores and retrieves digital information using only electronic circuits, without any involvement of moving mechanical parts.
Boolean
Values that are either True or False
What is Base N ?
It’s equal to the amount of numbers you use
What re logic gates ?
A boolean gate comprised of two values
How can an AND gate operate ?
Both values must be apparent for the gate to open
How can an OR gate operate ?
Only one of the two values must be apparent for the gate to open
How can a NOT gate operate ?
If a value were to be on, then the output would be off
