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65 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is a Computer System? |
A more efficient way of prioritising data; it consists of Hardware and Software. |
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Define Hardware. |
The physical components that make up a Computer. |
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Define Software. |
The applications within the Hardware. |
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What is an Embedded System? |
Computer Systems built into other devices. For Example microwaves, TVs & dishwashers. |
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What is a Control System? |
A Computer that monitors and controls machinery. |
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Explain the role of the Control Unit in the CPU. |
To execute program instructions, it controls the flow of data. |
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What does ALU stand for, and what does it do? |
The ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit. The ALU does all of the calculations, it also performs logic operations and contains the accumulator register. |
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What is Cache Memory and what does it do? |
Cache is very fast memory within the CPU. It stores regularly used data. |
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What is the Von Neumann Computer? |
Back (Definition) |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, describe what happens during the Fetch phase. |
▪ Copy memory address from the Program Counter to the Memory Address Register (MAR). ▪ Copy the instructions stored in the MAR address to the Memory Data Register (MDR). ▪ Increase the Program Counter to point to the address of the next instruction, ready for the next cycle. |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, describe what happens during the Fetch phase. |
▪ Copy memory address from the Program Counter to the Memory Address Register (MAR). ▪ Copy the instructions stored in the MAR address to the Memory Data Register (MDR). ▪ Increase the Program Counter to point to the address of the next instruction, ready for the next cycle. |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle, describe what happens in the Decoding phase. |
The instruction in the MDR is decoded by the Control Unit (CU). The CU may then prepare for the next step, e.g by loading values into the MAR or MDR. |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle, describe what happens during the Fetching phase. |
▪ Copy memory address from the Program Counter to the Memory Address Register (MAR). ▪ Copy the instructions stored in the MAR address to the Memory Data Register (MDR). ▪ Increase the Program Counter to point to the address of the next instruction, ready for the next cycle. |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle, describe what happens in the Decoding phase. |
The instruction in the MDR is decoded by the Control Unit (CU). The CU may then prepare for the next step, e.g by loading values into the MAR or MDR. |
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In the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle, describe what happens during the Execution phase. |
The instruction is performed. This could be loading data from memory, doing a calculation, doing a logic operation (using the ALU), changing the address in the PC or halting the program. |
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What is the difference between Volatile and Non-Volatile Memory? |
Volatile memory is temporary memory (e.g RAM) whereas, Non-Volatile memory is permanent (e.g ROM). |
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• What is RAM, and what is it used for? |
RAM is Random Access Memory. It stores all data/files/programs while they are in use. |
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Could changing the amount of RAM affect the performance of the Computer? |
Yes, because with a larger amount of RAM, you may not have to use Secondary Storage (which is slower than RAM). |
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Explain when and how Virtual Memory is used. |
Virtual Memory is used when RAM is full. If the CPU wants to read data in Virtual Memory, it needs to move data back to RAM, the data transfer rates are low. |
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Explain what ROM is and why it is required by a Computer System. |
Read Only Memory (ROM) is required by a Computer System because it contains the data in order to start up the Computer. |
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Name 3 characteristics of a Processor that may affect its performance. |
Clock Speed, Cache Size and the Number of Cores a Processor has. |
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State three components that could be upgraded to speed up a Computer System. |
The CPU, RAM and Storage. |
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State three components that could be upgraded to speed up a Computer System. |
The CPU, RAM and Storage. |
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Define Primary and Secondary Storage, giving an example of each. |
▪ Primary Storage is the area in a Computer in which data is stored for quick access by the Computer’s Processor. Primary Storage has the fastest read/write speeds of the two, it is also the more expensive of the two. (e.g RAM/ROM, CPU Registers & Cache). ▪ Secondary Storage is the area in a Computer in which data is stored for less frequent access, or programs that are not in use. Secondary Storage has the slowest read/ write speeds of the two, it is also the cheaper of the two. (e.g Flash Drives, Memory Sticks, DVDs, CDs & Removable Hard-Drives). |
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List four uses of Flash Memory. |
o To back-up data. o To transfer data. o Internal Storage. o Faster Loading Speed. |
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State three components that could be upgraded to speed up a Computer System. |
The CPU, RAM and Storage. |
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Define Primary and Secondary Storage, giving an example of each. |
▪ Primary Storage is the area in a Computer in which data is stored for quick access by the Computer’s Processor. Primary Storage has the fastest read/write speeds of the two, it is also the more expensive of the two. (e.g RAM/ROM, CPU Registers & Cache). ▪ Secondary Storage is the area in a Computer in which data is stored for less frequent access, or programs that are not in use. Secondary Storage has the slowest read/ write speeds of the two, it is also the cheaper of the two. (e.g Flash Drives, Memory Sticks, DVDs, CDs & Removable Hard-Drives). |
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List four uses of Flash Memory. |
o To back-up data. o To transfer data. o Internal Storage. o Faster Loading Speed. |
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Compare HDDs and SSDs. |
o HDDs ▪ Are the cheaper of the two. ▪ Have the highest capacity. ▪ HDDs have a longer read/write life than SSDs as SSDs can only be written a certain number of times before they can begin to deteriorate. o SSDs ▪ Are faster. ▪ Don’t need defragmenting like HDDs. ▪ SSDs are more shock-proof than HDDs. ▪ HDDs make some noise whereas SSDs are silent. |
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Summarise cost, speed and capacity of the different types of Secondary Storage. |
o Cost (Priciest - Cheapest): ▪ SSD ▪ Memory Card ▪ HDD ▪ Optical Disc ▪ Magnetic Tap o Speed (Fastest - Slowest): ▪ SSD ▪️HDD ▪ Magnetic Tape ▪ Memory Card ▪ Optical Disc o Capacity (Highest - Lowest): ▪ Magnetic Tape ▪HDD ▪ SSD ▪ Memory Cards ▪ Optical Disc |
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List the functions of an Operating System. |
o Communication with internal and external Hardware via the device drivers. o Provide a user interface, allowing a user to interact with the Computer and vice-versa. o Provide a platform for different applications to run off of. o Allow the Computer to multi-task by controlling memory resources and the CPU. o Deal with file management and disk management. o Manage system security and user accounts. |
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Explain how Device Drivers are used in a Computer System. |
Device Drivers act as a ‘translator’ between Operating Software (OS) and Hardware. |
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Describe GUI and a Command-Line Interface. |
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are customised for certain input methods and are suitable for everyday users, whereas Command-Line Interfaces (CLIs) are not. CLIs are more powerful and efficient then GUIs, and they can be used to automate processes using scripts. |
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What is Multi-User OS? Give an example of when one may be used. |
• Multi-User OS helps the CPU carry out multi-tasking by efficiently managing memory and the CPU processing time. • When an app is opened, the OS moves the necessary parts of the app to memory, followed by additional parts when they are required. The OS will decide if apps or features have been used recently – if not, they may be removed from memory. • To run multiple apps, the OS needs to ensure that the apps don’t overwrite or interfere with each other. A Memory Manager allocates certain apps and certain memory addresses to ensure their processes are placed into separate locations, so they do not overwrite each other. • Only one app can be processed by the CPU at a time, so the other processes must wait. The OS divides CPU time between open apps and may prioritise certain processes in order for instructions to be executed in the most efficient order. • When required, the OS organises the movement of data to-and-from Virtual Memory. |
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List four types of Utility Software. |
• Compression Software. • Encryption Software. • Backup Utilities. • Maintenance Utilities. |
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Explain how Defragmentation Software works. |
It recognises data put on the Hard Drive to put fragmented files back together. The fragmentation of files is the opposite of this, it is the tendency of a file system to lay out the contents of files non-continuously to allow in-place modification of their contents. |
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What are Incremental Backups and how would they be used? |
Incremental Backups are Backups in which only updated/newly created files since the last back up are backed up. They use less storage and are faster than the standard backup. |
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Give Advantages of Open-Source Software (OSS). |
•It is (usually) free. •Made for the greater good as it benefits everyone, encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas as it is not made for profit. •The Software can be adapted easily by the users to fit their individual requirements. •Wider pool of collaborators can be more creative and innovative than the programmers of one company. •Popular software is very reliable and secure – any problem are quickly solved by the community. |
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Give Disadvantages of Open-Source Software (OSS). |
•Small projects may not get regular updates, therefore they may be buggy or have unpatched security holes. •There may be limited user documentation. •No warranties if something goes wrong. •No customer support (although there is a wide community of forums). •Companies using Open-Source code to make custom software may not want competitors to see their code, but they have no choice. |
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Give Advantages of Proprietary Software. |
▪ Comes with warranties, documentation and official customer support. ▪ Should be well-tested and reliable as the company’s reputation depends on this, therefore bug fixes and updates will come regularly. ▪ Usually cheaper for companies than developing their own custom-built software. |
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What is a “LAN” and how does it differ from a “WAN”? |
LAN stands for Local Area Network. It covers small geographical area and is located on a single site. This means that all of the Hardware for a LAN is owned by the organisation using it. Devices in a LAN may be connected by wired connections (Ethernet cables) or wireless connections (WiFi). Examples of LANs are businesses, schools and universities. |
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What is a “WAN” and how does it differ from a “LAN”? |
WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It connects several LANs from different geographical locations. Unlike LANs, organisations hire infrastructure from telecommunications companies, who own and manage the WAN. WANs may be connected through fibre or copper wire. For Example, three offices all located in separate countries, or the Internet. |
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Give factors that can affect the Performance of a Network. |
•Bandwidth: ▪️Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time. The greater the Bandwidth, the better the network can perform. ▪️Available Bandwidth is shared between users of a Network – too many users may cause congestion and slow the Network. You are able to limit the Bandwidth to each user to resolve this. •Connection Types: ▪ Wired Connections are generally faster and more reliable than Wireless Connections. ▪ Fibre Optic cables perform better than copper cables. ▪ Wireless Connections depends on signal quality so it is affected by the range of the device, and the amount of interference from other devices and physical obstructions like walls. •Choice of Hardware: ▪ Choice of Hardware (e.g NICs, Switches and Routers) and Network Topology (e.g Star, Bus and Ring). |
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What is a Switch? |
Switches connect Devices on a LAN. Switches receive Data (measured in frames) from one Device and transmits this Data to the Device on the Network with the correct MAC address. |
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What is a Router? |
Routers are responsible for transmitting Data between Networks – they’re always connected to at least two different Networks. o Routers have a crucial role on the Internet, directing Data (packets) to their destination. o Routers are used in homes and offices to connect the LAN to the Internet (WAN). Most home ‘routers’ are in fact a Router, Switch and a WAP. |
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What is a Network Interface Controller (NIC)? |
A Network Interface Controller (NIC) is an internal piece of Hardware that allows a Device to connect to a Network. They are built into the Motherboard but they can be both Wired and Wireless Connections. |
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How do you set up a Wireless Network? |
You need a WAP Device. The WAP is a Switch that allows Devices to connect wirelessly. |
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What are Hotspots? |
Hotspots are locations that you connect to a WAP, to connect Devices need Wireless capability. This is usually built-in but if not you can use a USB dongle. HDMI dongles are popular for TVs. |
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What are WiFi Channels and how are they used? |
WiFi uses two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4GHz has a greater range and is better at penetrating obstructions whereas, 5GHz is faster over shorter distances. The bands are split and cover a small frequency range. o WiFi Performance is affected by the interference between Networks using adjacent frequency bands. The 5GHz channel has more non-overlapping frequency channels. |
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What are the Advantages of a Client-Server Network? |
• Easy to keep track of files as they are stored centrally. • Easy to perform Backups. • Easy to install and update Software. • Easy to manage network security. • Servers are very reliable and are always on. |
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What are the Disadvantages of a Client-Server Network? |
• Expensive to set up and needs IT specialists to maintain the Network and Server. • Server dependence – if the Server goes down all Clients lose access to their work. • The Server may become overloaded if too many Clients are attempting to access it at once. |
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What are WiFi Channels and how are they used? |
WiFi uses two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4GHz has a greater range and is better at penetrating obstructions whereas, 5GHz is faster over shorter distances. The bands are split and cover a small frequency range. o WiFi Performance is affected by the interference between Networks using adjacent frequency bands. The 5GHz channel has more non-overlapping frequency channels. |
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What are the Advantages of a Client-Server Network? |
• Easy to keep track of files as they are stored centrally. • Easy to perform Backups. • Easy to install and update Software. • Easy to manage network security. • Servers are very reliable and are always on. |
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What are the Disadvantages of a Client-Server Network? |
• Expensive to set up and needs IT specialists to maintain the Network and Server. • Server dependence – if the Server goes down all Clients lose access to their work. • The Server may become overloaded if too many Clients are attempting to access it at once. |
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What are the Advantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network? |
•Easy to maintain – no expertise or expensive Hardware needed. •No dependence on a Server – if one device fails the whole Network. |
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What are the Disadvantages of a Peer-to-Peer Network? |
•No centralised management – Devices need their updates and security is handled individually. This also makes Backups more difficult. •Copying files between Devices creates duplicate files – it is easy to lose track of what I stored where and which files are up to date. •Peer machines are less reliable and data may be lost if one fails. •Machines are prone to slow down when other devices access them. |
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What are the Advantages of a Star Network? |
• If a Device fails or a cable is disconnected, the rest of the Network is unaffected. • It is simple to add more Devices to the network. • Better performance than other setups – Data goes straight to the Central Device so all Devices can transmit data at once and there are very few Data collisions. |
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What are the Disadvantages of a Star Network? |
• In wired networks, every Device needs a cable to connect to the Central Switch or Server. This can be expensive. • If there is a problem with the Switch or Server then the whole the Network is affected. |
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What are the Advantages of a Mesh Network? |
• There is no single point where the Network can fail. |
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What are the Disadvantages to a Mesh Network. |
• They can be very expensive – you need a lot of wire to connect so many devices together. However, with more wireless technology being released, mesh networks are a more practical option. |
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What is a Protocol? |
A set of rules for how Devices communicate across a Network. |
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What are Ethical Issues? |
What is considered to be morally right or wrong. |
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What are Legal Issues? |
What’s actually right or wrong in the eyes of the Law. |
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What are Cultural Issues? |
How Groups of People with particular beliefs may be affected. |
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What are Environmental Issues? |
How we impact the Earth. |
