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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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State the purpose of the CPU. |
The CPU carries out processing on the computer, it does this by fetching and executing instructions
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List two operations carried out by the Arithmetic Logic Unit. |
1) The CPU carries out processing on the computer, it does this by fetching and executing instructions
2) The ALU also carries out comparisons which answers questions |
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Explain the steps involved in the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle.
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In the fetch step instructions are retrieved from memory. The CPU uses the Program Counter to keep track of where it can find the next instruction. Once an instruction is loaded into the CPU it works out what the instruction means, this is the decode step. Finally the computer carries out the instruction in the execute step.
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Explain the function of the Control Unit. |
The Control Unit uses electrical signals to control the flow of data within the CPU. |
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What is the purpose of the Cache memory? |
The CPU cannot access main memory as the same speed as the processor clock chip; transferring data from the main memory causes significant delays. Cache memory has access times similar to the CPU but is expensive. |
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What's the problem with Cache Memory? |
It's very expensive. |
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Where is data that's in use stored? |
In the Cache memory to make access to it faster. |
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What are multi-core processes and what are their pros and cons? |
They use multiple CPU's working together. The CPUs can all fetch, decode and execute instructions at the same time. The pro is that more data can be processed simultaneously! The con is that more complicated operating systems are needed to manage them! |
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Where is all data stored? |
It's stored in RAM, as binary numbers. |
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What is the speed of the fetch - execute cycle determined by? |
An electronic clock chip. Its measured in cycles per second, known as herz (Hz). |
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State some points about RAM! |
Random Access Memory - VOLATILE - Can be accessed and changed by the computer at any time - Contains the OS - Large capacity - Stores programs and data being used by the computer |
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State some points about ROM! |
Read Only Memory - NON VOLATILE (data is retained when there is no power) - Programmed during computer manufacture - Requires instructions and data required to start up the computer - Contains the boot program - Small capacity |
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What is Virtual memory? |
Its part of the hard drive used as an extension of RAM. |
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When is virtual memory used? |
When the computer does not have enough RAM to hold all the data and programs required. |
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Which access is faster RAM or virtual memory? |
Data is passed between RAM and virtual memory - access to virtual memory is slower than to RAM. |
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What affects does adding RAM have? |
It reduces the use of virtual memory and improves performance of the computer. |
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What type of memory is Flash memory? |
ROM. Flash memory is used as a portable medium for storing and transferring data. |
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What lead to the convergence of mobiles and computers? |
Advances in processor technology , mobile internet access and low power, high capacity storage such as solid-state drives. |
