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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Define Hardware |
A physical, tangible component of a computer system. This includes, Input, output, secondary storage and processing |
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Describe what is meant by the Von Neumann Architecture |
Where instructions are stored in the RAM as binary, then processed by the CPU |
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Define the two main parts of the CPU and describe their funcitons |
The Arithmetic and Logic Unit- evaluates logical and arithmetical operations The Control Unit - Controls the flow of data in the CPU through electrical signals |
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Describe what happens in a CPU cycle |
1) Data is Fetched 2) Data is Decoded into instructions 3) The instructions are Executed |
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Describe the boot sequence |
The process that ensures that the computer can start up and function fully. It contains the boot loader, which is initiated when the power on button is pressed. The loader initialises the boot sequence |
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Describe what factors affect CPU performance |
- Clock speed - Cache size - Number of cores |
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Clock speed is... |
The frequency at which Fetch, Decode, Execute cycles are performed. Measured in Hz (typically GHz) |
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Cache memory is... |
Memory operating at the same speed as the CPU, so that instructions can be transferred at the same rate. However it is very expensive. It is significantly faster than standard memory, meaning that it reduces the delay of transferring from standard memory to the CPU |
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Multi core processors... |
Can process many instructions simultaneously + Faster - More complicated operating system needed to handle it |
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Describe ROM |
- Non-volatile - Small - Programmed during computer manufacture - Contains boot loader and boot sequence |
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Describe RAM |
- Volatile - Large - Stores user's programs and the operating system - Can be written to and read at any time by the computer |
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What is virtual memory |
Memory that is used as an extension of standard memory on secondary storage, when virtual memory is required is is transferred from secondary storage to RAM. It is incredibly slow,, so therefore having more RAM will decrease the amount needed therefore increase performance |
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What is flash memory |
A type of ROM that can be rewritten, therefore it can be used as a portable medium (e.g. USB stick). |
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List as many input devices as you can |
Mouse Touch Screen Foot mouse Eye Typer Keyboard Braille Keyboard Microphone Camera Barcode scanner RFID scanner foot mouse puff/suck switch sensor |
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List as many output devices as you can |
Monitor Speakers Printer Plotter Actuators |
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Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using a Magnetic hard disk |
+ They are reliable High capacity - Therefore used as primary drive to store OS Relatively cheap - Sensitive to moving parts Slower than an SSD |
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Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using an optical disk |
- Small Capacity, therefore often used to store mp3's + Cheap Lightweight and portable |
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Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using an SSD |
+ Fast Small, therefore can be used in handheld devices Consumes little power - Small data capacity Expensive |
