The Arithmetic Logic Unit carries out all of the arithmetic and logical operations - It is part of the CPU.
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What is the CU?
The Control Unit uses electrical signals to control the flow of data within the CPU.
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What is the Fetch-Execute Cycle?
This is when the computer FETCHES the instruction from memory, DECODES the instruction to find out what processing to do and then EXECUTES the instruction.
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What is the boot sequence?
This is a sequence of processes that contains all of the information and instructions to get the computer up and running. It contains the boot loader, a program that starts this sequence once the computer is switched on.
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What does the speed at which the CPU can process data depend on?
Clock Speed, Cache memory and the number of Processor core.
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What is the CPU clock speed?
The speed of the fetch-execute cycle is determined by an electronic clock chip. The clock speed is measured in cycles per second (Hertz - Hz).
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What is Cache Memory?
The Cpu cannot constantly retrieve data from the main memory since this will cause delays so data that is in use is transferred to cache memory. Cache memory has access times similar to the CPU but it is very expensive.
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What is a multi-core processor?
Multi-Core processors use multiple CPUs working together so that the CPU can fetch, decode and execute instructions at the same time. So more data is processed simultaneously but more complicated operating systems are needed to manage them.
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Describe RAM.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, contains the operating system, can be accessed and changed by the computer at any time and stores programs and data being used by the computer.
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Describe ROM.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile, programmed during manufacture, stores instructions and data needed to start up the computer and contains the boot loader.
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What is Virtual Memory?
Virtual memory is part of the hard drive and used as an extension of RAM. It is used when the RAM is full but access to virtual memory is slower than to RAM.. Adding more RAM reduces the use of virtual memory and improves performance.
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What is Flash Memory?
Flash Memory is a type of ROM that can be rewritten and is used as a portable medium for storing and transferring data. e.g. USB memory stick uses flash memory.
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Give some examples of Input Devices.
Keyboards, Mouses, Microphones, Cameras, Bar Code Scanner etc.
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Give some examples of Output Devices.
Monitors, Printers, Speakers, Plotters etc.
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What is an input device for users with special needs?
A Concept Keyboard - Assists users with motor disabilities by offering a larger key area, a simplified layout and simplified design and images on the keys help people with learning difficulties.
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What is an output device for users with special needs?
A Braille Printer - Ideal for people with visual impairments since it operates by embossing raised braille dots onto braille paper.
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Why is secondary storage needed?
This stores data and programs when the power is switched off.
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Describe the magnetic hard disk.
This stores the operating system, installed programs and user data. It is reliable, has a high capacity and is low cost.
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Describe the Optical Disk.
This is ideal for transferring files or distributing software. It is lightweight and portable with a good capacity and low cost.
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What are the main considerations when selecting storage?
Capacity, speed, portability, durability and reliability.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is the CU?
Back
The Control Unit uses electrical signals to control the flow of data within the CPU.
Card 3
Front
What is the Fetch-Execute Cycle?
Back
Card 4
Front
What is the boot sequence?
Back
Card 5
Front
What does the speed at which the CPU can process data depend on?
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