Hardware is the physical things that make up a computer - eg CPU, moniter and printer
1 of 31
What is software?
Software is the programs or applications that a computer system runs - eg a game
2 of 31
What is the CPU?
Central processing unit - it processes all of the data and instructions that make the system work
3 of 31
RAM
RAM is high speed, volatile memory - it is the main memory in a computer - it can be read and written - it is temporary, it requires power to retain its data
4 of 31
ROM
ROM is non-volatile memory - it can be read not written
5 of 31
Virtual memory
When RAM is full, the computer moves the data that hasn't been used in a while to virtual memory -
6 of 31
Clock speed
The number of instructions a single processor core can carry out per second
7 of 31
Cache memory
Very fast memory in the CPU - it is faster than RAM - it stores reguarly used data so that the CPU can access it quickly when it is needed - very low capacity and exppensive compared to RAM
8 of 31
GPU's
Graphics processing units are specialised to handle graphics and image processing
9 of 31
Solid state drives
Storage devices with no moving parts - most are a type of flash memory
10 of 31
Advantages of HDDs
They are cheaper, they have a higher capacity, they have a longer read/write life
11 of 31
Advantages of SSDs
They are faster, they don't need defragmenting, they are silent
12 of 31
LAN
Local area network - covers a small geographical area - all hardware is owned by the organisation that uses it
13 of 31
Why use LAN?
Sharing files is easier - you can share all of the hardware, like printers, internet connection can be shared between devices, you can install and update software on all devices at once
14 of 31
WAN
Wide area network - a WAN connects LANs from different areas
15 of 31
Client server networks
Managed by a server - files and software are stored centrally on the server - clients send requests to the server - eg asking for data
16 of 31
Pros of client server
It is easy to keep track of files as they are stored centrally - easy to perform backups - easy to install and update software - servers are reliable and always on
17 of 31
Cons of client server
Expensive to set up - has to be done by and IT specialist to maintain the network and server - server dependence
18 of 31
Peer to peer networks
All devices are equal - connect directly to each other without a server - files are stored on individual devices
19 of 31
Pros of peer to peer
Easy to maintain - no dependence on server
20 of 31
Cons of peer to peer
Updates have to all be done seperately and backups are more complicated - copying files between devices causes duplicates so hard to keep track of what's stored where
21 of 31
Bus topology
All devices are arranged in a line connected to a single cable - devices send data in both directions
22 of 31
Pros and Cons of bus
P - cheap and easy to install C - if one thing fails everything is affected - there can be data collisions
23 of 31
Ring topology
Data moves in one direction around the ring - only one device can send data at a time and data passes through many devices before reaching its destination
24 of 31
Pros and cons of ring
P - it is fast C- if one thing fails everything is affected
25 of 31
Star topology
There is a central switch allowing many devices to access the server at the same time - can be wired or wireless
26 of 31
Pros and cons of star
P - high performing C- expensive
27 of 31
What is a protocol?
A set of rules for how devices communicate and how data is transmitted across a network
28 of 31
What is an IP address?
A unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet
29 of 31
What is a MAC address?
A unique number assigned to all physical interfaces
30 of 31
Data types
Integer - whole numbers only, float - decimals, boolean - true/false, character - a single letter, number or symbol, string - text
31 of 31
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is software?
Back
Software is the programs or applications that a computer system runs - eg a game
Comments
No comments have yet been made