Unit 4 - Computer Systems

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Describe an AND Gate.
If both inputs (a + b) are TRUE than the output (p) is TRUE.
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Describe an OR Gate.
If either input (a or b) is TRUE than the output (p) is TRUE.
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Describe a NOT Gate.
If the input (a) is True then the output (p) is FALSE. If the input (a) is FALSE the the output (p) is TRUE
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What does CPU mean?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit
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What is the function of the CPU?
The CPU is responsible for all of a computer's processing e.g executing programs or managing hardware.
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Describe the Von Neumann Architecture.
Data and programs could be stored in the same memory, meaning only one set of RAM is required. Many smartphones still follow the basic Von Neumann design however include the Harvard Architecture of having two RAMs.
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State the disadvantage of the Von Neumann Architecture.
Only having one set of RAM means that processes can only be done one at a time which is slower compared to a smartphone.
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Name the three main components of the CPU.
Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit and Main Memory (RAM).
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What does the Control Unit do?
The Control Unit co-ordinates all the activities taking place within the CPU.
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What does the Arithmetic Logic Unit do?
Performs two sorts of operations on data. Arithmetic Operations (+,-, *, /). Logic Operations (x > y).
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What does the Register do?
The register is temporary storage for the calculations in the ALU.
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What is the Clock?
The system clock controls the timing of the processor (KHz or GHz) and synchronises all CPU operations.
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What is a Bus?
A Bus is a set of parallel wires connecting two or more components of the computer.
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What does the Address Bus do?
The Address Bus stores the address of the memory or device controller to be written to or read from.
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What does the Data Bus do?
The Data Bus carries data throughout the computer system.
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What does the Control Bus do?
The Control Bus uses control signals to control all activities within the CPU.
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Define Hardware.
Hardware is any physical component that makes up the computer e.g monitor or keyboard.
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Define Software.
Software is any program that runs on the computer e.g web browser or word processing document.
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Define System Software.
System Software are programs that are needed to enable the computer to function. For example, and operating system such as Windows.
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Define Application Software.
Application Software are programs that are needed to enable the user to perform a task on the computer e.g word processing software.
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What is an Operating System?
An Operating System is software that manages a computer's hardware and provides userinterphase.
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Name four functions of an Operating System.
Memory Management (allocates free blocks of memory). Processor Management (allocates processing time). Peripheral Management (input devices, output devices and secondary storage). Disk and File Management (manages where the file is written).
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Describe Utility Programs.
Utility Programs provide extra functionality that makes it easier to use. Can be packaged as part if the Operating System or brought alone as stand alone programs.
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What are Security Utility Programs?
Security Utilities are software programs created to protect the files and data e.g antivirus or firewalls.
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What do File Organisation Utilities do?
Some processes that File Organisation Utilities carry out are Disk Defragmentation (reorganises files so they are stored together), Repairing Corrupted Files, Saving files on a disk and Automatic Updates.
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What happens with Backup Utilities?
Data and Files are saved onto a hard disk so if there is an error with the computer, you can go back to the data where it was working.
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What are Compression Utilities?
Compression Utilities make files smaller by removing unnecessary data so that they are easier to store.
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Explain the Fetch-Execute Cycle.
Fetch causes the next instruction and any data involved to be fetched from the main memory. Decode, decodes the instruction. Execute carries out the instruction and then it's REPEATED.
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What affects the CPU's performance?
Number of Processor Cores, Clock Speed and Cache Memory.
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How does the Number of Processor Cores affect the CPU's performance?
The more cores means that there are potentially more processors which can processor more data at one time. This improves the CPU's performance.
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How does the Clock Speed affect the CPU's performaace?
The higher the Clock Speed, the more instructions can be executed per second so processing time is improved.
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How does Cache Memory affect the CPU'S performance?
The more Cache Memory there is, the more data that can be stored closer to the CPU which is faster than fetching it from the disk so performance is improved.
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What is Cache Memory?
Cache Memory is a small amount of very fast and expensive memory.
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Give one advantage of Cache Memory.
It is located on the CPU chip and is connected via a seperate bus to the processor meaning that it is instantly available.
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What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
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Describe RAM.
RAM is volatile memory (meaning the data is wiped) and can be read from and written to quickly.
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What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
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Describe ROM.
ROM is non-volatile (meaning the data isn't wiped) and can't be written to, only read from.
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What is Virtual Memory?
Virtual Memory is part of the hard drive as an extension to RAM.
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Give three advantages of Solid State Drives.
Highly durable, no moving parts and very fast reading and writing speeds.
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Give three disadvantages of Solid State Drives.
Expensive, Less storage capacity/ physical size than traditional hard disks.
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Describe Flash Memory.
Large electric current is used to force electrons through a barrier and trap them on the other side. They remain on the other side until 'flashed' with a new current.
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What is an Embedded System?
An Embedded Computer is a single microprocessor that includes RAM, ROM and a CPU.
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What is an Embedded System used for?
It's frequently used to control a device using simple controls.
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Give three examples of an Embedded System.
Dishwasher, Mobile Phone and Toaster.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Describe an OR Gate.

Back

If either input (a or b) is TRUE than the output (p) is TRUE.

Card 3

Front

Describe a NOT Gate.

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What does CPU mean?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What is the function of the CPU?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

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