Computing GCSE: The stored program concept

What is computer architecture?

The hardware components of a computer system.

What is the CPU?

The Central Processing Unit, used to decode and execute program instructions fetched from memory one at a time.

What is the main memory?

A memory unit into which program instructions and data are loaded prior to being processed.

What are input and output mechanisms?

Mechanisms to input programs and data and output the results of processing.

What is the term for the 3 above components and when was the system invented?

The Von Neumann architecture, the 1940s.

What is another name for main memory and what does it stand for?

RAM, Random Access Memory.

What does RAM hold?

Program instructions and data that the CPU is currently using.

What does this mean?

That RAM is short-term, working memory.

What does RAM consist of?

A collection of storage locations that can hold a program instruction or item of data.

What does each storage location have?

Its own unique address.

Fill in the blanks:

Storage locations can be ____ from and _______ to in any order.

read, written.

What type of storage is the RAM classed as?

Primary storage as the CPU has fast, direct access to it.

What happens to the RAM when the computer is switched off?

It is completely wiped as the RAM is volatile.

What is a typical amount of RAM for a modern mobile phone or laptop?

Between 4 and 32 GiB.

What did the stored program concept allow to happen?

It made computers easy and quick to reprogram, because they were able to store program instructions and data in memory.