topic 4: computers

studied byStudied by 2 people
0.0(0)
Get a hint
Hint

input

1 / 39

flashcard set

Earn XP

40 Terms

1

input

to enter data into a computer

New cards
2

process

to change the meaning or format of some data

New cards
3

output

to display or output data that has been processed

New cards
4

sequential

following instructions in an algorithm step by step in order from start to finish

New cards
5

parallel

process is distributed between two or more processors installed

New cards
6

multi agent

separate tasks are processed by different agents

New cards
7

RAM

can be read from and written to

fast access

the operating system

software in use

the data the software is using

New cards
8

virtual memory

a part of the hard drive and used as an extension of ram

New cards
9

von neumann architecture

computer system designed in which the program is stored in memory with the data

New cards
10

cache

memory used to make up for the difference in speeds between two internal components

New cards
11

the cpu

executes programs and manages the rest of the hardware

New cards
12

control unit

controls the execution of instructions in the correct sequence

it decodes instructions

it regulates and controls processor timing using regular pulses from the system clock

it sends and receives control signals to and from other devices within the computer

New cards
13

ALU

performs arithmetic operations and logical operations

New cards
14

fetch decode execute

fetch - causes the next instruction and any data involved to be fetched from main memory

decode - decodes the instruction

execute - carries out the instruction

New cards
15

program counter

contains the address of the next instruction tot be fetched

New cards
16

address bus

unidirectional and carries the address to a desired location in the main memory

New cards
17

data bus

the data in the location is returned to the CPU

New cards
18

control bus

control signals are transported

New cards
19

clock speed

faster clock speed, faster rate of processing

however, the processor generates a large amount of heat which increases as the clock speed increases

New cards
20

factors that affect cpu performance

clock speed

number of processor cores

size of cache

New cards
21

magnetic

mechanical parts move over the disks surface to read and write data magnetically

New cards
22

optical

data is stored as pits and lands and a laser beam passes over the pits and lands

New cards
23

solid state

data is recorded onto solid memory chips without any moving parts

New cards
24

magnetic advantages

cheap

cast storage capability

fast write speed

New cards
25

magnetic disadvantages

lots of mechanical parts

durability is an issue

not very portable

New cards
26

optical advantages

cheap

very portable

takes up little space physically

New cards
27

optical disadvantages

less storage capacity compared to other types

easily damaged

requires a reader

slow write speeds

New cards
28

ssd advantages

highly durable

no moving parts

very fat read/write speeds

no noisy fan

faster start up times

New cards
29

ssd disadvantages

expensive at present

less storage capacity than traditional hsrd disk

New cards
30

cloud storage

saving data in an offsite storage system maintained by a third party

New cards
31

cloud computing advantages

able to access data and applications anytime from anywhere

no need for a powerful computer with a huge hard drive

backing up data is no longer needed

New cards
32

cloud computing disadvantages

handing over important data to other companies may worry people

sensitive data can be more vulnerable to hacking

New cards
33

truth table

a table showing all possible combinations of the inputs and outputs of an operator

New cards
34

functions of an operating system

provides user interface

manages memory, multitasking, peripherals, files and user access rights

New cards
35

different UIs

GUI

menu driven

CLI

voice activated

New cards
36

interrupts

signals sent to the cpu by external devices to indicate and event that needs immediate attention

New cards
37

embedded systems

a dedicated computer system designed to perform a few specific functions

New cards
38

security utilities

anti virus

spyware protection

firewalls

backup and recovery

New cards
39

firewall

prevents unauthorised access to a computer or network from the internet

New cards
40

disk defrag

moves separate parts of the files around so that they can be stored together

New cards

Explore top notes

note Note
studied byStudied by 123 people
... ago
5.0(1)
note Note
studied byStudied by 109 people
... ago
5.0(1)
note Note
studied byStudied by 9 people
... ago
5.0(1)
note Note
studied byStudied by 4 people
... ago
4.0(1)
note Note
studied byStudied by 13 people
... ago
5.0(1)
note Note
studied byStudied by 123 people
... ago
5.0(2)
note Note
studied byStudied by 187 people
... ago
5.0(3)
note Note
studied byStudied by 37 people
... ago
5.0(1)

Explore top flashcards

flashcards Flashcard (81)
studied byStudied by 5 people
... ago
5.0(1)
flashcards Flashcard (55)
studied byStudied by 14 people
... ago
4.0(1)
flashcards Flashcard (58)
studied byStudied by 100 people
... ago
5.0(7)
flashcards Flashcard (31)
studied byStudied by 66 people
... ago
5.0(2)
flashcards Flashcard (27)
studied byStudied by 24 people
... ago
5.0(1)
flashcards Flashcard (22)
studied byStudied by 2 people
... ago
4.0(1)
flashcards Flashcard (132)
studied byStudied by 5 people
... ago
5.0(1)
flashcards Flashcard (116)
studied byStudied by 5 people
... ago
5.0(1)
robot