topic 4: computers

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40 Terms

1

input

to enter data into a computer

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2

process

to change the meaning or format of some data

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3

output

to display or output data that has been processed

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4

sequential

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

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5

parallel

process is distributed between two or more processors installed

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6

multi agent

separate tasks are processed by different agents

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7

RAM

can be read from and written to

fast access

the operating system

software in use

the data the software is using

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8

virtual memory

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

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9

von neumann architecture

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

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10

cache

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

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11

the cpu

executes programs and manages the rest of the hardware

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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

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13

ALU

performs arithmetic operations and logical operations

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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

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15

program counter

contains the address of the next instruction tot be fetched

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16

address bus

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

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17

data bus

the data in the location is returned to the CPU

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18

control bus

control signals are transported

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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

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20

factors that affect cpu performance

clock speed

number of processor cores

size of cache

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21

magnetic

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

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22

optical

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

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23

solid state

data is recorded onto solid memory chips without any moving parts

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24

magnetic advantages

cheap

cast storage capability

fast write speed

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25

magnetic disadvantages

lots of mechanical parts

durability is an issue

not very portable

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26

optical advantages

cheap

very portable

takes up little space physically

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27

optical disadvantages

less storage capacity compared to other types

easily damaged

requires a reader

slow write speeds

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28

ssd advantages

highly durable

no moving parts

very fat read/write speeds

no noisy fan

faster start up times

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29

ssd disadvantages

expensive at present

less storage capacity than traditional hsrd disk

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30

cloud storage

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

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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

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32

cloud computing disadvantages

handing over important data to other companies may worry people

sensitive data can be more vulnerable to hacking

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33

truth table

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

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34

functions of an operating system

provides user interface

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

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35

different UIs

GUI

menu driven

CLI

voice activated

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36

interrupts

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

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37

embedded systems

a dedicated computer system designed to perform a few specific functions

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38

security utilities

anti virus

spyware protection

firewalls

backup and recovery

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39

firewall

prevents unauthorised access to a computer or network from the internet

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40

disk defrag

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

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