HARDWARE- computing GCSE EDUQAS

What is cache memory?

- Cache memory is a small-sized type of volatile computer memory.

- Provides high-speed data access to the CPU

- stores frequently used program instructions and data.

What is the purpose of the CPU?

- Process data and carry out program instructions.

- Controls and coordinates the other hardware components.

What is the role of the control unit (CU) in the CPU?

- Sends control signals to coordinate the flow of data within the CPU and to other hardware.

- Decodes instructions as part of the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle.

- Controls the timing of the processor using an internal clock.

What is the function of the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)?

- Performs arithmetic calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication).

- Carries out logical operations and comparisons (e.g., AND, OR, NOT and <, >, ==).

What is main memory/RAM?

- The primary storage area that temporarily holds data and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks.

What are registers in the CPU?

Registers are small, fast storage locations within the CPU that hold data temporarily during processing.

What is the program counter (PC)?

A register that contains the address of the next instruction to be executed in a program.

What is the current instruction register (CIR)?

A register that holds the instruction that is currently being executed by the CPU.

What is the accumulator (ACC)?

A register that stores intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations performed by the ALU.

What is the memory address register (MAR)?

A register that holds the address of the memory location from which data will be fetched or to which data will be sent.

What is the memory data register (MDR)?

A register that holds the actual data that is being transferred to or from the memory location specified by the MAR.

What are input and output devices?

- Input devices allow users to enter data into a computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse)

- Output devices display or output data from a computer (e.g., monitor, printer).

What is the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

- The CPU retrieves an instruction from memory.

- Decodes it to understand what action is required.

- Executes that instruction.

How does cache size affect CPU performance?

- Reduces the time it takes to access frequently used data and instructions, thereby speeding up processing.

What is read-only memory (ROM)?

- Non-volatile memory

- Stoes firmware or software that is not intended to be modified or erased.

What is flash memory?

-Non-volatile storage

- Electrically erased and reprogrammed

- Commonly used in USB drives and SSDs.

What are integrated and dedicated GPUs?

- Integrated GPUs are built into the CPU and share memory with it

- Dedicated GPUs are separate hardware components with their own memory, designed for high-performance graphics processing.

What are the characteristics of contemporary secondary storage technologies?

- Optical (CDs, DVDs)

- Magnetic (hard drives)

- Solid state (SSDs)

- Cloud storage

- Each have varying characteristics in capacity, durability, portability, speed, and cost.

What are embedded systems?

- Specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger systems

- Often with real-time computing constraints.

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