Understanding Computer Systems

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts about computer systems, including hardware, software, data representation, and networking.

What are the two main sides of a computer system?

Hardware and software.

What is the function of the input unit?

To get information or instructions into the computer.

What does a CPU primarily do?

It finds and runs instructions in a program.

What are the three basic components of a CPU?

Registers, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and control unit (CU).

What is the main task of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?

To perform math and logic operations.

What cycle does the control unit follow?

Fetch, decode, execute.

What is the difference between primary storage and secondary storage?

Primary storage (RAM) is temporary and fast; secondary storage (like hard drives) is permanent and slower.

What is the smallest unit of data in a computer?

A bit.

What does the interface unit do?

It serves as the bridge for communication between the CPU and other components.

What are different types of data compression?

Lossy compression, which sacrifices some quality to reduce file size, and lossless compression, which retains all original data.

What are the essential ingredients for data communication?

A sender, a receiver, a channel, and protocols.

What is bandwidth?

The amount of data that can be transmitted per second.

What is the TCP/IP model?

A layered model that organizes protocols for Internet communication.

How do computers represent information?

Computers store everything as binary code, which consists of zeros and ones.

What is the difference between hard copy and soft copy?

A hard copy is a physical printout, while a soft copy is digital information stored on a device.

What defines a local area network (LAN)?

A network that connects devices in a small area, like a home or office.

What is encapsulation in networking?

The process of adding headers to data as it moves through the layers of the TCP/IP model.