Computing master flashcard set

What does CPU stand for?

Central Processing Unit

What is the CPU's job?

Process data and execute instructions.

What are the three stages of the FDE cycle?

Fetch → Decode → Execute

What does the Control Unit (CU) do?

Controls and coordinates CPU operations.

What does the ALU do?

Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

What is cache memory?

Fast memory storing frequently used data.

What does MAR store?

Memory address of data/instructions.

What does MDR store?

Data being transferred.

What does PC store?

Address of next instruction.

What does ACC store?

Results of calculations.

What is clock speed?

Number of FDE cycles per second.

What is the unit of clock speed?

Hertz (Hz).

How does clock speed affect performance?

Higher clock speed = more instructions processed.

What is a core?

An individual processor inside a CPU.

Why do more cores improve performance?

More tasks can be processed simultaneously.

Why does a larger cache improve performance?

Frequently used data is accessed faster.

What is an embedded system?

Computer built into another device for a specific task.

What are examples of embedded systems?

Washing machine, microwave, traffic lights.

What is RAM?

Volatile memory storing programs currently in use.

What does volatile mean?

Data is lost when power is off.

What is ROM?

Non-volatile memory storing startup instructions.

What does non-volatile mean?

Data remains when power is off.

What is virtual memory?

Secondary storage used as extra RAM.

Why is virtual memory slower?

It uses secondary storage instead of RAM.

What type of storage is an HDD?

Magnetic storage.

What is an advantage of HDD?

Large capacity and cheap.

What is a disadvantage of HDD?

Slower and more easily damaged.

What type of storage is an SSD?

Solid-state storage.

What is an advantage of SSD?

Fast and durable.

What is a disadvantage of SSD?

More expensive.

What type of storage uses lasers?

Optical storage.

What are examples of optical storage?

CD, DVD, Blu-ray.

What is a bit?

A binary digit (0 or 1).

How many bits are in a nibble?

4.

How many bits are in a byte?

8.

What is 1 KB?

1000 bytes.

What is 1 MB?

1000 KB.

What is 1 GB?

1000 MB.

What is 1 TB?

1000 GB.

What is binary?

Base-2 number system.

What is denary?

Base-10 number system.

What is hexadecimal?

Base-16 number system.

What are hex symbols?

0-9 and A-F.

What is ASCII?

7-bit character set.

How many characters are in ASCII?

128.

What is Unicode?

Character set supporting many languages.

What are images made of?

Pixels.

What is resolution?

Total number of pixels.

What is colour depth?

Number of bits per pixel.

What does more colour depth mean?

More colours available.

What is sample rate?

Samples taken per second.

What is bit depth?

Bits used for each sample.

What does a higher sample rate mean?

Better quality sound.

Why compress files?

Reduce file size.

What is lossy compression?

Data permanently removed.

What is an example of lossy compression?

JPEG.

What is lossless compression?

No data removed.

What is an example of lossless compression?

PNG.

What is a LAN?

Local Area Network.

What is a WAN?

Wide Area Network.

What is the Internet?

Global network of networks.

What does a router do?

Connects networks.

What does a switch do?

Connects devices in a LAN.

What is a NIC?

Network Interface Card.

What is a WAP?

Wireless Access Point.

What is an IP address?

Device address on a network.

What is a MAC address?

Unique hardware address.

What does DNS do?

Converts domain names into IP addresses.

What is a star topology?

Devices connected to a central switch/router.

What is an advantage of star topology?

Easy to manage.

What is a disadvantage of star topology?

Central device failure affects network.

What is cloud storage?

Files stored on remote servers.

What is a benefit of cloud storage?

Access anywhere.

What is a drawback of cloud storage?

Internet required.

What is malware?

Malicious software.

What is a virus?

Malware attached to files.

What is a worm?

Malware that self-replicates.

What is a Trojan?

Malware disguised as legitimate software.

What is spyware?

Software monitoring user activity.

What is phishing?

Fake messages designed to steal information.

What is social engineering?

Manipulating people into giving information.

What is brute force?

Repeated password attempts.

What is DoS?

Flooding a system with requests.

What does a firewall do?

Filters incoming and outgoing traffic.

What is encryption?

Scrambling data so it is unable to be understood

What is penetration testing?

Testing security weaknesses.

What is an operating system?

Software managing computer resources.

What is a user interface?

Allows user interaction.

What is memory management?

Controls RAM usage.

What is peripheral management?

Controls devices.

What is file management?

Organises files.

What is multitasking?

Runs multiple programs.

What is antivirus software?

Detects/removes malware.

What is backup software?

Creates copies of files.

What is compression software?

Reduces file size.

What is defragmentation software?

Reorganises HDD data.

What is the Data Protection Act 2018?

Protects personal data.

What is the Computer Misuse Act 1990?

Prevents unauthorised access.

What is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988?

Protects intellectual property.

What is e-waste?

Discarded electronic devices.