Components of a Computer System
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What is a computer?
A computer is a machine that processes data
Define hardware.
The physical stuff that makes up your computer system
Define software.
The programs that a computer system runs
Give some examples of system software.
1) operating systems 2) utilities
Give some examples of application software.
1) word processors 2) web browsers 3) email clients 4) games
What is an embedded system.
Embedded systems are computers built into other devices
Explain the role of the control unit in the CPU.
1) to execute program instructions by following the fetch-decode-execute cycle 2) controls the flow of data inside the CPU (to registers, ALU, cache) and outside the CPU (to main memory and input/output devices)
What does ALU stand for?
Arithmetic Logic Unit
What does the ALU do?
1) completes simple addition and subtraction 2) compares the size of numbers 3) can do multiplications and divisions using repeated addition and subtractions 4) performs logic operations such as AND, OR and NOT 5) performs binary shifts
What is cache?
Very fast memory in the CPU
What is cache used for?
To store regularly used data so that the CPU can access it quickly the next time it’s needed
Describe the function of the clock.
Used to synchronise when instructions will be carried out (like a metronome)
What is a bus?
A collection of wires that are used to transmit data between components of the CPU and other parts of the computer system
Describe what happens at each stage of the CPU fetch-decode-execute cycle.
1) fetch - the control unit reads the memory address of the next CPU instruction. The instruction stored in that address is copied from memory to one of the registers. The memory address in the control unit is incremented to point to the address of the next instruction, ready for the next cycle 2) decode - the instruction that was copied from memory is decoded by the control unit. The control unit prepares for the next step 3) execute - the instruction is performed
What is volatile memory?
Temporary memory that requires power to retain its data
What is non-volatile memory?
Permanent memory that keeps its contents even when it has no power
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
Describe how RAM is used in a computer system.
To store all data, files and programs when they’re being used
Explain why ROM is required by a computer system.
It contains all the instructions a computer needs to properly boot up. These instructions are called the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
Which usually has more RAM: an embedded system or a non-embedded system?
Non-embedded systems
What characteristics of a processor may affect its performance?
1) clock speed 2) CPU cores 3) cache size 4) cache type
Define primary storage.
The memory areas that the CPU can access directly
Define secondary storage.
Non-volatile storage that isn’t directly accessible by the CPU
Give some examples of primary storage.
1) CPU registers 2) cache 3) ROM 4) RAM