Components of a Computer System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a computer?

The purpose of a computer is to take data, process it, then output it.

What does a computer system consist of?

A computer system consists of hardware and software that work together to process data/complete tasks.

What is hardware?

Hardware is the physical stuff that makes up your computer system, like the CPU, motherboard, monitor, and printer.

What is software?

Software is the programs or applications that a computer system runs, such as an operating system, a word processor, or a video game. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of computers?

There are many types of computer systems, ranging from small devices like calculators to large supercomputers. Signup and view all the answers

What is an embedded system?

Embedded systems are computers built into other devices, like dishwashers, microwaves, and TVs. Signup and view all the answers

What are embedded systems used for?

Embedded systems are often used as control systems to monitor and manage machinery. Signup and view all the answers

Are embedded systems easy to make?

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of the computer?

Power supply, case cooling fan, CPU heat sink, CPU, optical drive, RAM sticks, hard disk drive, motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the CPU?

The CPU is the brains of the computer system that processes data and instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What does CPU architecture describe?

CPU architecture describes the main components of the CPU and their interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main parts of the CPU?

The control unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and the cache. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the control unit?

The control unit executes program instructions by following the fetch-decode-execute cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?

The ALU performs calculations, logical operations, and binary shifts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cache in the CPU?

The cache is very fast memory used to store regularly used data for quick access. Signup and view all the answers

What are registers in the CPU?

Registers are temporary storage locations that hold tiny bits of data needed by the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of a Computer

Processes data efficiently, performing tasks more effectively than humans.

Components of a Computer System

Comprises hardware and software that collaboratively process data and execute tasks.

Hardware

Refers to the tangible components of a computer system: CPU, motherboard, monitor, and printer.

Software

Consists of programs and applications that the computer runs, such as operating systems and applications like word processors or video games.

Types of Computers

Includes a variety of systems, from small devices (calculators, watches) to large supercomputers.
General purpose systems (e.g., PCs, tablets) are designed for multiple tasks while dedicated systems focus on a specific function (e.g., traffic control, aircraft navigation).

Embedded Systems

Defined as computers integrated into other devices (e.g., microwaves, TVs) and typically function as dedicated systems.

Uses of Embedded Systems

Function as control systems that monitor and regulate machinery to achieve specified outcomes, such as managing water pumps and cycles in dishwashers.

Design and Production of Embedded Systems

Generally easier to design, less expensive to produce, and optimized for performance on specific tasks compared to general-purpose computers.

Key Components of a Computer

Power Supply: Provides energy to hardware components.
Case Cooling Fan: Expels hot air from the system.
CPU Heat Sink and Cooling Fan: Maintain CPU temperature.
CPU: Central processing unit responsible for executing data processing.
Optical Drive: Reads/writes optical disks.
RAM Sticks: Temporarily store data for quick access.
Hard Disk Drive: Serves as internal secondary storage.
Motherboard: Main circuit board linking all hardware components.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Acts as the brain of the computer, processing data and executing instructions.
Processing power is determined by characteristics such as clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.

CPU Architecture

Defines the key components of the CPU and their interactions, including main types: Von Neumann and Harvard architecture.

Main Parts of the CPU

Comprises three essential components: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Cache.

Control Unit

Oversees the CPU operations and executes program instructions via the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
Manages data flow within the CPU and to/from the main memory and I/O devices.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs arithmetic calculations (addition, subtraction) and logic operations (AND, OR, NOT).
Can execute multiplication and division through repeated addition/subtraction.

Cache

High-speed memory located within the CPU, acting as an intermediary between the CPU and RAM.
Faster than RAM but has limited capacity and higher cost.
Different cache levels (L1, L2, L3) with varying speeds and capacities, where L1 is the fastest and smallest.

Registers

Small, quick storage locations within the CPU hold temporary data necessary for processing, offering rapid read/write capabilities.

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Description

These flashcards cover the essential components of a computer system. They focus on the purpose of a computer, its key elements, such as hardware and software, and how they work together to process data efficiently. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their foundational knowledge in computer science.