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?
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What are the types of computers?
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What is an embedded system?
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What are embedded systems used for?
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Are embedded systems easy to make?
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What are the components of the computer?
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What is the CPU?
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What does CPU architecture describe?
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What are the main parts of the CPU?
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What is the function of the control unit?
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What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?
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What is the cache in the CPU?
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What are registers in the CPU?
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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.