TOPIC 4 Computers Knowledge Organiser Quizlets “04 Computers…”

Hardware Memory Binary logic Central processing unit (CPU)

- Definition - Purpose - Why binary? (transistors) - Arithmetic & logic unit
- Input devices - Effect on Performance - Logic gates - Control unit
- Process devices - Random Access Memory - Registers (Memory Unit)
- Storage devices (RAM) (Volatile) - Fetch-decode-execute
- Output devices - Read Only Memory (ROM) - Buses and their purposes
- Von Neumann (Non-volatile) - Logic Statements: - The boot sequence
architecture - Virtual memory P = T AND NOT(D) Features affecting performance:
- Flash memory Truth Tables - Clock speed (MHz, GHz)
- Read/Write operations - Cache memory
Input devices - Multiple cores
Move data into the computer
Secondary storage
- Keyboard - Magnetic hard disk
- Mouse - Optical disk
- Touch screen - Flash memory
- Microphone - Cloud Storage
- Camera Non-volatile
- Sensor Internal/Removable
- Bar code scanner Considerations for selecting storage:
- Foot mouse Capacity / Speed / Portability / Durability /
- Accelerometer Reliability
- GPS
- Braille keyboard

Output devices Computer Systems

Move data out of the computer The Input-Process-Output model
- Monitor Different systems, pros & cons:
- Printer - Input-Process-Output model
- Plotter - General-purpose systems
- Speakers - Embedded systems
- Actuators - Expert systems
- LEDs
 TOPIC 4 Computers Knowledge Organiser Quizlets “04 Computers…”

Software Types of Software Programming languages.

Features and Purpose - Applications: Software for the - Low level languages:
- System Software End-User - Machine code (binary)
- Operating System - Word processor - Assembly code
- Drivers - Spreadsheets - Mnemonics (MOV, CMP)
- Applications - Image Editor - CPU-specific
- Utilities - SIMS - High level languages:
- Ticket booking system - Source code
System software - Utilities - English-Like, Abstract
- Software that controls the - Antivirus - Compiled (C++)
hardware: OS and Drivers - Firewall - Interpreted (Python)
- System clean up - Portable across devices
- Defragmentation
- Task Manager
4.1.1 understand the input-process-output model
understand the function of the hardware components of a computer system (CPU,
Programming software 4.2.1 main memory, secondary storage, input and output devices) and how they work
together
- Editors / IDEs
4.2.2 understand the function of different types of main memory (RAM, ROM, cache)
- Translators
understand the concept of a stored program and the role of components of the CPU
- Compiler 4.2.3 (control unit (CU), arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), registers, clock, address bus, data bus,
- Interpreter control bus) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle (the Von Neumann model)
- Assembler 4.2.4 understand how data is stored on physical devices (magnetic, optical, solid state)
- Pros and Cons of 4.2.5
understand the concept of storing data in the ‘cloud’ and other contemporary
different translators secondary storage
4.2.6 understand the need for embedded systems and their functions
4.3.1 be able to construct truth tables for a given logic statement (AND, OR, NOT)
Security 4.3.2 be able to produce logic statements for a given problem
- Malware (viruses) know what an operating system is and how it manages files, processes, hardware and
4.4.1
- Patching Simulation & Modelling the user interface
- Purpose of Modelling understand the purpose and functions of utility software (managing, repairing and
- Authentication 4.4.2
converting files; compression; defragmentation; backing up; anti-virus, anti-spyware)
- Access Levels - Pros and Cons
4.4.3 understand how software can be used to simulate and model aspects of the real world
- Encryption - Modelling Software
understand what is meant by high-level and low-level programming languages and
4.5.1
- Back-ups understand their suitability for a particular task
understand what is meant by an assembler, a compiler and an interpreter
4.5.2 when translating programming languages and know the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
FAQ’s
Does ROM store the operating system?
No. The operating system is stored on secondary storage. ROM holds BIOS which locates all of the
hardware prior to the operating system loading. It will then get the processor to load the OS by pointing to
where it is stored.
Why does RAM not always speed a computer up?
Adding more RAM to a system will only help if the RAM that is currently installed is always filled to
100% and more space is needed.
Is flash memory really memory?
Yes. Flash memory is different to RAM though as it is non-volatile.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory.htm
Do students need to understand how the different types of storage work?
Students do not need to learn about how each one functions, but they need to know how the data is stored
e.g. using magnetised elements, lasers, logic circuits.
Does a Defragmentation tool need to be run on both a standard magnetic hard disk drive and a solid
state drive?
No. The reason that it is important to use a defragmentation tool on a magnetic disk drive is because the
read/write arm has to move to desired track/sector.
Solid state drives have no moving parts and therefore it doesn’t make a noticeable different to the speed of
reading fragmented data.
Drives can be optimised, but it can do more harm than good trying to defragment a solid state drive.
What is a penetration tester?
A penetration tester tests a computer system, network or web application to find vulnerabilities that an
attacker could exploit.
How can companies protect themselves from SQL injection?
Similar to using a virus scanner on a computer, patches are released to protect against vulnerabilities.
Will anti-virus protect a computer from all viruses?
Anti-virus companies release patches to protect against vulnerabilities they have recognised, similar to that
of operating system manufacturers. New threats are emerging daily therefore it is up to the manufacturer to
develop a patch and for it to be implemented on a system constantly to provide the best security possible.
Misconceptions
Students refer to their USB memory stick as a USB. USB is a connection protocol, not a storage device. A
USB memory stick is a solid state storage device that connects to the PC through a USB Port.
When recalling optical, students often associate it with vision, not the use of lasers and light.
Students often say things are “faster”; Students must be confident that they understand transfer speeds.
E.g. All storage devices will appear to transfer the 10KB files very quickly - but for large files - SSD would
be the fastest due to its data transfer speeds.
Judging the “best devices” for use; It may be that there are other justifications for using mediums compared
to ones that may appear obvious - where students provide well supported arguments for use/selection of a
storage device, award credit. E.g. Choice of medium for a PC - you could argue SSD or Magnetic HDDs
are the best option - dependent on circumstances.
Virtual memory is only created and used if needed, as it is much slower than RAM. Virtual memory is
controlled/created by the Operating System.
Some people refer to Storage Space as memory; In computers, memory management refers to the
computer's primary memory – which is the RAM (Random Access Memory). There is often a
misconception that storage space on the hard disk drive is called memory – with comments “the hard disk
drive is out of memory – I therefore have to delete some files” being made. Storage Space refers to any
long term storage of data and memory management refers to the management of the computer's RAM (for
short term storage of data and instructions)
Multi-tasking; The processor completes lots of processes at exactly the same time. The processor divides
its time up between processes – therefore it appears to complete many processes at the same time, but
actually the processor is allocated to each task for a very small amount of time before moving onto the next
task.
Each process is said to be given a time slice of the processor. To a user it appears that all tasks are taking
place at the same time. However multi-core processors, technically can have more than one process at the
same time, but only because there are more “cores” (processors) each doing one thing at a time.
Confusion between worm and a virus; Worms and viruses replicate in order to spread however worms do
not need to attach themselves to a program unlike viruses.
Edexcel 9-1 Computer Science Specification:
This is what Edexcel say you need to know… Do you?
Machines and
4.1 computational 4.1.1 understand the input-process-output model
modelling
understand the function of the hardware components of a computer system
4.2.1 (CPU, main memory, secondary storage, input and output devices) and how
they work together
understand the function of different types of main memory (RAM, ROM,
4.2.2
cache)
understand the concept of a stored program and the role of components of
the CPU (control unit (CU), arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), registers, clock,
4.2 Hardware 4.2.3
address bus, data bus, control bus) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle (the
Von Neumann model)
understand how data is stored on physical devices (magnetic, optical, solid
4.2.4
Topic 4 - Computers

state)
understand the concept of storing data in the ‘cloud’ and other
4.2.5
contemporary secondary storage
4.2.6 understand the need for embedded systems and their functions
4.3.1 be able to construct truth tables for a given logic statement (AND, OR, NOT)
4.3 Logic
4.3.2 be able to produce logic statements for a given problem
know what an operating system is and how it manages files, processes,
4.4.1
hardware and the user interface
understand the purpose and functions of utility software (managing,
4.4 Software 4.4.2 repairing and converting files; compression; defragmentation; backing up;
anti-virus, anti-spyware)
understand how software can be used to simulate and model aspects of the
4.4.3
real world
understand what is meant by high-level and low-level programming
4.5.1
languages and understand their suitability for a particular task
Programming
4.5 languages understand what is meant by an assembler, a compiler and an interpreter
4.5.2 when translating programming languages and know the advantages and
disadvantages of each.