Computing Revision

Computing Revision

1. Computing Hardware

   • CPU
     • Carries out all of the processing in a computer
     • Fetch-Decode-Execute
   • Input-Output
     • Input - enter data into a computer system for processing
     • Output - Shows the results of data that has been processed by a computer
     • Peripheral - Hardware device connected to a computer and is controlled by the CPU
   • RAM
     • Random Access Memory
     • Stores programs and data that the computer is currently using
     • It is volatile, which means that everything stored in it will be lost when the power is turned off
   • ROM
     • Read Only Memory
     • It is non-volatile
   • Secondary Storage
     • Internal Hard Drive
       • Advantages: Cheap • Fast • Good reliability
       • Disadvantages: Not portable
     • Portable Hard Disk
       • Advantages: Cheap + good storage capability • Fast • Good reliability
       • Disadvantages: Can be affected by heat and magnetic fields
     • Optical (CD/DVD)
       • Advantages: Very cheap. • Very portable as thin as light. • Takes up little space physically
       • Disadvantages: Less capacity • Slow write speeds
     • Solid State Drive
       • Advantages: Very fast read/write speeds so faster start up times / data transfer times
       • Disadvantages: Expensive at present, • Less storage capacity than traditional hard drives
     • USB Flash Drive
       • Advantages: Fast and small/portable
       • Disadvantages: Can corrupt if removed from PC too quickly

2. Software

   • Software is the term given to programs on our computers