System Architecture - Computer Systems

Question 1

What is a computer system?

Answer 1

Hardware and software working together to complete a task

Question 2

What does a computer system do?

Answer 2

A computer system takes INPUT, PROCESSES the data that has been input and the OUTPUTs it

Question 3

What is meant by hardware?

Answer 3

A physical component of a computer system

Question 4

What hardware components are usually found in a computer system?

Answer 4

• CPU
• Power Supply Unit
• Cooling Fan
• CPU Heat Sink
• Graphics Card
• Optical Drive
• RAM
• Hard Disk Drive
• Motherboard
• ROM

Question 5

What is a peripheral device?

Answer 5

• A device that is not directly connected to the CPU
• A peripheral does not take part in the computers core architecture involved in memory and processing
• Peripherals include input hardware, output hardware and storage devices.

Question 6

What is the purpose of an input device?

Answer 6

Sends data and control signals to the CPU for processing

Question 7

Name 3 of the most common input devices

Answer 7

• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Webcam
• Games controller
• Touch Screen
• Sensor

Question 8

What is the purpose of an output device?

Answer 8

A device that receives information from the CPU and turns it into human-usable form

Question 9

Name 3 of the most common output devices

Answer 9

• Screen / monitor
• Printer
• Speakers
• Headphones

Question 10

What is meant by an ‘embedded system’?

Answer 10

A computer system that is built into another device

Question 11

What are 3 examples of common embedded systems?

Answer 11

• Dishwasher
• MP3 player
• Washing machine
• Mobile phone
• Manufacturing equipment
• Satellite Navigation system
• DVD Player
• Oven

Question 12

What are the characteristics of an embedded system?

Answer 12

• Usually used in control systems.
• Usually used to monitor and control machinery
• It has a dedicated / specific function within a larger device
• Software is programmed into the device (usually in ROM)

Question 13

What are the benefits of using an embedded system instead of a general purpose computer?

Answer 13

• Size - embedded systems are smaller than general purpose computers - therefore the device can be smaller than an general purpose computer (e.g. worn within fitness tracker / smart watch / smart phone)
• Cost - embedded systems are cheaper to produce than general purpose computers - this keep down the cost of producing the device
• Reliability - embedded systems tend to be more reliable than general purpose computers - therefore the device is less likely to break
• Reliability - the whole system may still function if a non-essential embedded system does not work /damaged
• Efficient - embedded systems are more efficient at doing task
• Energy - embedded systems are low powered devices - therefore use less power / electricity to run than a general purpose computer

Question 14

What parts of a Smart TV would use an embedded system?

Answer 14

• Wi-fi connectivity
• Backlighting
• Speaker control
• Internet browsing

Question 15

What parts of a washing machine would use an embedded system?

Answer 15

• Program control
• Temperature sensor
• Thermostat control
• Door lock control
• Water pumps

Question 16

What is meant by software?

Answer 16

The programs or applications that a computer can run

Question 17

What is meant by Firmware?

Answer 17

• Software that is embedded into hardware
• The software is stored permanently in the device