Comp sci GCSE terms

• What type of storage device is a Hard Disk?

  Magnetic
• What is a disadvantage of Hard Disks?

  They have moving parts that can be damaged
• What is the primary use of a Hard Disk?

  Store OS of a laptop
• How does an SSD differ from a Hard Disk?

  SSD has no moving parts
• What is a key feature of SSDs?

  Very robust compared to HDD
• Where are SSDs commonly used?

  In modern devices like laptops and tablets
• What type of storage device is a USB Pen Drive?

  Solid State
• What is a key advantage of USB Pen Drives?

  They are portable and robust
• What is the main use of a CD-ROM?

  Sell software cheaply
• What is a disadvantage of CD-ROMs?

  They are easy to damage
• What is cloud storage?

  Stored and accessed online
• What is a benefit of cloud storage?

  Automatically backed up data
• What type of memory is RAM?

  Random Access Memory
• What does RAM use to store data?

  Logic gates and transistors
• What happens when more RAM is added to a device?

  More software can run simultaneously
• What is a characteristic of RAM?

  It is volatile
• What does ROM stand for?

  Read Only Memory
• What is stored in ROM?

  A boot up program
• How does ROM differ from RAM?

  ROM is non-volatile
• What is the CPU's role?

  Brain of a device
• What cycle does the CPU perform?

  Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle
• What is a by-product of CPU operation?

  Heat
• What is Cache in relation to the CPU?

  RAM used by the CPU
• Why is Cache important?

  It allows super fast access
• What is the purpose of an Operating System?

  Manages hardware of device
• What does an Operating System manage?

  RAM, files, and user logins
• What is Application Software designed to do?

  Perform a task
• What is Utility Software used for?

  Maintenance tasks on a device
• What does Backup Software do?

  Automatically backs up important files
• What is the purpose of Encryption Software?

  Ensures security of personal data
• What is a Compiler?

  Creates an .exe file from HLL code
• What is an Interpreter used for?

  Executes HLL line by line
• What is a key feature of Proprietary software?

  No source code available
• What is an advantage of Open Source software?

  Source code is fully available
• What is a LAN?

  Local Area Network
• What is a characteristic of a WAN?

  Covers countries and continents
• What is the role of a Client in a Client-Server network?

  Device looking at data on the server
• What is a Peer-Peer network?

  Devices have equal rights to data
• What is a disadvantage of Wireless networks?

  Less secure than wired networks
• What is an Algorithm?

  Series of instructions to perform a task