Ict2

• Cache Size

  Cache temporarily stores frequently used instructions and data. It is quicker to search Cache memory than RAM, thus increasing processor speed
• Clock Speed


  Indicates the speed at which the CPU can operate. The standard unit of measurement for clock speed is Gigahertz (GHz)
• The CPU clock speed is measured in cycles per second. 1 cycle per second = 1 Hertz
• The clock speed influences the speed at which the CPU executes commands
• Cache memory has extremely fast access, so sections of a program and its associated data are copied there to take advantage of its short fetch-execute cycle
• Number of Cores

  A core can be defined as a single processor. Modern computers contain more than one processor to speed up clock speed/processing power. Most modern CPUs have two, four, or even more cores
• A typical desktop computer runs at 3000 million times per second or 3GHz
• A dual core processor can fetch and execute two instructions in the same time it takes a single core processor to fetch and execute just one instruction. A quad core processor has four cores and can carry out even more instructions in the same period of time
• Accumulator


  Before being transferred and stored in main memory
• The use of cache memory can greatly reduce processing time
• Cache memory greatly reduces processing time, and the greater the Cache size, the quicker the processing time
• The greater the clock speed, the greater the processing power
• The higher the clock speed, the more instruction cycles can be carried out per second, leading to better performance and quicker work
• RAM (Random Access Memory) stores data temporarily while the computer is running
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer, it controls all other components
• A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically.
• Peripherals allow computers to access from multiple locations
• Peripherals are devices attached to networked computers
• Peripherals control access to devices
• Examples of input devices

  • Mouse
  • Graphics digitiser
  • Touch-sensitive screen
  • Microphone
• Network cabling may need to be managed or breaks down, affecting all users
• A server will allow all computers on the network to share data
• Peripherals such as maintaining expensive passwords
• Peripherals


  • Input device
  • Output device
• Peripherals allow data to be shared through the network, which is more efficient
• Graphics digitiser

  • Can create more accurate digital hand drawings than a mouse
• Security of the network using large peripherals can slow down
• Examples of output devices

  • Laser printer
  • 3D printer
  • Speaker
• 3D printer


  • Allows for rapid production of prototypes and the ability to customize the products you are printing
  • Still very expensive and their use is limited by size constraints
• Microphone

  • Converts analogue sound waves into digital format
  • Requires a certain level of dexterity to use
• Mouse

  • Both an input and output device
  • Very easy to use
• Touch-sensitive screen

  • Allows a user to control a computer using a GUI
  • Can be less accurate than a mouse for precise work
• Laser printer


  • Can print large numbers of pages quickly and in high quality
  • More expensive than some other types of printer
• Speaker


  • Allows users to hear music, voices, or communications directly from the computer
  • More expensive than some other types of printer