Hardware
Overview
Underneath every app, game and website sits the same handful of physical components doing the same handful of jobs: something that carries out instructions, something that holds them while they are used, something that stores them long-term, and something that gets data in and results out. Understanding how these pieces of hardware fit together, and what makes some computers faster than others, is the foundation for everything else in this course.
In this lesson you will learn how the CPU, memory, storage and input/output devices work together, the differences between RAM, ROM, cache and virtual memory, how the fetch-decode-execute cycle carries out a stored program, what makes one CPU faster than another, how data is physically stored on different types of media, and why some devices use embedded systems instead of a general-purpose computer.
Objectives
- Understand the function of the hardware components of a computer system (central processing unit (CPU), main memory, secondary storage, input and output devices) and how they work together
- Understand the function of different types of memory (random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), cache, virtual memory)
- Understand the concept of a stored program and the role of components of the CPU (control unit (CU), arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), registers, clock, address bus, data bus, control bus) in the fetch-decode-execute cycle (the Von Neumann model)
- Understand factors that affect the performance of the CPU (clock speed, number of processor cores, size of cache, type of cache)
- Understand how data is stored on physical devices (magnetic, optical, solid state)
- Understand the concept of storing data in the cloud and other contemporary secondary storage
- Understand the need for embedded systems and their functions
Mind map
This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.
Open the mind map in the app
Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
Practise these cards in the app
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Hardware. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which type of memory is volatile and holds the programs and data currently in use? A) ROM B) RAM C) Cache D) Optical storage Answer: B
- Which CPU component performs arithmetic and logical operations? A) Control unit B) Arithmetic/logic unit C) Clock D) Address bus Answer: B
- Which bus carries the address of the memory location the CPU wants to access? A) Data bus B) Control bus C) Address bus D) System bus Answer: C
- Which factor allows a CPU to process more than one instruction at exactly the same time? A) A higher clock speed alone B) A larger ROM C) Having multiple processor cores D) A smaller cache Answer: C
- Which storage technology stores data using transistors that are switched on or off, with no moving parts? A) Magnetic B) Optical C) Solid state D) Cloud Answer: C
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Hardware? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
