A-level Computing 2009/CIE/Computer systems, communications and software/Hardware

Processor components

(a) describe the function and purpose of the control unit, memory unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) as individual parts of a processor

Primary and secondary storage

(b) explain the difference between types of primary memory and their uses (RAM, ROM)

(c) describe the basic features, advantages, disadvantages and use of secondary storage media

e.g. magnetic, optical and solid state

(d) describe use of buffers and interrupts in the transfer of data between peripheral devices and primary memory

Peripheral devices

(e) describe a range of common peripheral devices in terms of their features, benefits, drawbacks and

uses

(f) relate the choice of peripheral device to a given application, justifying the choices made

(g) understand the potential problem of speed mismatch between peripheral and processor