A1.1 Computer hardware and operation

All knowledge base resources related to A1.1 Computer hardware and operation. This category is part of A1, Computer Fundamentals.

This topic explores the structure and function of computer hardware components, focusing on the CPU and GPU, types of memory, and the fetch-decode-execute cycle. It highlights differences between CPUs and GPUs, the benefits of pipelining in multi-core systems, and the role of storage and compression. The section concludes with an overview of cloud computing services, including SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, and their respective use cases and resource models.

A1.1.1 Describe the functions and interactions of the main CPU components.

A1.1.2 Describe the role of a GPU.

A1.1.3 Explain the differences between the CPU and the GPU. (HL only) HL

A1.1.4 Explain the purposes of different types of primary memory.

A1.1.5 Describe the fetch, decode and execute cycle.

A1.1.6 Describe the process of pipelining in multi-core architectures. (HL only). HL

A1.1.7 Describe internal and external types of secondary memory storage.

A1.1.8 Describe the concept of compression.

A1.1.9 Describe the different types of services in cloud computing.