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Brainlag Learn / GCSE Computer Science

Computer systems

The CPU and the fetch-execute cycle step by step, what makes a CPU fast, RAM, ROM and virtual memory, secondary storage, and system software.

Lessons

  1. The CPU and the fetch-execute cycleThe parts of the CPU, the von Neumann architecture, the registers and the fetch-execute cycle, stepped through one micro-step at a time. 25 min, free
  2. CPU performance and embedded systemsHow clock speed, the number of cores and the size of the cache affect performance, and what makes a computer an embedded system. 20 min, free
  3. MemoryRAM, ROM, cache and virtual memory: what each holds, how fast it is and what happens when RAM runs out. 20 min, Plus
  4. Secondary storageMagnetic, optical and solid state storage, their characteristics, cloud storage, and capacity and transfer calculations. 25 min, Plus
  5. System softwareWhat an operating system does, the utility software that keeps a computer running well, and how code reviews and audit trails make software robust. 20 min, Plus

Practise and test

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