Factors That Influence Performance (Grade 12 NSC Matric Computer Application Technology): Revision Notes

Factors That Influence Performance

Introduction

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM plays a crucial role in your computer's performance by temporarily storing data that your processor needs to access quickly. Think of RAM as your computer's short-term memory - it holds information that programmes are currently using so the processor doesn't have to fetch it from slower storage devices like hard drives.

When your computer runs slowly, it might be because you don't have enough RAM. Here's why this happens: if there isn't sufficient RAM to store all the data your programmes need, your computer has to constantly swap information between RAM and your hard drive. Since hard drives are much slower than RAM, this creates a bottleneck that slows everything down.

Processor performance factors

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of your computer, responsible for receiving and carrying out all the computer's instructions. It handles everything from processing mouse and keyboard input to running applications. The speed and efficiency of your CPU directly impacts your overall computer performance.

CPU frequency (GHz)

The first major factor affecting CPU performance is its frequency, measured in gigahertz (GHz). This represents how many cycles the processor can complete per second. As a general rule, higher frequency means better performance - a 3.0 GHz processor can potentially complete more tasks per second than a 2.0 GHz processor.

Number of cores

Modern processors contain multiple processing cores, which work together to handle instructions more efficiently. While these cores are contained in one physical chip, they function as individual processors. You can actually see each core working separately if you open Task Manager in Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac.

CPU architecture and manufacturers

Most desktop and laptop computers use CPUs made by Intel or AMD, both of which typically use the x86 processor architecture. Mobile devices like tablets and smartphones often use different processors, such as ARM processors or those developed by Apple for their devices.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Besides the main CPU, many computers also include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) specifically designed for handling graphics and visual processing. Desktop computers often have dedicated video cards containing powerful GPUs, while mobile devices typically have graphics processing integrated into the main motherboard. Having a separate graphics processor allows your computer to handle graphics-intensive applications more efficiently.

Applications and resource management

Every computer has limited resources - RAM, CPU processing time, and storage space. Each application you run consumes some of these resources. When you have too many applications running simultaneously, you'll use up all available resources, causing your computer's processing speed to slow down significantly. Some applications might even freeze completely.

Caching systems

Caching is one of the most important methods your computer uses to improve processing speed. A cache is a small, temporary storage area created in fast memory that allows frequently accessed data to be retrieved more quickly.

Types of caching

Your computer uses three main types of caching:

1. CPU cache This is the fastest type of cache, built directly into your processor. The speed difference between your CPU and RAM has grown so large that RAM can't always provide information fast enough. To solve this problem, modern CPUs include small, extremely high-speed cache memory where they can temporarily store the data they need most frequently.

2. Disc cache
This is a small amount of RAM built into your hard drive. It stores data that's being sent to or received from the hard drive for short periods, acting as a buffer between your main system and storage device.

3. Web cache This is a designated area on your computer's hard drive where images and web pages are stored temporarily. When you revisit websites, your browser can load content from this local cache instead of downloading it again, resulting in faster page loading times.

Disc optimisation

Fragmentation issues

Over time, data on your hard drive can become fragmented, meaning different pieces of the same file are stored in various locations across the drive. This forces your hard drive to work harder to access complete files, slowing down your computer.

Storage space management

Running out of storage space can significantly impact your computer's performance. When this happens, you have several options:

• Delete unnecessary files - Remove files, programmes, and media you no longer need
• Use Disc Clean-up applications - These tools help identify and remove temporary files, cache files, and other unnecessary data
• Add additional storage - Install a second hard drive or upgrade to a larger capacity drive

Remember that computers aren't limited to a single hard drive - you can add multiple storage devices to increase capacity.

Malware impact on performance

Malware (malicious software) is designed to cause harm and use your computer's resources without your knowledge or permission. This unauthorised use of system resources often causes noticeable slowdowns in computer performance.

Modern processors are incredibly powerful - they can handle trillions of calculations per second. However, malware can consume significant processing power running hidden processes, stealing this computational ability from legitimate programmes and causing your computer to perform poorly.