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System Components

CISSP

Primary Storage

  • Definition: A temporary storage area for data entering and leaving the CPU.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

  • Function: Temporary holding place for data used by the operating system.
  • Volatility: RAM is volatile, meaning data is lost when power is turned off.
  • Types:
    • Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Needs to be refreshed periodically, or data will be lost.
    • Static RAM (SRAM): Does not require refreshing; retains data as long as power is supplied.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

  • Function: Non-volatile storage, meaning data is retained when the computer is turned off.
  • Characteristics: Typically cannot be altered; referred to as firmware.
  • Types:
    • Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): Non-volatile like ROM but can be altered (erased and reprogrammed).

Process States

  • Stopped: The process has finished or must be terminated.
  • Waiting: The process is ready for execution but is waiting for a resource or device.
  • Running: The process is executing on the CPU until it finishes, its time slice expires, or it is blocked.
  • Ready: The process is prepared to execute when the CPU is ready.

Multitasking

  • Definition: The ability to execute more than one task simultaneously.

Multiprocessing

  • Definition: Involves more than one CPU, allowing multiple processes to be executed simultaneously.

Multi-Threading

  • Definition: The ability to execute different parts of a program simultaneously.

Single-State Machine

  • Definition: Operates in a security environment at the highest classification level of the information within the system. All users must have clearance to access the information on the system.

Multi-State Machine

  • Definition: Can offer several security levels without compromising the system’s integrity, allowing different levels of classified information to be processed concurrently.

Instruction Set Architectures

  • CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer):
    • Characteristics: Complex instructions that can perform multiple operations per instruction.
    • Efficiency: Fewer fetches needed to execute tasks.
  • RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer):
    • Characteristics: Simpler instructions per operation.
    • Efficiency: Requires more fetches but is optimized for faster execution of simpler instructions.

Software Languages

  • 1GL (First Generation Language): Machine language, used directly by a computer.
  • 2GL (Second Generation Language): Assembler language.
  • 3GL (Third Generation Language): High-level languages such as FORTRAN, BASIC, PL/1, and C++.
  • 4GL (Fourth Generation Language): More advanced high-level languages such as SQL, Natural, and Focus.
  • 5GL (Fifth Generation Language): Artificial intelligence languages like Prolog and Lisp, based on logic.

These concepts are essential for understanding the architecture, security, and operation of computer systems, which are critical for the CISSP exam.

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