Centra Processing Unit Flashcards
what is the central processing unit?
The central processing unit is an essential and fundamental part of a computer system where all arithmetic and logical calculations and operations takes place.
what does the central processing unit do?
It interprets and tlanslates, as well as carry out instructions for operating a computer as a device.
what is the other name for CPU?
what is the other name for CPU?
What tasks are performed by the components of the central processing unit.
- Executes instructions: Carries out instructions from the operating system and applications.
- Performs calculations: Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
- Manages data: Moves data between different parts of the computer.
- Controls input/output operations: Manages data transfer between devices such as keyboards, displays, and storage devices.
- Manages memory: Controls access to RAM and cache memory
what are the main components of the CPU?
The CPU consists of several key components:
- Control Unit: Retrieves and decodes instructions.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations.
- main memory:
- Cache Memory: Small, fast memory used to store frequently accessed data
what does ALU stands for?
Arithmetic logic unit
what does the ALU do?
Performs all arithmetic and logic calculations provided by the Computer systems.. that is addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and logic calculations such as comparisons e,.g <>
what does the control unit do?
It controls and facilities all activities and operations performed in the computer system.
how does the control unit control and facilitie all activities and operations performed in the computer system?
It gets program from the main memory of the computer system, interprets them and other units to get desired results.
what does the main memory do?
stores information,data and instructions on a computer so that it can perform processing tasks on the data.
what does programs refer to?
programs is a set or series of instructions.
name two types of memories on a PC, their meaning and what they are.
Rom- read only memory
responsible for providing startup instructions when the computer is turned on.
RAM- Random access memory
This is the area of memory where data and program instructions are stored when the computer is in operations.
Describe Rom
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of computer memory that permanently stores data and software, retaining its contents even when the computer is turned off. ROM is non-volatile, meaning its contents are retained without power.
Here are some key characteristics of ROM:
- Non-volatile: ROM retains its contents even when the computer is turned off.
- Permanent: Data and software stored in ROM are permanent and cannot be changed.
- Read-only: The computer can only read data from ROM, not write to it.
- Slow: ROM is generally slower than RAM.
- Capacity: ROM capacity is typically smaller than RAM.
- you cannot store any data in rom
- The Last instruction in the ROM directs the computer to load the operating system.
In summary, ROM is a non-volatile memory technology that permanently stores data and software, retaining its contents even when power is off.
Describe RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data and applications while a computer is running. It is called “random access” because the computer can access any location in the memory directly and immediately, rather than having to read the data in a particular order.
Here are some key characteristics of RAM:
- Volatile: RAM is a volatile memory technology, meaning that its contents are lost when the computer is turned off.
- Temporary: RAM is used to store data and applications temporarily while the computer is running.
- Fast: RAM is much faster than other types of memory, such as hard drives or solid-state drives.
- Accessible: The computer can access any location in RAM directly and immediately.
- Capacity: RAM capacity is measured in bytes (e.g., 8GB, 16GB, 32GB).
RAM is used for various purposes, including:
- Running applications
- Storing data temporarily
- Caching frequently used data
- Buffering data during processing
In summary, RAM is a fast, volatile memory technology that temporarily stores data and applications while a computer is running, allowing for efficient and rapid access to information.
compare and contrast between the ROM and ram
Similarities:*
- Both are types of computer memory.
- Both store digital data.
- Both are essential for computer operation.
Differences:
- Volatility: RAM is volatile (loses data when power is off), while ROM is non-volatile (retains data even when power is off).
- Writeability: RAM is writable (data can be changed), while ROM is read-only (data cannot be changed).
- Speed: RAM is generally faster than ROM.
- Capacity: RAM typically has larger capacity than ROM.
- Purpose: RAM is used for temporary storage of data and applications, while ROM is used for permanent storage of firmware, boot loaders, and BIOS- basic input/output system.
- Programming: RAM can be programmed and reprogrammed multiple times, while ROM is typically programmed once and remains unchanged.
- Access: RAM is accessed frequently by the CPU, while ROM is accessed less frequently.
- Cost: RAM is generally more expensive than ROM.
In summary, RAM and ROM are both important types of computer memory, but they differ in their volatility, writeability, speed, capacity, purpose, programming, access, and cost. RAM is used for temporary storage and is writable, while ROM is used for permanent storage and is read-only.
