Chapter 3

Question 1

List and explain the elements of the CPU

Answer 1

The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons

The control unit sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, registers, primary and secondary storage, and various output devices

Registers are high-speed storage areas used to temporarily hold small units of program instructions and data immediately before, during, and after execution by the CPU

Question 2

Explain the functions of the primary storage

Answer 2

It provides the CPU with a working storage area for program instructions and data

The chief feature of main memory is that it rapidly provides data and instructions to the CPU

Question 3

Explain the function of the secondary storage

Answer 3

It allows organizations to store large amounts of data and instructions more permanently than main memory allows

Compared with main memory, secondary storage offers the advantages of non-volatility, greater capacity, and greater economy

Question 4

List the secondary storage devices

Answer 4

-Magnetic tape

-Magnetic disk

-RAID

– CDs or DvDs

-Holographic disc

-Memory cards

Question 5

List the enterprise storage options

Answer 5

-Attached storage

-Network-attached storage

-Storage area network

Question 6

Explain data input

Answer 6

Getting data into the computer system is a two-stage process:

-human-readable data is converted into a machine-readable form through data entry

-transferring the machine-readable data into the system. This is data input