chapter 5 computing compenents

Question 1

what are the two types of memory

Answer 1

Main memory (or primary memory) is fast and expensive
– data is stored as electric signals in circuitry, used to store active
data
– examples: Random Access Memory (RAM), cache

*Secondary memory is slower but cheaper
– use different technologies (magnetic signals on hard disk, reflective
spots on CD)
– examples: hard disk, flash drive, compact disk (CD)

Question 2

what is ram?

Answer 2

RAM = random access memory

Considered as “Main Memory”
* The term “random” means any memory location
can be accessed in very nearly the same amount
of time for any storage location, regardless of its
position in the memory.

• Volatile Memory
  ( Power Lost → All Data Lost)

Question 3

what is a cache ?

Answer 3

Cache is much faster than RAM but its more
expensive
* The cache goes between the processor and
the slower, main memory.
* It keeps a copy of the most frequently used
data from the main memory

Question 4

what are cpu ?

Answer 4

The CPU is the “brains” of the computer, responsible for controlling
its inner workings

Question 5

what is a CD and what are the different forms?

Answer 5

CD - A compact disk that uses a laser to read information stored
optically on a plastic-coated disk; data is evenly distributed around
spiral track
CD-ROM read-only memory
CD-DA digital audio
CD-WORM write once, read many
RW or RAM both read from and written to

Question 6

what are registers ? what are the three type?

Answer 6

Fast stand-alone storage locations that hold data
temporarily in CPU.

• PC (Program Counter)
• Contains the address of the next instruction to be
  executed
• Incremented after execution of the instruction.
• Instruction Register
• Store the instruction currently being executed
• Data/ Accumulator Registers
• Hold data before it can be processed

Question 7

what are input and output units ? name examples?

Answer 7

input: A device through which data and programs from
the outside world enter the computer system;

keyboard, mouse, microphone, touchscreen

Output unit
A device through which results stored in the
computer memory are made available outside the computer system

speakers, monitor, touchscreen

Question 8

whats the memory hierarchy

Answer 8

CPU
cache
ram
storage device types
input sources

Question 9

what is the fetch-execute cycle?

Answer 9

• Fetch the next instruction
• Decode the instruction
• Get data if needed
• Execute the instruction