components of a computer system Flashcards
what is the purpose of the cpu
to process data and instructions
what are the three main parts of the cpu and their functions
ALU- does all the calculations
cache- holds data that needs to be accessed quickly
control units- manages fetch decode and execute cycle
in order, describe the von neumann architecture
control unit- holds the memory address for each cycle (starts of the cycle)
MAR- holds the address for each instruction
-MDR- holds the actual data or instruction
-ALU does all the calculations
what three factors affect cpu performance
number of cores
clock speed
cache size
what is the purpose of an embedded system
dedicated systems to perform specific tasks related to their function within a larger system.
what are the characteristics of an embedded system and give an example
cheap efficient and easier to design
describe RAM
RAM is high speed volatile memory where all the data files and programs are stored
Describe ROM
non volatile and read only. contains instructions telling the computer how to boot up. (BIOS)
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF VIRTUAL MEMORY AND WHY DO WE NEED IT
it acts as an overflow for the RAM. if we need to store more data it goes in there
disadvantages of virtual memory
- not as efficient as the RAM
- CPU cannot directly access the virtual memory, therefore it has to be switched back into the RAM to be processed
why do we need secondary storage
it stores all the data when the computer is off as it is non volatile
what is a register
small, fast memory within the CPU
what is the difference between the CU and the CPU
the CU manages the fetch decode execute cycle, and controls the flow of data. it is a component within the CPU
The CPU processes data and instructions, and has 3 components which contain registers within them
What are the three componenets
ALU
CU
Cache
What are the four registers
PC
MAR
MDR
AC
