Computer architecture Flashcards
what does the mantissa store
The precision of the number
what is 11101011
215
what is 127 in binary code
01111111
what does the exponent store
the range of the number
if you had the number 6.0968796876897 x 10 to the power of 17 what would the exponent be
17
if you had the 6.0968796876897 x 10 to the power of 17 what would the mantissa be
6.0968796876897
Describe how extended ASCII code (8-bit) is used to represent characters.
Each character is given an 8-bit ASCII Code.
how do vector graphic photos store pictures
Vector graphics store a picture by storing each objects attribute
how is a rectangle stored using vector graphics
height, width, x, y, fill colour, line colour
how is an ellipse stored using vector graphics
cx, cy, rx, ry, fill colour, line colour
how is a line stored using vector graphics
x1, y1, x2, y2, line colour
how is a polygon stored using vector graphics
x1, y1, x2, y2, x3, y3, fill colour, line colour
how are bit mapped photos stored
in binary each pixel in a 2d grid the Number of bits per pixel depends on the number of colours in the image
what is the purpose of the control unit
controls the sequencing of fetching, decoding and executing instructions.
what is the purpose of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
performs all calculations and logical operations
what is the purpose of registers
temporarily stores memories within the processor
why are memory locations given a unique address within RAM
so that the computer can read and write data to that location correctly
what are the two different types of buses
Address bus and Data bus
what is the function of the Address bus
this identifies the memory location that is going to read from or written to.
What is the data bus
the transfers data between the memory and the memory and vice-versa
what are the two types of translators used to translate high level language to binary
compiler and interpreter
how does an interpreter translate High Level Language to computer code
translates the program one line at a time into machine code and executes immediately. Machine code is not retained, so must be translated each time.
how does a compiler translate High Level Language to computer code
translate whole program, and then save machine code version. Translate code can be run again, and again.
what is a compiler good for
translating programs that are already ready for release
what is an interpreter good for
testing the translated could to make sure their are no errors within the code
How many computer systems are in use around the world
2 billion
what are three ways that we can reduce energy usage by altering settings on your monitor
reduce your brightness, activate efficiency mode, use an energy efficient monitor
what is one way the we can reduce energy usage using power down settings on a monitor
making sure that your computer powers down after a period of time
how is leaving computers o standby good for reducing energy usage
it limits the energy consumed by the computer during standby
what is the role of a firewall
A firewall prevents hackers from accessing the computer by deciding whether or not they should be gained access based on incoming data packets against a set of rules
everything that is stored in a computer is stored using what
Binary
what are the mantissa and the exponent stored as
Two separate numbers
What is the relationship between the amount of bits used to store the mantissa and the precision of the number
The greater number of bits used to store the mantissa the more precise the number will be
What is the relationship between the amount of bits used to stow the exponent and the range of the number
The greater number of bits used to store the exponent the greater the range of numbers can be represented
