Computer Architecture

Question 1

What are the Key Elements of Computer Hardware?

Answer 1

Motherboard
Processing Elements
Primary Storage
Secondary Storage
Peripherals

Question 2

What are the features of a Motherboard?

Answer 2

1. It holds and connects many of the crucial electronic components of a system. e.g processor, memory, peripheral devices.

Question 3

What are the features of a Processing Element?

Answer 3

1. Computers brain
2. Carries out the instructions of a computer program.
3. Performs basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output operations.

Question 4

What are the features of Primary Storage?

Answer 4

1. RAM(Random Access Memory)
2. Keeps the data and programs (processes) that the computer is executing at the moment.
   3.Not permanent – erased when the computer is off

Question 5

What are the features of Secondary Storage?

Answer 5

1. Can be removable, internal, or external storage, e.g
   Magnetic storage devices (e.g. hard drive),
   Optical (e.g. Blu-ray disc, CD-ROM disc etc.),
   Flash memory devices (e.g. memory card, memory stick, SSD).

Question 6

What are the features of Peripherals?

Answer 6

Everything else that is not part of the core computer architecture e.g
Input devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard)
Output devices (e.g. monitor, printer).

Question 7

What are the components of a SOC?

Answer 7

1. Multimedia Encoder/Decoder
2. Direct Memory Access
3. CPU
4. DSP
5. NIC
6. Audio
7. USB
8. Video
9. Storage
10. Memory

Question 8

What is the difference between a Processor and a Microprocessor

Answer 8

Processor = Can be implemented using a number of integrated circuits, discrete transistors, vacuum tubes, etc.

Microprocessor = Implements the components of a CPU within a single chip.

Question 9

What is an Integrated Circuit?

Answer 9

Integrated circuit is a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or “chip”) of semiconductor material, normally silicon e.g
1. Monolithic Integrated Circuit
2. IC
3. Chip
4. Microchip

Question 10

What are the components of a Microprocessor?

Answer 10

1. CPU
   2.Memory
2. System Bus
3. Input/output (I/O)