Computer Systems Flashcards
What is Von Neumann architecture?
The idea of having data and instructions in a single central area (RAM).
Explain the role and operation of the Arithmetic Logic Unit.
Split into 2 parts. Arithmetic, which does calculations, and Logic, which makes decisions.
Explain the role and operation of the Control Unit.
Controls the hardware, processing unit and inputs and outputs.
Explain the role and operation of a Clock.
Regulates the time and speed of all computer functions.
Explain the role and operation of a Bus.
A set of conductors which carry data within a computer system.
Explain the impact of clock speed on the CPU.
The higher the clock speed, the higher the amount of electrical impulses per second. This therefore improves performance.
Explain the impact of the number of processor cores on the CPU.
The higher the number of cores, the higher the process speed.
Explain the impact of cache size and cache type on the CPU.
Makes frequently run processes faster.
Define “Fetch”
Gets the instructions from main memory.
Define “Decode”
Looks up the instructions to find out how to execute it.
Define “Execute”
Carries out the instructions.
