computer_architecture_flashcards
What are the main functional units of a computer?
Processor(s), Main memory, I/O units.
What is the purpose of the processor?
Executes instructions, performs arithmetic and logic operations, and controls other components.
What is the purpose of main memory?
Stores data and instructions temporarily for quick access by the processor.
What is the purpose of I/O units?
Allow the computer to communicate with external devices such as keyboards, monitors, and storage devices.
What is the function of bus lines?
Transmit data, addresses, and control signals between different components of a computer.
What is an operating system?
A software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides services for applications.
What is the Von Neumann architecture?
A computer architecture where both data and instructions are stored in a single read/write memory.
What are the key components of the Von Neumann architecture?
CPU, main memory, input/output devices, and a system bus.
What is the Fetch-Execute Cycle?
The process where the CPU fetches an instruction, decodes it, executes it, and then stores the result.
What is cache memory?
A small, fast memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.
What is the memory hierarchy?
The structure of memory storage levels in a computer, ranging from registers (fastest) to secondary storage (slowest).
What is main memory also known as?
RAM (Random Access Memory).
What is the primary characteristic of main memory?
It is volatile; data is lost when power is turned off.
What is secondary memory?
Non-volatile storage used for long-term data retention, such as hard drives and SSDs.
What are the advantages of a bus system?
Versatility (easy to add new components) and low cost (shared connection).
What are the disadvantages of a bus system?
Potential communication bottlenecks and limited bandwidth.
What is a register?
A small amount of high-speed memory within the CPU used for immediate data access.
What are some types of special registers?
Program Counter, Stack Pointer.
What is a cache hit?
When the CPU successfully retrieves data from the cache instead of slower main memory.
What is a cache miss?
When the required data is not found in the cache and must be fetched from main memory.
What is L1 cache?
A small, very fast cache memory located directly on the processor chip.
What is L2 cache?
A larger, slightly slower cache memory that stores frequently used data for the CPU.
What is a bus transaction?
A process where the bus sends an address and either receives or sends data.
What is the difference between polling and interrupts?
Polling continuously checks device status, while interrupts notify the CPU only when needed.
What are the two types of multiplexing in OS resource sharing?
Time multiplexing and space multiplexing.
