computing systems Flashcards
1
Q
What is the function of cache in the CPU?
A
Cache stores recently used data and instructions in memory that is faster to access than RAM
2
Q
Name three components inside a CPU
A
- Control Unit (CU)
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Registers
3
Q
What does the Control Unit (CU) do?
A
Decodes instructions and controls the timing of operations in the CPU
4
Q
What is the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
A
Performs arithmetic and logic operations
5
Q
What do registers in a CPU store?
A
Data, instructions, and the results of calculations
6
Q
What are the three common factors that affect CPU performance?
A
- Clock speed
- Cache size
- Number of cores
7
Q
What is clock speed measured in?
A
Hertz (Hz)
8
Q
Define clock speed.
A
The number of fetch-execute cycles per second
9
Q
What is a dual-core processor?
A
A processor with two processors in the same integrated circuit
10
Q
True or False: A quad-core processor can potentially perform four instructions at the same time.
A
True
11
Q
How does cache memory benefit CPU performance?
A
It allows faster access to frequently used data than RAM
12
Q
What is Level 1 cache?
A
Extremely fast but small cache (2-256KB) located on the CPU
13
Q
What is the typical size range of Level 2 cache?
A
256KB to 8MB
14
Q
What is the size range of Level 3 cache?
A
4MB to 50MB
15
Q
What is the ‘Fetch-Decode-Execute’ cycle?
A
The process of fetching the next instruction, decoding it, and executing it repeatedly
16
Q
Fill in the blank: The CPU operates by repeating three operations: FETCH, ______, and EXECUTE.
A
DECODE
17
Q
What is the maximum number of cycles per second for a dual core processor running at 2.7GHz?
A
5.4 billion cycles per second
18
Q
Rank the following processors from highest to lowest performance based on cycles per second: dual core 2.7GHz, quad core 1.5GHz, single core 3.2GHz, dual core 3.2GHz.
A
- Dual core 3.2GHz (6.4)
- Quad core 1.5GHz (6)
- Dual core 2.7GHz (5.4)
- Single core 3.2GHz (3.2)
19
Q
What does the Control Unit (CU) do during the decode step?
A
It decodes the instruction to work out what the instruction is
20
Q
What could happen during the execute step?
A
- Load data from memory
- Store data in memory
- Perform an arithmetic or logical operation
21
Q
What is the purpose of cache memory?
A
To store frequently used data and instructions for faster access
22
Q
What is the role of the CPU in a computer system?
A
The CPU processes instructions and runs programs.
23
Q
What are the main components of the Von Neumann architecture?
A
Main Memory, Secondary Storage, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Input Devices, Output Devices.
24
Q
List common input devices for laptops and smartphones.
A
- Laptop: keyboard, buttons, trackpad, microphone
- Smartphone: microphone, buttons, GPS sensor, gyroscopic sensor, touch part of the touchscreen.
25
What are the output devices for laptops and smartphones?
Speakers and display.
26
What organ in the human body is the CPU often compared to?
The brain.
27
What is the purpose of the Control Unit in the CPU?
It coordinates and controls all activities within the CPU.
28
What is the purpose of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
Performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.
29
What operations does the ALU perform?
* Arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
* Logical operations: comparisons like Is A > B? or Is X = Y?.
30
True or False: The CPU can run multiple instructions simultaneously.
False.
31
What is a register in the context of a CPU?
A very fast memory location in the CPU used to store small amounts of data and results.
32
What is the stored-program concept?
The idea of storing program instructions as well as data in memory.
33
What does the clock do in a CPU?
Controls the timing of the processor and synchronizes all CPU operations.
34
What is clock speed?
The number of clock cycles which occur each second.
35
Fill in the blank: The CPU uses memory locations called _______ to store small amounts of data.
registers.
36
What are the three types of buses that make up the system bus?
* Address Bus
* Data Bus
* Control Bus.
37
What is the function of the Address Bus?
Stores the address of the memory or device controller to be read from or written to.
38
What does the Data Bus do?
Carries data throughout the computer system.
39
What is the Control Bus used for?
Uses control signals to control all activities within the CPU.
40
What happens when the 'M' key is pressed on the keyboard?
The CPU prepares to store the letter 'M' into Main Memory.
41
What is the purpose of a register?
To store small amounts of data and results that the CPU is operating on.
42
How does the CPU access main memory locations?
By sending the address requested on the address bus.
43
What is the difference between cache and registers?
Cache is slower to access than registers but faster than RAM.
44
What is the function of the system bus?
Connects the CPU to other components, allowing data transfer.
45
What are the two types of primary storage in a computer?
RAM and ROM
46
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
47
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
48
What is the main characteristic of RAM?
It can be read from and written to
49
What happens to data stored in RAM when the computer is turned off?
Data is lost
50
Is RAM volatile or non-volatile?
Volatile
51
What type of memory is used to store the operating system and currently running software?
RAM
52
What is stored in ROM on a modern computer?
The initial program that runs when the computer is turned on (bootstrap) and BIOS
53
Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?
Non-volatile
54
Can data be written to ROM?
No
55
What is the typical size range for RAM in modern computers?
4 GB – 32 GB
56
What is the typical size range for ROM in modern computers?
4 MB – 8 MB
57
What are four examples of secondary storage devices?
* Hard drive
* Blu-ray drive
* DVD drive
* USB stick
58
What is the primary difference between main memory and secondary storage?
Main memory is volatile and directly accessible by the CPU, while secondary storage is non-volatile and not directly accessible by the CPU
59
Fill in the blank: Data in secondary storage remains when there is no _______.
power
60
What is an example of secondary storage?
Hard drive
61
What is the speed difference between main memory and secondary storage?
Main memory is very fast to read/write, while secondary storage is slow to read/write
62
What is the cost difference per GB between main memory and secondary storage?
Main memory is expensive per GB, while secondary storage is cheap per GB
63
True or False: A USB drive is considered memory.
False
64
What does the BIOS control in a computer?
Basic technical configuration such as processor speed and system time
65
What is the function of the bootstrap in a computer?
It tells the computer where to find the operating system on the hard drive
66
What is the main role of cache memory?
To provide faster access to frequently used data
67
What are CPU registers?
Small storage locations within the CPU used to hold temporary data and instructions
68
What is the purpose of secondary storage?
To store data and programs that are not in use by the CPU
69
Define primary storage.
Storage directly accessible by the CPU, including RAM and ROM
70
What is an example of a non-volatile storage device?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
71
What are the main types of secondary storage?
* Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
* Solid State Drive (SSD)
* Compact Disc (CD)
* Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
* BluRay
* Flash memory
* SD cards
* Magnetic tape
72
What is a key characteristic of secondary storage?
It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data without power
73
What are the uses of secondary storage?
* Storing programs and data
* Distributing films
* Transporting data
* Backup solutions
* Additional storage for cameras and smartphones
74
How does magnetic storage operate?
Mechanical parts move over the disk's surface to read/write data magnetically
75
How does optical storage work?
Lasers read and write data using light
76
What is a solid-state drive (SSD)?
A storage device using non-volatile flash memory without moving parts
77
What are the advantages of magnetic storage?
* Cheap
* Large storage capacities
* Relatively fast write speed
78
What are the disadvantages of magnetic storage?
* Mechanical parts can fail
* Durability issues
* Not very portable
79
List the capacities of common optical storage formats.
* CD-ROM: up to 720 MB
* DVD: up to 8.4 GB
* Blu-Ray: up to 50 GB
80
What is a key difference in data storage between CDs and Blu-ray discs?
Blu-ray discs have smaller pits and lands, allowing for more data storage
81
What are the advantages of SSDs?
* Highly durable
* Very fast read/write speeds
* Faster startup times
82
What are the disadvantages of SSDs?
* More expensive than magnetic hard disks
* Similar storage capacity as magnetic disks
83
Define cloud storage.
Saving data in an off-site storage system maintained by a third party
84
What are the advantages of cloud storage?
* Easy to use
* High data storage capacity
* Accessible from anywhere with Internet
85
What are the disadvantages of cloud storage?
* Requires Internet connection
* Security reliant on the provider
* Uploading/downloading can be slow
86
What does 'volatile' mean in relation to data storage?
Data is lost when power is turned off
87
What does 'non-volatile' mean in relation to data storage?
Data is retained even when power is turned off
88
What is the equivalent of 1000 Gigabytes in Terabytes?
1 Terabyte (TB)
89
What are key characteristics of storage devices?
* Capacity
* Speed
* Portability
* Durability
* Reliability
* Cost
90
What is the function of a drive spindle in a hard disk?
It rotates to allow the read/write head to access data
91
How do flash memory devices work?
They use electric currents to trap electrons and store data
92
What are the two levels of programming languages?
Low-level languages and high-level languages
## Footnote
Low-level languages include assembly language and machine code, while high-level languages include Python, Java, C#, etc.
93
Define machine code.
Instructions written in binary that a processor can execute directly
## Footnote
Machine code is specific to a particular processor or family of processors.
94
What is assembly language?
A low-level programming language that allows easier programming than machine code
## Footnote
Each assembly language instruction corresponds directly to machine code.
95
What is the purpose of an assembler?
To translate assembly language into machine code
## Footnote
Assembly programs must be translated to machine code before execution.
96
List three examples of high-level programming languages.
* Python
* Java
* C#
## Footnote
Other examples include C++, PHP, and Visual Basic.
97
What is the primary function of a compiler?
To translate high-level language into machine code
## Footnote
The machine code produced can be saved and run later.
98
How does an interpreter differ from a compiler?
An interpreter translates code line by line and executes it immediately, while a compiler translates the entire source code at once
## Footnote
An interpreter does not produce an object code.
99
What are the advantages of high-level programming languages?
* Easier to learn
* Faster program writing
* Easier to understand and debug
## Footnote
High-level languages resemble English or math.
100
Why are low-level languages still used?
* Direct control over hardware
* Programs can run very quickly
* Lower RAM usage
## Footnote
Low-level languages are often used for device drivers.
101
What must high-level languages be translated into before execution?
Machine code
## Footnote
This translation is done by compilers or interpreters.
102
True or False: Machine code can be executed directly by processors.
True
## Footnote
Processors execute instructions in machine code.
103
Fill in the blank: ________ is a low-level language.
Assembly language
## Footnote
Assembly language needs to be assembled into machine code before running.
104
What type of software typically uses assembly language?
* Embedded systems
* Device drivers
## Footnote
Examples include software for washing machines and microwave ovens.
105
What is machine independence in programming?
The ability to run a program written in a high-level language on different types of processors with minimal changes
## Footnote
Different compilers or interpreters are used for each processor type.
106
Define a translator in the context of programming languages.
A program that translates code from one programming language to another
## Footnote
Types of translators include interpreters, compilers, and assemblers.
107
What type of programming language is SQL considered?
Query language
## Footnote
SQL is used for managing and querying databases.
108
What does the term 'source code' refer to?
The code written by the programmer in a high-level language
## Footnote
Source code is translated into machine code by compilers or interpreters.
109
Fill in the blank: High-level languages include ________, VB, and C#.
Python
## Footnote
These languages need to be compiled or interpreted before they can be run.
110
What is the main output of a compiler?
Machine code
## Footnote
The machine code can be saved and executed later.
111
What is the speed of execution for an interpreter compared to a compiler?
Interpreter: slow; Compiler: fast
## Footnote
Interpreters translate code each time it is run, while compilers run pre-translated machine code.
