Module 5: Problem Solving, Algorithms and Pseudocode

Question 1

What is Moore’s Law?

Answer 1

The number of transistors in a single microchip doubles every two years with minimal cost increase. The exponential increase is no longer the case.

Question 2

What is a ‘naked machine’ ?

Answer 2

A naked machine has no tools or programs to assist the user.

Question 3

How does a user use a naked machine?

Answer 3

• Write all instructions in
  binary.
• Write data in binary.
• Load instructions into
  memory one cell at a
  time
• Initiate running the
  program

Question 4

Why don’t we use naked machines?

Answer 4

It is too difficult for humans to use and were not user friendly.

Question 5

What is system software?

Answer 5

A collection of programs to manage a computer’s resources and serves as the intermediary between the user and the hardware.

Question 6

What is a virtual machine?

Answer 6

This is the virtual environment that the user sees when the use a computer.

Question 7

What is a compiler?

Answer 7

A compiler takes code written in a high-level language and generates the corresponding assembly code.

Question 8

What is an assembler?

Answer 8

An assembler converts assembly code into machine code.

Question 9

What is a loader?

Answer 9

A loader machine is a program that loads machine code into the system memory.

Question 10

What is another name for assembly code language?

Answer 10

Low-level language

Question 11

What are the advantages of assembly code over machine code?

Answer 11

• Clarity, readability and maintainability
• Can be placed in different locations in memory

Question 12

What are the advantages of high-level languages over assembly languages?

Answer 12

• More powerful
• User-oriented (focused on the user)
• Not specific to any kind of machine
• Uses a combo of natural language and maths
  notation
• Designed to help structure our programs in a
  logical order