Systems Architecture Flashcards
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
What does ROM stand for?
Read Only Memory
What does the RAM hold?
It holds the programs currently in use by the computer.
What does the ROM hold?
It holds the programs used to start up the computer.
What is volatile?
Memory when the power is switched off and the work is lost.
What is the hard drive?
Long term memory.
What is the CPU?
Central Processing Unit.
What are some examples of input devices?
Mouse, keyboard, microphone.
What are some examples of output devices?
Printer, computer, headphones.
What does the heatsink do?
Draws heat away.
What is a computer?
An electronic device which takes in data, processes it and the outputs the result.
What does MAR stand for?
Memory address register.
What does MDR stand for?
Memory data register.
What does ALU stand for?
Arithmetic Logic Unit.
Explain the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle.
The MAR copies the location of the next instruction from the counter value. This represents that the counter value of the address of the next instruction needs to be fetched. The program uses the value of the MAR and looks for the appropriate instruction. The instruction is then loaded into the MDR. The CPU then decodes the instruction and then excutes it.
