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The Arithmetic and Logic Unit; ALU, Control Unit, and Registers
ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) performs mathematical and logical operations.
Control Unit manages the execution of instructions.
Registers:
Program Counter (PC): Keeps track of the memory location of the next instruction.
Accumulator (ACC): Stores results of operations.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the address of the memory location to read from or write to.
Memory Data Register (MDR): Contains data being read from or written to memory.
Current Instruction Register (CIR): Stores the current instruction being executed.
Buses
Data Bus: Transfers data between the CPU and memory.
Address Bus: Carries addresses of memory locations.
Control Bus: Carries control signals like read/write signals.
Factors Affecting CPU Performance
Clock Speed: The higher the clock speed, the faster the CPU can execute instructions.
Number of Cores: Multiple cores allow for parallel processing, enhancing performance.
Cache: A larger cache improves the CPU’s ability to access frequently used data.
Pipelining in Processors
Von Neumann: A single memory stores both data and instructions.
Harvard: Separate memories for data and instructions, improving speed.
Contemporary: Evolved architectures with various improvements.
Differences between CISC and RISC Processors
CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) has complex instructions.
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) has simpler, faster instructions.
CISC is versatile but slower; RISC is efficient but may require more instructions.
GPUs and Their Uses
GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are not just for graphics; they excel at parallel processing.
Used in scientific simulations, machine learning, and cryptocurrency mining.
Application of Input, Output, and Storage Devices
Different devices cater to specific problems.
Input devices like keyboards and mice gather data.
Output devices like monitors and printers display or produce results.
Storage devices store data for future use.
Types of Storage Devices
Magnetic: Hard drives, store data on spinning disks.
Flash: SSDs, use NAND flash memory for faster access.
Optical: DVDs, CDs, use lasers to read data.
RAM and ROM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for active data and programs.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory with firmware or boot code.
Virtual Storage
Virtual storage extends RAM with disk space.
Allows running more programs than can fit in physical RAM.
Slower than RAM but avoids running out of memory.
What is the need for, function, and purpose of operating systems?
Operating systems are essential software that manage computer hardware and software resources, providing a stable and consistent way for applications to interact with the hardware. They perform tasks like managing memory, processes, software and hardware communication, user interfaces, and file systems.
What are paging, segmentation, and virtual memory in memory management?
Paging: Divides memory into fixed-size units called pages, allowing non-contiguous memory allocation, thus reducing fragmentation.
Segmentation: Divides memory into variable-sized segments, reflecting the logical division of data (like code, stack, and data segments).
Virtual Memory: Extends physical memory by using disk storage, enabling larger programs to run and isolation between processes.
What are the different scheduling algorithms used in operating systems?
Round Robin: Time-sharing, fixed time quantum.
First Come First Served: Queue-based, non-preemptive.
Multi-Level Feedback Queues: Multiple queues for different priority tasks, dynamic adjustment.
Shortest Job First: Executes shortest tasks first.
Shortest Remaining Time: Preemptive, executes job with the shortest remaining time.
What are distributed, embedded, multi-tasking, multi-user, and Real-Time operating systems?
Distributed OS: Manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear as a single computer.
Embedded OS: Designed for operating in embedded computer systems (like washing machines, televisions).
Multi-tasking OS: Enables more than one process to run concurrently.
Multi-user OS: Allows multiple users to use the computer resources simultaneously.
Real-Time OS: Guarantees processing of events or data by a specific moment in time.
