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Computer Science (GCSE) > Topic 3.1: Computers - Hardware > Flashcards

Topic 3.1: Computers - Hardware Flashcards

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1
Q

What does MAR stand for?

A

Memory Address Register.

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2
Q

What is the primary function of the MAR in a computer system?

A

To hold the address of the memory location that is to be accessed, either for reading data from or writing data to.

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3
Q

Which component of the computer uses the MAR?

A

CPU

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4
Q

What type of bus connects the MAR to other components of the computer?

A

The address bus connects the MAR to the computer’s memory and other components, allowing the transfer of memory addresses.

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5
Q

What does MDR stand for?

A

MDR stands for Memory Data Register.

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6
Q

What is the main function of the MDR in a computer?

A

The MDR temporarily holds data read from or written to memory.

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7
Q

What bus is associated with transferring data to the MDR?

A

The data bus is used for transferring data to the MDR.

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8
Q

What does ACC stand for in computer architecture?

A

ACC stands for Accumulator.

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9
Q

What is the primary role of the Accumulator in a CPU?

A

The Accumulator is used to store intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations performed by the CPU.

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10
Q

How does the Accumulator interact with ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)?

A

The Accumulator supplies operands to the ALU and receives the result of ALU operations.

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11
Q

What does register PC stand for in computer science?

A

PC stands for Program Counter.

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12
Q

What is the main function of the Program Counter in a CPU?

A

The Program Counter holds the address of the next instruction to be executed by the CPU.

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13
Q

How does the PC change during program execution?

A

The PC is automatically incremented after each instruction is fetched, pointing to the next instruction.

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14
Q

What does CIR stand for in computer architecture?

A

CIR stands for Current Instruction Register.

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15
Q

What is the primary function of the CIR in a CPU?

A

The CIR holds the instruction that is currently being decoded and executed by the CPU.

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16
Q

What does ALU stand for in computer science?

A

ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit.

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17
Q

What is the main function of the ALU in a CPU?

A

The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations on the data processed by the CPU.

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18
Q

What arithmetic operations can the ALU perform?

A

The ALU can perform basic arithmetic operations like addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/).

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19
Q

What logical operations does the ALU perform?

A

The ALU performs logical operations such as AND, OR, and NOT.

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20
Q

How does the ALU execute the ‘AND’ operation?

A

The ‘AND’ operation performed by the ALU results in a true (or 1) output only if all inputs are true (or 1).

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21
Q

What is the result of an ‘OR’ operation in the ALU?

A

In an ‘OR’ operation, the ALU outputs true (or 1) if any of the inputs are true (or 1).

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22
Q

How does the ALU perform the ‘NOT’ operation?

A

The ‘NOT’ operation inverts the input; if the input is true (or 1), the output is false (or 0), and vice versa.

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23
Q

What does CU stand for in computer architecture?

A

CU stands for Control Unit.

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24
Q

What is the main function of the Control Unit in a CPU?

A

The Control Unit manages and coordinates the activities of the CPU, such as decoding instructions and controlling data flow.

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25
Q

Can the Control Unit alter the data it processes?

A

No, the CU does not alter data; it only controls the flow and processing of data.

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26
Q

How does the CU interact with memory?

A

The CU sends signals to memory to fetch instructions and store or retrieve data.

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27
Q

What is a ‘core’ in a computer processor?

A

A core in a computer processor refers to an individual processing unit within the CPU, capable of executing its own instructions and tasks.

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28
Q

How does having multiple cores improve a computer’s performance?

A

Multiple cores can handle more tasks at once, improving multitasking and processing speed for complex operations.

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29
Q

What is the difference between a single-core and a multi-core processor?

A

A single-core processor can execute one instruction at a time, while a multi-core processor can execute multiple instructions simultaneously.

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30
Q

Does a higher number of cores always mean better performance?

A

Yes, but not always. The performance gain depends on the software’s ability to utilize multiple cores and the nature of the tasks being performed.

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31
Q

Are there specific applications that benefit more from a multi-core processor?

A

Applications that require heavy multitasking or are designed for parallel processing, like video editing or gaming, benefit more from multi-core processors.

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32
Q

What is clock speed in a computer processor?

A

Clock speed is the rate at which a processor executes instructions, typically measured in gigahertz (GHz)

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33
Q

How is clock speed measured?

A

Clock speed is measured in cycles per second, with modern processors typically operating in gigahertz (GHz), where 1 GHz equals 1 billion cycles per second.

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34
Q

Does a higher clock speed always mean a faster processor?

A

Generally, a higher clock speed can mean faster processing, but overall performance also depends on other factors like the number of cores, the processor’s architecture, and the software being used.

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35
Q

Can clock speed affect a computer’s power consumption and heat generation?

A

Yes, higher clock speeds can lead to increased power consumption and heat generation, which might require more efficient cooling solutions.

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36
Q

Is it possible to change a processor’s clock speed?

A

Yes, this process, known as overclocking, involves increasing the processor’s clock speed beyond its rated speed, but it can lead to higher power consumption, heat, and potentially reduce the processor’s lifespan.

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37
Q

Is clock speed the only factor to consider when evaluating a CPU’s performance?

A

No, while important, other factors like core count, cache size, and the CPU’s architecture also play significant roles in determining overall performance.

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38
Q

What is a cache in computer processors?

A

A cache is a small, fast memory located inside or close to the CPU, used to temporarily store frequently accessed data and instructions.

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39
Q

How does cache improve a computer’s performance?

A

Cache reduces the time to access data and instructions by storing copies of frequently used information from the main memory, speeding up processing.

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40
Q

Can the size of the cache affect overall computer performance?

A

Yes, a larger cache can store more data, reducing the frequency of accessing slower main memory, thus potentially improving performance.

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41
Q

What does RAM stand for?

A

RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

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42
Q

What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?

A

RAM temporarily stores data and programs that are actively being used by the CPU, allowing for quick read and write access.

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43
Q

Is RAM volatile or non-volatile memory?

A

RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

44
Q

How does RAM affect a computer’s performance?

A

More RAM generally allows a computer to handle more tasks simultaneously and improves overall system speed.

45
Q

What does ROM stand for?

A

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory.

46
Q

What is the main function of ROM in a computer?

A

ROM stores essential instructions for booting up the computer and performing basic input/output system (BIOS) operations.

47
Q

Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?

A

ROM is non-volatile, meaning it retains its data even when the computer is turned off.

48
Q

Can data in ROM be modified?

A

ROM is primarily read-only and not meant for regular data modification. However, some types of ROM, like EEPROM, can be rewritten under specific circumstances.

49
Q

Why is ROM important for a computer?

A

ROM is crucial for storing the firmware, which is necessary for the initial booting process and basic hardware control.

50
Q

What does “volatile” mean in terms of computer memory?

A

“volatile” refers to a type of memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. When the power is turned off or lost, volatile memory loses all its stored data.

51
Q

What is virtual memory in computer systems?

A

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that extends physical RAM by using a portion of the hard drive.

52
Q

How does virtual memory work?

A

It works by temporarily transferring data from RAM to a designated area on the hard drive, known as the paging file or swap space.

53
Q

What is the purpose of virtual memory?

A

Its purpose is to provide more memory resources than are physically available in RAM, allowing for more efficient multitasking and handling larger applications.

54
Q

Is virtual memory faster or slower than RAM?

A

Virtual memory is slower than RAM because accessing data from the hard drive takes more time than from RAM.

55
Q

Who manages virtual memory in a computer?

A

The operating system manages virtual memory, automatically handling data transfer between RAM and the hard drive.

56
Q

Does virtual memory have any drawbacks?

A

The main drawback is reduced performance due to slower access speeds compared to physical RAM.

57
Q

Which of the following components of a computer stores program files and data when they are not in use?

A Random Access Memory
B Storage drive
C Register

A

B Storage drive

58
Q

What of the following is FALSE about core?

A A core is a processing unit of CPU.
B A CPU consists of multiple cores.
C It consists of a processor and registers.
D Cores in a CPU do not communicate with each other.

A

D Cores in a CPU do not communicate with each other.

59
Q

Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. Increasing the number of cores increases the speed of a computer.
B. A Increasing the number of cores 4 times, increases the speed of computer 4 times too.
C. To interconnect 5 cores in a computer, 12 channels are required.

A

A. Increasing the number of cores increases the speed of a computer.

60
Q

What is clock rate?

A. The rate at which the internal timer of CPU operates.
B. The number of instructions copied by a CPU from storage drive in a second.
C. The number of instructions processed by a CPU in a second

A

C. The number of instructions processed by a CPU in a second

61
Q

Which of the following bus is NOT an unit to measure CPU’s clock rate?

A. Megahertz (MHz)
B. Gigahertz (GHz)
C. Megabytes (MB)
D. Instructions per second

A

C. Megabytes (MB)

62
Q

Which of the following statement is TRUE about a 5GHz CPU?

A. It processes about 5 billion instructions a second.
B. It processes about 5 billion instructions a minute.
C. It processes about 5 billion instructions an hour.

A

A. It processes about 5 billion instructions a second.

63
Q

What is over-clocking?

A. Increasing the number of timers in a CPU.
B. Increasing the speed of the computer by increasing the CPU clock speed
C. Increasing the number of cores in CPU.

A

B. Increasing the speed of the computer by increasing the CPU clock speed

64
Q

What are the disadvantage(s) of overclocking?

A. Some instructions might not get executed completely.
B. Data corruption
C. Over heating
D. All of the above

A

D. All of the above

65
Q

Which of the following is FALSE about cache?

A. Cache is a small memory part located closer to CPU when compared to RAM.
B. It temporarily holds the data and instruction that the CPU is likely to use more frequently.
C. It increases the access time of CPU.

A

C. It increases the access time of CPU.

66
Q

Cache can be classified into three levels as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3(L3). Which one of them has the smallest memory space?

A. L1
B. L2
C. L3

A

A. L1

67
Q

Cache can be classified into three levels as Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3(L3). Which one of them has the fastest access time?

A. L1
B. L2
C. L3

A

A. L1

68
Q

Which of the following statement is TRUE about embedded computers?

A. It is designed to perform a dedicated function.
B. It is programmed by the user.
C. General purpose computers are more reliable when compared to embedded computers.
D. It requires high power to operate

A

A. It is designed to perform a dedicated function.

69
Q

Which of the following is NOT an example of an embedded computer?

A. DVD player
B. Digital watch
C. Keyboard
D. GPS

A

C. Keyboard

70
Q

What is the disadvantage of embedded computers?

A. Embedded computers are low-power devices
B. Low-cost
C. Users cannot modify the program in embedded computers
D. Robust and reliable

A

C. Users cannot modify the program in embedded computers

71
Q

What is the function of the address bus?

A

Transmits the address between the processor and memory

72
Q

What is the function of a data bus?

A

Transmits data between the processor, memory and input-output devices

73
Q

What is the function of a control bus?

A

Transmits signals of the processor to control the memory and peripheral devices

74
Q

List the registers used in von Neumann architecture

A

MAR, MDR, ACC, PC and CIR

75
Q

What are the steps involved in a READ operation?

A

Address→MAR
Read signal is sent by processor
Data→MDR

76
Q

What are the steps involved in a WRITE operation?

A

Data→MDR
Address→MAR
Write signal is sent by processor

77
Q

What does a processor consist of?

A

ALU (Arithmetic and Logic unit) and Control Unit (CU)

78
Q

What is the function of an ALU?

A

Performs arithmetic and logic operations

79
Q

What is the function of a CU?

A

Controls the memory, processor and input-output devices

80
Q

What are the steps involved in a fetch operation?

A

Address of next instruction→PC
PC→MAR
Instruction→MDR
MDR→CIR
Value of PC incremented

81
Q

What is the function of the CPU?

A

Fetch-decode-execute cycle of instructions in a step-by-step manner

82
Q

What is the function of memory?

A

Stores program operations and data during the execution cycle of a program

83
Q

What is the function of secondary storage?

A

Stores program files and data even when not in use

84
Q

List a few examples of secondary storage.

A

Hard drives, SD cards, USB memory disk and CD

85
Q

What factors affect the performance of a CPU?

A

Cores, clock rate, cache size and processor type

86
Q

What is benchmarking?

A

A test to access the performance of a computer

87
Q

True or False: Increasing the number of cores 5 times, increases the speed of computer 5 times.

A

False, because communication channels use up some speed.

88
Q

What is clock rate?

A

Clock rate indicates the number of instructions processed by a CPU in a second.

89
Q

What is over-clocking?

A

Increasing the speed of the computer by increasing the CPU clock speed is called over-clocking

90
Q

What is cache?

A

Cache is a small memory part located closer to CPU when compared to RAM to hold temporary data and instructions that the CPU is expected to use frequently.

91
Q

True or False: Accessing cache is faster than accessing RAM.

A

True

92
Q

What are the types of processors?

A

Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) and Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC)

93
Q

Which of the two processors offer a higher clock speed: CISC or RISC?

A

CISC

94
Q

What are embedded computers?

A

Embedded computers are designed to perform a dedicated function within a large mechanical or electrical system.

95
Q

What is primary storage?

A

Primary storage is a type of memory that is accessed directly by CPU.

96
Q

List the types of primary storage.

A

RAM ROM

97
Q

What is latency?

A

Latency is the time taken by components to respond to a request.

98
Q

How is the access time reduced?

A

By copying frequently used data and instructions to the cache.

99
Q

What is RAM?

A

A temporary memory which stores data, files and parts of the operating system that are currently in use.

100
Q

True or False: The larger the size of RAM, the faster the computer will operate.

A

True

101
Q

What is ROM?

A

A permanent memory that is used to store the instructions that are executed once the computer is switched ON.

102
Q

When is virtual memory required?

A

When a computer has too many processes running at the same time and the capacity of RAM is not enough.

103
Q

What is virtual memory?

A

A section of hard drive is allocated for storing temporary data when the capacity of RAM is not enough.

104
Q

What is swapping?

A

Swapping (or paging) is the process by which the OS transfers data between RAM and virtual memory.

105
Q

What type of data is copied to virtual memory?

A

Data that is not immediately required by a CPU is removed from RAM and is copied to the virtual memory .

Computer Science (GCSE) (1 decks)

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