Types of processor Flashcards
What does RISC mean
Reduced Instruction Set Computer
What does CISC mean
Complex Instruction Set Computer
What are the properties of RISC
- Small instruction set
- Each instruction is one line of machine code
- Used in everyday devices
What are the properties of CISC
- A large instruction set
- Instructions are built into hardware
- Used in embedded systems and microprocessors
What are the benefits of RISC processors
Pipelining is possible since each instruction takes one clock cycle
What are the benefits of CISC processors
- Compilers have to do less work
- They require less RAM since instructions are smaller
What is a graphics processing unit
A co-processor made up of lots of
independent parallel processors
What are GPUs used for now
GPUs are used for image processing and machine learning
What are multi-core systems
Systems where there are multiple cores
that separate fetch-execute cycles
What are parallel systems
- Systems where multiple instructions can be completed at any given time
- Doesn’t require multiple cores
- It can use threading and pipelining instead
Describe distributed OS and an example where it is used
Allows multiple computers to work together on a single task.
They tend to be used in systems aimed at completing computationally intensive tasks.
e.g 3D animation
What are embedded systems and an example of one
A dedicated computer system that performs one or more specific functions within a larger piece of equipment.
e.g, washing machines, vending machines
Describe multitasking OS
Can run multiple programs simultaneously
Describe multi-user OS and an example where it is used
Allows multiple users to use a system and its resources simultaneously.
e.g Banks and retailers
