Week 1 Flashcards
What is a program?
A sequence of instructions describing how to perform a certain task.
What is machine language?
A computers primitive instructions. (level 0 language)
What is translation? (in the context of computer language levels)
Every instruction of the HLL is converted into it’s LLL equivalents and then the entire program is executed.
What is interpretation? (in the context of computer language levels)
Each instruction of the HLL is individually converted into it’s LLL equivalents and then executed. After one instruction has been converted and executed the interpreter moves onto the next instruction.
Level 5 of a multilevel computer is also known as…? How are instructions at this level converted into the level below?
Problem oriented language level. Translation (compiler).
Level 4 of a multilevel computer is also known as…? How are instructions at this level converted into the level below?
Assembly language level. Translation (compiler).
Level 3 of a multilevel computer is also known as…? How are instructions at this level converted into the level below?
Operating system machine level. Partial interpretation (operating system)
Level 2 of a multilevel computer is also known as…? How are instructions at this level converted into the level below?
Instruction set architecture level. Interpretation (microprogram) or direct execution.
Level 1 of a multilevel computer is also known as…? How are instructions at this level converted into the level below?
Microarchitecture level. Hardware.
What is a Bit?
0 or 1.
What is a Byte?
an 8-bit word.
What is a Word?
The data stored in one register of the CPU.
What is a Register?
CPU memory; stores ONE WORD.
What is a CPU?
Central processing unit; fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.
What is Main Memory?
RAM.
What is a Bus?
Shared electrical pathway along which data travels between devices.
What is Assembly language?
Very low-level computer programming language, close to machine code.
What is an SSD?
Solid state drive.
What is a Cache?
Fast memory between the registers and the main memory.
Prefix for 10 ^ -3
Milli.
Prefix for 10 ^ -6
Micro.
Prefix for 10 ^ -9
Nano.
Prefix for 10 ^ -12
Pico.
Prefix for 10 ^ -15
Femto.
Prefix for 10 ^ 3
Kilo.
Prefix for 10 ^ 6
Mega.
Prefix for 10 ^ 9
Giga.
Prefix for 10 ^ 12
Tera.
Prefix for 10 ^ 15
Peta.
What is the formula for determining the amount of time a program will take to run at different language levels?
kn^(r-1) / m^(r-1)
k = seconds for program to run at level 1
r = level
n = number of interpretation required to convert 1 HLL instruction to its LLL equivalent
m = power
