Basic Computer Architecture Unit 2
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Questions and Answers

Why is processor speed important for a computer system?

  • It measures how much memory can be installed.
  • It dictates the quality of graphics on the screen.
  • It determines the number of applications that can run simultaneously. (correct)
  • It affects the size of the computer's hard drive.

    • What measurement is used to quantify processor speed?

  • Teraflops
  • Megahertz or gigahertz (correct)
  • Kilobytes per hour
  • Bytes per second

    • Which factor does NOT impact processor speed?

  • User preferences (correct)
  • Manufacturing variables
  • Cache size
  • Circuit size

    • What is the primary function of RAM in a computer system?

    <p>To process and temporarily store information for immediate use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of RAM is commonly used to build cache memory?

    <p>SRAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do smaller chips affect processor speed?

    <p>They usually increase speed but generate more heat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes applications that require significant data processing capacity?

    <p>Processor-intensive applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes DRAM from SRAM?

    <p>DRAM stores bits using electrical charges, while SRAM retains information as long as power is supplied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the reasons schools need computers with faster processors?

    <p>To support advanced computing courses like animation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which storage device deletes data when the power is turned off?

    <p>DRAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common range of capacity for RAM mentioned?

    <p>1GB - 32GB/64GB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between processor speed and task completion?

    <p>Faster processor speeds enable quicker data processing and task completion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which storage device retains its data permanently until it is erased?

    <p>ROM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario would likely NOT benefit from a high processor speed?

    <p>Performing basic word processing tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is generally more expensive but faster?

    <p>SRAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does not function as a primary storage device?

    <p>Cloud Storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the address bus in a computer system?

    <p>To specify physical addresses in memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates the data bus from the address bus?

    <p>The data bus facilitates two-way data transfer, while the address bus only sends information one way</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of the control bus?

    <p>It carries commands and status information among components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component primarily processes data in a computer system?

    <p>Central Processing Unit (CPU)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of memory is specifically identified by the data bus for transmission?

    <p>Data between components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the unidirectional nature of the address bus affect its functionality?

    <p>It can only specify addresses, not retrieve data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the bus architecture, which component is responsible for user interaction?

    <p>Input and output devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a major characteristic of the address bus?

    <p>It uniquely identifies each I/O device.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason SSDs are referred to as solid-state drives?

    <p>They do not have any moving parts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which storage device is specifically required to use a memory card on a computer?

    <p>Memory card reader</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT true about CDs?

    <p>They were invented by Sony in 1980.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Optical Storage Devices from other types of storage?

    <p>They store data using laser light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical size range for SD cards?

    <p>2GB to a few TB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which storage device is commonly used with car radios and digital cameras?

    <p>Multimedia Card</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum storage capacity of a typical CD?

    <p>700MB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many times can data be erased and re-programmed on an EEPROM?

    <p>About 10,000 times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of SDRAM that contributes to its performance?

    <p>It accepts new data before finishing processing previous data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of ROM can be programmed but not altered after programming?

    <p>PROM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of EEPROM over EPROM?

    <p>EEPROM allows for electrical erasing instead of UV erasing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about DRAM is true?

    <p>DRAM has a higher packaging density compared to SRAM.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is latency in the context of memory processing?

    <p>The delay in data processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about SSDs is incorrect?

    <p>They require spinning to access data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of RAM includes various generations such as DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4?

    <p>SDRAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What operation is performed by ROM when booting a computer?

    <p>Reading data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Basic Computer Architecture

    Address Bus and Data Bus

    • Computer systems consist of CPU, memory, and I/O devices, communicating via a bus architecture.
    • Buses facilitate data transfer: the address bus sends memory addresses (unidirectional), while the data bus transmits data (bidirectional).
    • Each I/O device has a unique ID accessed through the address bus.

    Virtual Memory and Cache Memory

    • Virtual memory allows computers to use hard drive space as additional RAM.
    • Cache memory stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval, enhancing processing efficiency.

    Hardware Components

    • Motherboard: Main circuit board connecting all components of a computer, allowing communication and power distribution.
    • Processor Types:
      • CPU (Central Processing Unit): Executes instructions and performs calculations.
      • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Specialized for rendering images and video.
    • Processor Speed: Measured in MHz or GHz; higher speeds allow faster data processing and multitasking capabilities.
      • Factors affecting speed include circuit size, die size, and cache size.

    Memory Types

    • RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for actively running programs.
      • Types of RAM:
        • SRAM (Static RAM): Fast and used for cache; retains data as long as power is supplied.
        • DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Slower than SRAM, more affordable, used widely for main memory.
        • SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM): Faster than DRAM with pipelining capabilities.
    • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory containing permanent data for booting the computer.
      • Types of ROM:
        • PROM (Programmable ROM): Can be programmed once; non-volatile.
        • EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): Can be erased and rewritten using UV light.
        • EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically, allowing more flexibility.

    Storage Devices

    • Primary Storage: Refers to RAM, necessary for running applications.
    • Secondary Storage Categories:
      • Magnetic Storage: Hard disks and tapes store data magnetically.
      • Flash Memory: USB drives and SSDs use non-volatile memory; SSDs have no moving parts, enhancing speed and reliability.
      • Optical Storage: CDs and DVDs store data read by laser:
        • CD: Stores up to 700MB; commonly used for audio and data; introduced in 1982.

    Software Introduction

    • Operating System (OS): Acts as an intermediary between hardware and users, managing resources and facilitating interactions.
    • System Software vs. Application Software:
      • System Software: Includes OS and utilities for managing hardware.
      • Application Software: Programs designed for end-users to perform tasks like word processing or graphics design.

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    IC_Unit2- Basic Computer Architecture.pdf

    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamentals of basic computer architecture, including the concepts of address bus, data bus, virtual memory, and cache memory. It also dives into hardware components such as motherboards and the types of processors, specifically CPU and GPU. Test your knowledge of these essential computing concepts!

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