Computer Architecture Basics

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Questions and Answers

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

To store data for permanent retrieval

To store the address of the next instruction

To hold intermediate results of arithmetic and logical operations (correct)

To cache frequently accessed data and instructions

Which register is responsible for storing the address of the next instruction to be executed?

Instruction Register (IR)

Program Counter (PC) (correct)

Memory Buffer Register (MBR)

Accumulator

How is Cache memory best described in relation to the processor?

It is a small and fast memory for frequently accessed data. (correct)

It is a type of secondary storage for large files.

It is slower than RAM but faster than secondary storage.

It stores data in a permanent manner.

What is the primary difference between RAM and ROM?

RAM holds data temporarily, while ROM holds permanent instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines secondary storage?

Storage that is permanently accessible and has high capacity. Signup and view all the answers

Which measuring unit is equivalent to 1024 bytes?

KB Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

To store the address for data to be read from or written to memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which device is primarily used to input text data into a computer system?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a graphic tablet?

To create graphical images using a stylus Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a QR code from a barcode?

QR codes can hold more data than barcodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which device is primarily used for sound input conversion?

Microphone Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an OMR device?

To read marks on printed forms for data recording Signup and view all the answers

What type of printer uses an impact mechanism?

Dot-matrix printer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of display monitor mentioned?

HDMI Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a smart card reader?

To access data stored in a smart card Signup and view all the answers

Which device is specifically designed to convert images into digital format?

Digital Camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an assembler?

To translate assembly language into machine language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a high level language?

It is more abstract and similar to English. Signup and view all the answers

Which utility is specifically designed to enhance disk performance by rearranging files?

Disk defragmenter Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of utility software?

To maintain system tasks and improve efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which software is primarily used for creating and displaying slideshows?

Microsoft PowerPoint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of word processing software?

Helps create and format text documents Signup and view all the answers

What does database software primarily organize?

Data in tabular form Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of making a large file take less storage space called?

Zipping Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of multimedia software?

Adobe Flash Signup and view all the answers

Which freedom is NOT part of the Free Software Foundation's definition of free software?

Freedom to sell the software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following programs is an example of an antivirus utility?

Kaspersky Signup and view all the answers

What type of software allows for the backing up of disk data?

Backup utility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following software is NOT categorized as spreadsheet software?

Apple iWork Keynote Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of DBMS software?

Organized collection of interrelated data Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes 'freeware'?

Software available at no cost but with restrictions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a product of multimedia software?

A video editing project Signup and view all the answers

Which register holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed?

PC Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is designed to improve the performance of a system by reorganizing data on a hard disk?

Disk defragmenter Signup and view all the answers

In order of processing speed from fastest to slowest, which is the correct sequence of memory devices?

Registers, Cache, RAM, Hard Disk Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to software that can be used for free but may have restricted features?

Shareware Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes e-waste?

Obsolete electronic devices and equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cache memory in a computer system?

To provide faster access to frequently used data Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between shareware and free software?

Shareware has trial limitations, while free software has no such restrictions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT commonly considered a type of memory device in a computer?

CPU Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Registers

Accumulator: Stores temporary results during arithmetic and logical operations.
Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the memory address of the location to be accessed (read or written to).
Memory Buffer Register (MBR): Temporarily stores data being transferred between the processor and memory.
Instruction Register (IR): Contains the currently executing instruction.
Program Counter (PC): Stores the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.

Memory Units

Bit: Basic unit of data storage, represents a 0 or 1.
Nibble: 4 bits.
Byte: 8 bits.
Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
Megabyte (MB): 1024 KB.
Gigabyte (GB): 1024 MB.
Terabyte (TB): 1024 GB.
Petabyte (PB): 1024 TB.

RAM vs ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory, used for storing data, instructions, and intermediate results. Accessed by the CPU quickly but data is lost when the power is off.
ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile memory, holds instructions for the computer's startup procedure. Data is retained even when power is off.

Cache Memory

Cache: Small, high-speed memory between the CPU and RAM. Stores frequently accessed data and instructions for faster access.

Storage Units

Primary Storage: Main memory (RAM and ROM). Has high access speed but limited capacity.
Secondary Storage: Auxiliary memory (hard drive, CDs, DVDs, flash drives). Stores data permanently, has large capacity, and slower access speed.

Input Devices

Keyboard: Used to input text, numbers, and symbols.
Mouse: Navigates the computer screen by controlling the cursor/pointer.
Light Pen: Pointing device that allows drawing directly on a display screen.
Touch Screen: Allows user interaction by touching the display screen.
Graphic Tablet: Similar to a digital notepad, used for creating images with a pen.
Joystick: Used for gaming, controlling simulators, and robots.
Microphone: Converts analog sound into digital format.
Scanner: Captures images or text and converts them into digital format.
OMR (Optical Mark Recognition): Reads marks on printed forms for data entry.
Bar Code Reader: Reads barcodes to input data.
QR Code Reader: Reads two-dimensional QR codes using a smartphone camera.
Biometric Sensor: Identifies users based on unique physical characteristics (fingerprints, iris patterns, etc.).
Smart Card Reader: Accesses data stored on smart cards, used in several applications.
Digital Camera: Captures pictures and videos in digital format.

Output Devices

Monitor: Displays visual information. Examples: CRT, LCD, TFT, LED, OLED.
LCD Projector: Projects images or data onto a larger screen.
Printer: Produces hardcopy output (printouts). Examples: Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Laser, Thermal.

Software Classifications

Machine Language: Uses binary code (0s and 1s) that the computer directly understands.
Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics (symbolic names) for instructions, making it easier to understand than machine language but still requires programming expertise.
High Level Languages: Similar to human language, easier to learn and use, requires translation into machine language. Examples: Python, Java, C++, C#.
Language Processors: Programs that translate code written in high-level languages or assembly language into machine language.
- Assembler: Translates assembly language to machine language.
- Interpreter: Converts high-level language code line by line.
- Compiler: Translates a complete program written in a high-level language into machine language.
Utility Software: Helps with system maintenance tasks. Examples: Compression tools, Disk Defragmenter, Backup Software, Antivirus Software.
General Purpose Software: Designed to perform specific tasks in various application areas. Examples: Word Processors, Spreadsheet Software, Presentation Software, Database Software, Multimedia Software.
- Word Processing Software: Creates and edits documents, formats text, checks spelling and grammar. Examples: MS Word, OpenOffice Writer, Apple Pages.
- Spreadsheet Software: Performs calculations on numerical data, creates charts and graphs. Examples: Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, Lotus 1-2-3, Apple Numbers.
- Presentation Software: Creates slideshows with text, images, animations, videos, and sound. Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, OpenOffice Impress.
- Database Software: Organizes, stores, and manages data in tabular format. Examples: Microsoft Access, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL.
- Multimedia Software: Integrates various types of media (text, graphics, audio, video). Examples: VLC Player, Adobe Flash, Real Player, Media Player.

Open Source vs Freeware vs Shareware

Free and Open Source Software: Users have four freedoms: to run the software for any purpose; to study how it works and adapt it; to distribute copies; and to improve the software and release those improvements to the public.
Freeware: Software that is available to use free of charge. Developers retain rights to the software.
Shareware: Trial versions of the software that can be used for a limited period. Users need to pay if they wish to continue using the software.

E-Waste

Electronic waste (e-waste) consists of discarded electronic devices like computers, phones, televisions, etc. It is becoming a serious global problem as it contains hazardous materials that can harm the environment and human health if disposed of improperly.

E-Waste Disposal

Reuse: Reusing old devices for different purposes reduces waste generation.
Recycling: Disassembling old devices for valuable components.
Landfilling: Burying old devices directly, creating a harmful source of pollution.
Incineration: Burning old devices releasing toxic fumes into the environment.

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Description

Test your knowledge of fundamental computer architecture concepts, including registers and memory units. Explore the differences between RAM and ROM while learning about data storage sizes from bits to petabytes.