Computer Architecture Basics Quiz

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What are the architectural attributes of a computer system?

Color, size, and weight

Keyboard, mouse, monitor resolution

Instruction set, data representation, I/O mechanisms (correct)

Operating system, software applications, RAM

What is the significance of the von Neumann architecture in computer systems?

It emphasized the use of a shared memory for data and instructions (correct)

It improved the physical design of CPUs

It introduced color displays in computers

It introduced voice recognition technology

How does the IBM System/370 architecture protect a customer's software investment?

By discontinuing all previous software versions with new model releases

By introducing new software with every model upgrade

By allowing upgrading to faster models while retaining the same architecture (correct)

By changing the architecture completely with each model release

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

Control the flow of data between CPU components Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Function' refer to in computer systems?

The operation of individual components within the system structure Signup and view all the answers

In computer architecture, what are considered as part of the 'Structure'?

Logical components relations and top-level peripherals Signup and view all the answers

What unit is used to measure processor speeds?

Hertz Signup and view all the answers

Which unit is typically used to measure main memory (RAM)?

Megabyte Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure designed the Difference Engine, a key development in computing history?

Charles Babbage Signup and view all the answers

In computing, what does the term 'byte' represent?

A unit of storage Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Atanasoff Berry Computer in computing history?

Solving systems of linear equations Signup and view all the answers

Which metric prefix denotes a quantity equivalent to 1 trillion?

Tera- Signup and view all the answers

What idea did the 8080, 8086, and 8088 versions spawn?

Personal computing Signup and view all the answers

According to Moore's Law, what is expected to double every 18 months?

The density of silicon chips Signup and view all the answers

What did Arthur Rock's Law predict to double every four years?

The cost of capital equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Level 6 in the Computer Level Hierarchy?

Program execution and user interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which law must fall for Moore's Law to hold, according to the text?

Rock's Law Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the machines at each level in the Computer Level Hierarchy?

They call upon machines at lower levels to perform tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which level in the Computer Level Hierarchy is responsible for decoding and executing instructions?

Level 1: Control Level Signup and view all the answers

At which level do programs need no compilers, interpreters, or assemblers?

Level 2: Machine Level Signup and view all the answers

Which level in the Computer Level Hierarchy is known as the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) Level?

Level 2: Machine Level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the System Software Level in the Computer Level Hierarchy?

Controls executing processes on the system Signup and view all the answers

Which level consists of digital circuits such as gates and wires?

Level 0: Digital Logic Level Signup and view all the answers

What are control units in the Computer Level Hierarchy responsible for?

Implementing microprograms written in low-level languages Signup and view all the answers

What components implement the mathematical logic of all other levels in the Von Neumann Model?

CPU, Main memory, I/O Signup and view all the answers

Which component in the fetch-decode-execute cycle fetches the next instruction from memory?

Control unit Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an instruction is decoded in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

Results are placed in registers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the ALU in the von Neumann Model?

Performing arithmetic and logical operations Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a von Neumann system determines where the next instruction is located in memory?

Program counter Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing data operands into registers within the CPU during execution of instructions?

To provide quick access for the ALU Signup and view all the answers