Computer Architecture Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

  • To store program instructions
  • To perform mathematical and logical operations (correct)
  • To manage input/output devices
  • To decode instructions

    • What component of the CPU decodes instructions and coordinates the operations of other components?

  • Control unit (correct)
  • Register areas
  • Memory
  • Input/output devices

    • Which of the following best describes the purpose of memory in a computer system?

  • To perform logical comparisons
  • To decode tasks for the control unit
  • To provide high-speed storage for program instructions and data (correct)
  • To facilitate data input from external devices

    • What does decoding an instruction involve?

    <p>Breaking down the instruction into opcode and address code</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which opcode is used for adding two numbers together?

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

    What is a characteristic of a multicore processor?

    <p>It has two or more independent processing units called cores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a coprocessor?

    <p>Apple Neural Engine (ANE)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many cores can modern CPUs typically have?

    <p>Up to 20 cores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following families is NOT an Intel processor family?

    <p>Ryzen FX</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What capability does a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) provide while the CPU is engaged in other tasks?

    <p>It handles specific types of graphics-related instructions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about processor families?

    <p>They consist of processors from the same manufacturer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary benefit of having multiple cores in a processor?

    <p>Increased capability to run multiple instructions simultaneously.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of Cache Memory?

    <p>It is accessed faster than main memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

    <p>It offers permanent storage for essential programming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant advantage of Secondary Data Storage Devices over memory?

    <p>Secondary storage has greater storage capacity and permanence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it necessary to use input/output channels to access secondary storage?

    <p>Secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common form of secondary storage?

    <p>Cache memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is parallel computing primarily defined as?

    <p>The simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes massively parallel processing systems?

    <p>Systems with thousands of processors in one system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is grid computing primarily characterized by?

    <p>Utilizing a collection of computers to solve a common problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example illustrates grid computing effectively?

    <p>The Large Hadron Collider involving multiple computing centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Main Memory provide to the CPU?

    <p>A working storage area for programs and data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true about Random Access Memory (RAM)?

    <p>It is temporary and volatile</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many bits are there in a byte?

    <p>Eight bits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about massively parallel processing systems?

    <p>They consist of only a few processors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT a feature of grid computing?

    <p>Solving individual basic tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does main memory primarily rely on for data storage?

    <p>Random Access Memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    CPU Components

    • The CPU consists of three main components: the Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), the control unit, and the register areas.
    • The ALU performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical comparisons.
    • The control unit decodes instructions and coordinates the operations of other CPU components.
    • The register areas are small, high-speed storage areas within the CPU.

    Memory

    • Memory provides a working storage area for program instructions and data.

    Input/Output Devices

    • Input/output devices provide data and instructions to the computer and receive results from it.
    • This includes permanent storage.

    Instruction Processing

    • Completing an instruction involves four steps:
      • Fetching the instruction from memory
      • Decoding the instruction
      • Executing the instruction
      • Storing the result

    Decoding

    • Decoding involves breaking down the instruction into two parts: opcode (operation code) and address code.
    • Opcodes are a basic set of commands that the processor can execute, such as ADD, COMPARE, IN, and JUMP.

    Processor Families

    • A set of processors from the same manufacturer that have similar features and capabilities.
    • Examples include Intel families: Atom, Celeron, Pentium, Core, Xeon and Ryzen FX.

    Utilizing Multiple Processing Units

    • A coprocessor executes specific types of instructions while the CPU works on another processing activity.
    • Examples include the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the Apple Neural Engine (ANE).
    • A multicore processor has two or more independent processing units, called cores.
    • These cores can run multiple instructions at the same time, increasing the amount of processing that can be completed in a given amount of time.

    Parallel Computing

    • Parallel computing involves the simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors.
    • Massively parallel processing systems have thousands of processors in one system.

    Grid Computing

    • Grid computing uses a collection of computers, often owned by multiple individuals or organizations, that work in a coordinated manner to solve a common problem.
    • Examples include the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and volunteer computing.

    Main Memory

    • Provides the CPU with a working storage area for programs and data.
    • Also known as Random Access Memory (RAM).
    • RAM is temporary and volatile.
    • Storage capacity is measured in bytes (B), with one byte representing eight bits that represent a single character of data.

    Cache Memory

    • Is a type of high-speed memory that the processor can access faster than main memory.
    • Located on or near the CPU chip.

    Types of Memory

    • Read-Only Memory (ROM) is nonvolatile, providing permanent storage for data and instructions.
    • ROM chips store essential programming required to start up a computer.

    Secondary Data Storage Devices

    • Secondary storage devices store large amounts of data and programs more permanently than memory.
    • Advantages over memory include nonvolatility, greater capacity, and lower cost.
    • Secondary storage is not directly accessible by the CPU.
    • Most common forms include magnetic (hard disk drives), optical (CD, DVD, Blu-ray discs), and solid state (SSD, USB memory sticks).

    Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

    • A storage device (or server) directly connected to a network.
    • Each NAS consists of one or several hard disk drives and has its own network address.

    Enterprise Storage Options

    • Storage Area Networks (SAN) are high-performance networks dedicated to storage, typically used by large businesses and enterprises.
    • Storage as a Service (Cloud Storage) is hosted remotely and accessed over the internet.
    • Cloud storage is a convenient and scalable option for businesses of all sizes.

    Input and Output Devices

    • Allow the user to provide data and instructions to the computer and receive results.
    • Are part of a computer's user interface.
    • Organizations should consider their business goals when selecting input and output devices.

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    Related Documents

    Lecture 2 - Hardware.pdf

    Description

    This quiz covers the fundamental components of computer architecture, including the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. Understand the roles of the arithmetic/logic unit, control unit, and the steps involved in instruction processing. Test your knowledge of how these elements work together in a computing system.

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