Computer Architecture Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for using cache memory in a computer system?

To reduce the cost of dynamic memory

To increase the speed of data processing (correct)

To eliminate the need for main memory

To provide storage for the operating system

What type of memory is primarily used in main memory systems?

Dynamic memory (DRAM) (correct)

Read-Only memory (ROM)

Flash memory

Static memory (SRAM)

Which cache level is accessed first by the CPU when looking for data?

L2 Cache

L1 Cache (correct)

Main Memory

L3 Cache

In modern processors, where is cache memory typically integrated?

Within the processor core (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of using static memory (SRAM) compared to dynamic memory (DRAM)?

SRAM is much more expensive than DRAM (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the first commercial computer developed in 1951?

UNIVAC 1 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following integrated circuits was developed in 1958?

Integrated circuits (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the IBM System 360 introduced in the mid-1960s?

It was a family of computers with a common architecture. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the first microprocessor released by Intel in 1971?

4004 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which microprocessor is classified as an 8-bit processor?

8008 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processors was released after the 4004 and is a 16-bit microprocessor?

80286 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which company developed the PDP-1, known for being the first to have a keyboard and mouse?

DEC (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microprocessors has a 32-bit architecture?

Pentium Pro (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who founded the company that developed the first microprocessor, the 4004?

Intel (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the function units in a processor?

Execute different types of instructions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with overclocking a processor?

Potential damage to the processor and motherboard (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended practice when it comes to overclocking?

Best done with caution and by professionals (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology allows processors to fit millions of transistors in a small area?

Micron technology (C) Signup and view all the answers

What limits the compatibility of processors with motherboards?

The specific model of the processor and socket type (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if cooling is inadequate during overclocking?

Frequent system freezes may occur (D) Signup and view all the answers

What speeds can contemporary processors typically operate at?

100, 133, 333 MHZ and higher (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does CISC architecture facilitate regarding microcode?

It allows new instructions to be easily added. (A) Signup and view all the answers

One of the disadvantages of CISC architecture includes which of the following?

Increased amount of clock cycles for different instructions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding flag status in CISC is accurate?

Flags act as side effects of instructions, causing additional cycles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did RISC architecture evolve in relation to CISC architecture?

As a response to the limitations of processors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of CISC architecture directly impacts the speed of instruction execution?

Complexity of individual instruction codes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of microprogramming in CISC architecture?

It can be executed easily and cost-effectively. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dynamics of instruction execution in CISC?

Instructions vary widely in their execution time and clock cycles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does CISC architecture have over RISC when it comes to programming?

Ability to run older programs without modification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which company or companies were pivotal in the development of RISC architecture?

IBM, Apple, and Motorola. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of hardware implementation is associated with CISC?

Flexibility in command lengths and execution time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of programs written for the Intel 80x86 architecture?

They can only run on processors with the same architecture. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the speed mismatch problem?

The design improvements in processors have outpaced those in memory. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes dynamic memory from static memory?

Static memory does not use capacitors, making it faster to respond to requests. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a group into which memories are divided?

Tape (D) Signup and view all the answers

What technology do dynamic memories primarily rely on?

FETs structured in groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the logical states in dynamic memory during operation?

They require time to be charged and discharged. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of early microprocessors compared to memory?

Processors operated at lower speeds than memory. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief benefit of separating commands and data in memory design?

It significantly decreases processing time due to faster access. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do additional instruction sets like SSE and 3D Now! play in processors?

They provide optimizations for specific processors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In terms of memory architecture, which statement is accurate?

Dynamic memory is composed of transistors and capacitors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Information Technologies (WICT 101)

This course is an introduction to information technologies
It is taught by Dr. Murat ARSLAN
Contact email is [email protected]

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that performs logical and arithmetic operations
It receives data from the user, processes data, stores results, and accesses information
It's fast, doesn't get tired, and can be programmed
Computers do not function independently. They need instructions (software) to perform actions.

Computer Components

Input: Data enters the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone)
Processing: Data is manipulated according to instructions (e.g., CPU)
Memory: Data is stored (e.g., RAM, hard drive)
Output: Results are presented (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers)

Types of Computers

Macro Computers (Mainframe): Large, powerful computers used by large organizations (e.g., data processing centers, universities)
Mini Computers: Mid-sized computers used by medium-sized businesses
Micro Computers (Personal Computers - PCs): Designed for a single user (e.g., desktops, laptops)

Networks

Networks connect computers to share data, hardware, and software
This reduces costs and speeds up work
Network types include LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), Intranet, and Internet
Each user has a username and password for security, changed as needed

Computer Software

Free to Use Software (Public Domain): Open-source software anyone can use
Shareware: Copyrighted software for trial use, with a purchase necessary for permanent use
Operating System: Software that manages computer resources, facilitating interactions between the user and the computer (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
Disk Operating System (DOS): A type of operating system (e.g., Windows 3.1, 95, 98, DOS, macOS, UNIX, LINUX)

Useful Software and Programs

Device drivers: Programs that operate hardware devices
Programming languages: Instructions for computers (e.g., C, Pascal, Java)
Application programs: Specialized software for specific tasks (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, games)
Commercial software: Software for business purposes (e.g., accounting, forecasting)
Educational/Application software: Programs for learning and performing tasks (e.g., educational software, simulations)
Multimedia software: Integrates sound, video, animation, and images (e.g., multimedia encyclopedias)

Computer Files

File names consist of a name and an extension (e.g., document.doc)
Working files (.exe, .com) run without additional programs
Source files need translation before use
Data files (.doc) can be changed or printed

Computer and Health

Appropriate posture and distance from the screen are important while using computers
Regular breaks and eye exercises are important for computer users.

Basic Concepts of Computers

Analog Computers: Use continuous signals (e.g., thermometer). They are less common now.
Digital Computers: Use discrete signals represented as numbers (e.g., 0 and 1). They are very common.
Hybrid Computers: Combine analog and digital features.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Brains of the computer
Performs operations and sends results
Measured by MHz or GHz, higher numbers mean faster speed
Consists of transistors and circuits
Essential for performing calculations

Overclocking

Technically increasing the speed of a processor
Risky, if not done properly

Caches

A special type of memory inside the processor that stores frequently used data
Increases processor speed

Hyperthreading

Allows a single processor to act Like multiple processors
Increases performance

Computer History

Early calculating devices (e.g., Abacus, Pascaline, Difference Engine)
Development of electronic computers and components
Progression of computer generations (Mechanical, Electronic, Microprocessor)