Computer Hardware and Processor Design
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Control Unit within a CPU?

  • It performs arithmetic and logical operations.
  • It fetches data from memory and decodes instructions. (correct)
  • It manages data transfers based on user inputs.
  • It stores intermediate results of computations.
  • What is a primary characteristic of a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)?

  • It uses a set of simple, uniform instructions.
  • It can execute instructions of varying lengths. (correct)
  • All operands must be located in processor registers.
  • It is designed exclusively for embedded systems.
  • In the context of instruction execution, which action occurs immediately after an instruction is fetched?

  • Store
  • Decode (correct)
  • Execute
  • Power on
  • What does the acronym RISC stand for and what is its main advantage?

    <p>Reduced Instruction Set Computer; simpler design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes volatile memory?

    <p>It loses its contents when the power is turned off.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct definition of access time in computer memory?

    <p>The time taken to retrieve an item from storage media.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following storage capacities is equivalent to 1,073,741,824 bytes?

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

    Which retrieval method entails the sequential access of data?

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

    What is the primary function of transfer rate in computer memory?

    <p>To indicate the speed of data movement to/from a device.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly states the number of bytes in a terabyte?

    <p>2<sup>40</sup></p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Computer Hardware

    • Computer systems consist of hardware, software, and the human user
    • Hardware are the physical components
    • Software are the instructions that tell the hardware what to do
    • The human user operates the system

    Computer Processor (CPU)

    • The CPU is made up of electronic components that process data
    • The components include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a control unit
    • It has registers that hold data and instructions temporarily
    • The instruction execution cycle includes fetch, decode, execute, and store steps
    • The process continuously repeats until the computer is turned off

    Processor Design Types

    • Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC): Uses simple instructions. Operands are usually held in processor registers, and not in memory, which simplifies design. Ex: fixed instruction size
    • Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC): Uses complex instructions. Operands can be in registers or memory. Instruction size varies and often uses a microprogram.

    Computer Memory (Storage)

    • Computer memory stores instructions and data waiting to be used by the processor
    • Memory includes various types and storage media (e.g. OS software, Application programs, Data, Volatile (RAM), Non-volatile (ROM)).
    • Cache: Temporary storage, very fast, but expensive. Small size, small capacity.
    • RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage, fast, affordable. Medium size, medium capacity.
    • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent Storage, slow, cheap, Large size, large capacity.
    • Storage Device types: ROM/BIOS, HDD, Removable.
    • Retrieval Methods: Sequential or Direct

    Computer Memory (Capacity)

    • Capacity: The amount of data that a storage medium holds. Measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes (and larger units such as terabytes, etc)
    • Access time: Time taken to retrieve an item.
    • Transfer rate: Speed at which data moves to/from a device.

    Computer Software

    • Software controls and manages computer devices and processes.
    • System Software: Concerned with the computer itself. Examples include operating systems (OS).
    • Operating System (OS):
      • Starts the system
      • Communicates between hardware and software
      • Controls timing of events
      • Manages data for security and integrity
      • Manages programs, memory and system performance
      • Manages files, schedules tasks and configures devices
      • Controls networks, security and provides a user interface (UI)
      • Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Unix

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    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of computer hardware, focusing on the CPU and its components. This quiz covers the basic architecture and functioning of different processor design types like RISC and CISC. Test your knowledge of how hardware interacts with software and the user.

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