Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an example of system software?
Which of the following is an example of system software?
- Microsoft Word
- Google Chrome
- Adobe Photoshop (correct)
- Windows 10
Which logic gate outputs TRUE only when both inputs are FALSE?
Which logic gate outputs TRUE only when both inputs are FALSE?
- AND
- NOR
- OR (correct)
- XOR
Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
- Memory Management
- I/O Management
- Processor Management (correct)
- Creating computer viruses
Which type of translator converts the entire source code into machine code at once?
Which type of translator converts the entire source code into machine code at once?
Which CPU component performs arithmetic and logical operations?
Which CPU component performs arithmetic and logical operations?
Which of the following is a characteristic of high-level programming languages?
Which of the following is a characteristic of high-level programming languages?
What is the primary function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
What is the primary function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
Which storage type is volatile and loses its data when power is turned off?
Which storage type is volatile and loses its data when power is turned off?
In the fetch-execute cycle, what is the purpose of the 'decode' stage?
In the fetch-execute cycle, what is the purpose of the 'decode' stage?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of embedded systems?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of embedded systems?
If input A is TRUE and input B is FALSE, what is the output of an XOR gate?
If input A is TRUE and input B is FALSE, what is the output of an XOR gate?
Which of these storage devices typically has the highest storage capacity?
Which of these storage devices typically has the highest storage capacity?
What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?
What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?
Why might assembly language be preferred over a high-level language in embedded systems?
Why might assembly language be preferred over a high-level language in embedded systems?
Which of the following is a utility program designed to improve HDD performance?
Which of the following is a utility program designed to improve HDD performance?
If a CPU has a clock speed of 4 GHz, how many cycles does it perform per second?
If a CPU has a clock speed of 4 GHz, how many cycles does it perform per second?
What is the purpose of the address bus in a computer system?
What is the purpose of the address bus in a computer system?
Which of the following best describes the function of an assembler?
Which of the following best describes the function of an assembler?
What is the role of the accumulator register in the CPU?
What is the role of the accumulator register in the CPU?
Which of the following best describes the function of disk compression software?
Which of the following best describes the function of disk compression software?
Which type of memory is primarily used for long-term storage of data and programs?
Which type of memory is primarily used for long-term storage of data and programs?
What is the logic expression for a NAND gate with inputs A and B?
What is the logic expression for a NAND gate with inputs A and B?
Which of the following accurately describes pipelining in CPU architecture?
Which of the following accurately describes pipelining in CPU architecture?
Which of the following is a domain-specific language primarily used for database management?
Which of the following is a domain-specific language primarily used for database management?
What is the primary benefit of using cloud storage over traditional secondary storage?
What is the primary benefit of using cloud storage over traditional secondary storage?
What is primarily stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
What is primarily stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
Which bus is responsible for transferring the actual data between the CPU and memory?
Which bus is responsible for transferring the actual data between the CPU and memory?
Which of the following types of software applications is designed for creating and editing text documents?
Which of the following types of software applications is designed for creating and editing text documents?
What is the output of the Boolean expression $A \cdot B$ when A is TRUE and B is FALSE?
What is the output of the Boolean expression $A \cdot B$ when A is TRUE and B is FALSE?
In CPU performance, what does 'cache size' primarily affect?
In CPU performance, what does 'cache size' primarily affect?
Which software is most suited for creating copies of data to prevent data loss?
Which software is most suited for creating copies of data to prevent data loss?
Which of the following is least likely to be programmed using a low-level language?
Which of the following is least likely to be programmed using a low-level language?
If A is FALSE and B is TRUE, what is the output of the Boolean expression $A + B$?
If A is FALSE and B is TRUE, what is the output of the Boolean expression $A + B$?
When comparing SSDs and HDDs, which statement is typically correct?
When comparing SSDs and HDDs, which statement is typically correct?
Why is memory management important for operating systems?
Why is memory management important for operating systems?
An interpreter is generally preferred over a compiler during which phase of software development?
An interpreter is generally preferred over a compiler during which phase of software development?
Which component of the CPU is responsible for fetching instructions from memory?
Which component of the CPU is responsible for fetching instructions from memory?
Which of the following requires an internet connection to function fully?
Which of the following requires an internet connection to function fully?
Flashcards
Hardware
Hardware
Physical components of a computer system.
Input devices
Input devices
Mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone.
Output devices
Output devices
Monitor, printer, speakers.
Storage devices
Storage devices
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Processing components
Processing components
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Software
Software
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System software
System software
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Application software
Application software
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NOT gate
NOT gate
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AND gate
AND gate
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OR gate
OR gate
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XOR (Exclusive OR) gate
XOR (Exclusive OR) gate
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NAND gate
NAND gate
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NOR gate
NOR gate
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Truth table
Truth table
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System software
System software
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Operating systems (OS)
Operating systems (OS)
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Utilities
Utilities
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Application software
Application software
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Productivity software
Productivity software
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Entertainment software
Entertainment software
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Communication software
Communication software
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Processor management
Processor management
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Memory management
Memory management
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I/O Management
I/O Management
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File management
File management
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Security
Security
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Backup software
Backup software
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Compression software
Compression software
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Disk defragmentation
Disk defragmentation
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Low-level languages
Low-level languages
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High-level languages
High-level languages
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Compiler
Compiler
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Interpreter
Interpreter
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Assembler
Assembler
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Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
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Control Unit (CU)
Control Unit (CU)
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Clock
Clock
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Registers
Registers
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Bus
Bus
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Study Notes
- Hardware constitutes the physical elements of a computer system.
Hardware Categories
- Input devices like mice, keyboards, scanners, and microphones.
- Output devices such as monitors, printers, and speakers.
- Storage devices, including SSDs, HDDs, and USB drives.
- Processing components, including CPU, GPU, and motherboard.
- Software comprises the non-physical instructions directing hardware actions.
Software Categories
- System software: This includes operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with utilities like antivirus programs and disk cleanup tools.
- Application software: Programs designed for user interaction, such as web browsers, spreadsheets, and games.
- Software relays instructions via binary code, which the CPU interprets.
Logic Gates
- NOT Gate: Features a single input, with the output being its inverse.
- AND Gate: Requires both inputs to be true (1) for a true output.
- OR Gate: Yields a true output if at least one input is true.
- XOR (Exclusive OR) Gate: True only when inputs differ.
- NAND Gate: A NOT AND gate, outputting true unless both inputs are true.
- NOR Gate: A NOT OR gate, outputting true only when both inputs are false.
Truth Tables
- Show all possible inputs and their corresponding outputs.
- Example for AND: If A and B are the inputs, A AND B is only 1 if both A and B are 1, otherwise it is 0.
Boolean Expressions
- AND → 𝐴⋅𝐵
- OR → 𝐴+𝐵
- XOR → 𝐴⊕B
- NOT → 𝐴‾
- Boolean expressions can be converted into circuit diagrams.
System Software
- Manages and controls computer hardware.
- Operating systems (OS) examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Utilities include disk cleanup, file management, and antivirus software.
Application Software
- Designed for user-specific tasks.
- Productivity software: Word processors, spreadsheets.
- Entertainment software: Games, media players.
- Communication software: Email, messaging apps.
Operating System Functions
- Processor Management: Uses scheduling algorithms like Round Robin and First Come First Serve (FCFS).
- Memory Management: Allocates RAM and virtual memory.
- I/O Management: Manages communication between devices and the CPU.
- File Management: Organizes files into directories.
- Security: Employs firewalls, user authentication, and encryption.
Utility Programs
- Backup Software: Creates data copies.
- Compression Software: Reduces file sizes (e.g., ZIP, RAR).
- Disk Defragmentation: Organizes data on HDD to improve access speed.
Low-Level Languages
- Close to machine hardware.
- Machine Code: Binary code (composed of 0s and 1s).
- Assembly Language: Employs mnemonics (e.g., MOV A, 5).
High-Level Languages
- Easier for humans to read, write, and debug.
- General-Purpose: Python, Java, C++.
- Domain-Specific: SQL (for databases), HTML (for web pages).
Key Differences Between High-Level and Low-Level Languages
- High-level languages are easier to learn, more portable, but slower in execution.
- Low-level languages are faster, hardware-specific, but harder to understand.
Translators
- Convert source code to machine code.
- Compiler: Translates the entire program at once into an executable file, which is used for final software releases.
- Interpreter: Translates code line by line, which is useful during development.
- Assembler: Converts assembly language to machine code, which is used in embedded systems.
CPU Components (Von Neumann Architecture)
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and logic operations (AND, OR).
- Control Unit (CU): Directs operations and manages control signals.
- Clock: Synchronizes instructions; speed is measured in GHz (e.g., 3.5 GHz equals 3.5 billion cycles per second).
Registers
- Small storage locations for immediate data.
- Accumulator: Stores the results of calculations.
- Program Counter (PC): Holds the address of the next instruction.
- Memory Address Register (MAR): Stores addresses for accessing RAM.
- Memory Data Register (MDR): Stores data fetched from memory.
Bus
- Pathways for data transfer.
- Address Bus: Transmits memory addresses.
- Data Bus: Transfers data.
- Control Bus: Transmits control signals.
CPU Performance Factors
- Clock Speed: Higher speed allows more instructions to be executed per second.
- Cores: Each core can execute tasks independently.
- Cache Size: Offers faster access compared to RAM.
- Pipelining: Overlaps instruction execution stages to enhance efficiency.
Fetch-Execute Cycle
- Fetch: Retrieves an instruction from memory.
- Decode: Interprets the instruction.
- Execute: Carries out the specified task.
- Store: Saves the results in registers or RAM.
Memory Types
- RAM: Volatile memory that holds active programs and data.
- ROM: Non-volatile memory that contains BIOS for booting.
- Cache: Small, fast storage located near the CPU.
- Registers: Fastest storage option for immediate data.
Storage
- Main Memory: RAM and cache for quick access.
- Secondary Storage: Permanent storage for files and programs.
- Cloud Storage: Remote access storage that requires internet connectivity.
Secondary Storage Types
- Solid State Drive (SSD): Fast, shock-resistant, but expensive.
- Optical Storage (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): Portable with lower capacity, prone to damage.
- Magnetic Storage (HDD): High capacity, cheaper, uses mechanical parts.
Embedded Systems
- Specialized computers within devices like washing machines, medical devices, and cars.
- Perform dedicated tasks efficiently.
- Typically programmed using low-level languages.
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Description
Explore the fundamental categories of computer hardware, including input, output, storage and processing devices. Learn about software types such as system and application software. Understand the basics of logic gates: NOT, AND, OR, and XOR.
