Computer Science Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which component performs the sequence of operations to process data within the CPU?

Control Unit (correct)

Memory Management Unit

ALU

What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) specifically hold?

The address of the next operation to be executed

Control signals for managing data flow

Data being transferred to or from memory (correct)

Instruction set for high-level programming

What are the five main functional units of a digital computer?

Input unit, Memory unit, Arithmetic and logic unit, Output unit, Control unit (correct)

Input unit, Output unit, Arithmetic unit, Storage unit, Control unit

Input unit, Output unit, Control unit, Storage unit, Processing unit

Input unit, Memory unit, Processing unit, Display unit, Control unit

Which type of bus carries addresses related to data between the CPU and memory?

Address Bus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)?

Perform arithmetic and logic operations Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes zero-address instructions from other instruction types?

They operate purely on a stack structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of memory?

Tertiary memory Signup and view all the answers

In the Von Neumann architecture, what is stored in the same memory?

Both data and instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data is primarily handled by the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

Numeric data Signup and view all the answers

In programming, what is the role of an assembler?

To convert assembly language into machine code Signup and view all the answers

What does the Control Unit do in a computer system?

Coordinates the operations of other units Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of high-level programming languages?

They provide functions close to human language Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory allows for random access?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes what a machine instruction is?

Instructions encoded in binary for execution by the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Program Counter (PC) in the CPU?

Contains the address of the next instruction to be executed Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between assembly language and high-level language?

Assembly language is machine dependent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functional Units of a Digital Computer

Input unit receives data and instructions for processing.
Storage unit retains data temporarily or permanently.
Processing unit (Arithmetic and Logic Unit - ALU) performs calculations and logical operations.
Control unit orchestrates the activities of the computer's components.
Output unit delivers the processed results to the user.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

Primary function is to execute arithmetic and logic operations, such as addition and comparisons.

Types of Memory

Cache memory improves data retrieval speed by storing frequently accessed data.
Primary memory (e.g., RAM) allows quick access and temporary storage of data.
Secondary storage refers to permanent data storage, such as hard drives.
Tertiary memory is not classified as a standard type of computer memory.

Von Neumann Architecture

Combines storage for both data and instructions in the same memory space, facilitating processing.

Control Unit Functions

Coordinates operations of the computer's units to ensure smooth execution of instructions.

Types of Memory Access

RAM (Random Access Memory) permits data to be read and written in any order.
Cache memory enhances performance by holding frequently accessed data for quicker processing.

Program Counter (PC)

Keeps track of the address of the next instruction to be executed in the sequence.

Assembly Language vs. High-Level Language

Assembly language is machine dependent, closely tied to computer architecture.
High-level languages are more abstract and user-friendly, designed to make programming easier without needing to understand hardware details.

Instruction Characteristics

Three-address instruction includes three operands (e.g., “ADD A, B, C”).
One-address instruction typically uses an accumulator for one of its operands.
Zero-address instructions operate on a stack structure, not requiring operand addresses.

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle

Describes the sequence of operations (fetching, decoding, and executing instructions) performed by the CPU.

Address Bus Function

Carries memory addresses between processor and memory, enabling the CPU to access data locations.

ALU Data Types

ALU works on various data types, primarily numeric, logical, and occasionally text data.

Addressing Modes

Common addressing modes include immediate, direct, and indirect addressing.
Sequential addressing is not recognized as a standard type.

Assembler Role

Converts assembly language into machine code, allowing instructions to be executed by the CPU.

High-Level Languages Characteristics

High-level languages are user-friendly, abstracting away hardware details and promoting code portability across different computer architectures.

Accumulator (AC) Register

Stores intermediate results of operations and facilitates data transfer between CPU and memory.

Machine Instruction Definition

Machine instructions are encoded in binary format, allowing direct execution by the CPU without interpretation.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the main functional units of digital computers and their roles. This quiz focuses on key components like the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and the overall structure of a computer system. Challenge yourself with multiple-choice questions to see how well you understand these concepts!