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What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?
What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?
The CPU's primary function is to fetch, decode, and execute instructions.
Explain the significance of the Von Neumann architecture in computing.
Explain the significance of the Von Neumann architecture in computing.
The Von Neumann architecture is significant because it allows both instruction data and program data to be stored in the same memory, enabling efficient data processing.
How do special-purpose registers assist in the functioning of the CPU?
How do special-purpose registers assist in the functioning of the CPU?
Special-purpose registers help the CPU fetch instructions from specific memory locations by holding data related to the instruction being processed.
What are embedded systems and what is a key characteristic of these systems?
What are embedded systems and what is a key characteristic of these systems?
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What impact do the characteristics of a CPU have on its performance?
What impact do the characteristics of a CPU have on its performance?
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What are the main benefits of using defensive designs in programming?
What are the main benefits of using defensive designs in programming?
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Explain the importance of validation checks in software development.
Explain the importance of validation checks in software development.
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What is the purpose of a range check in data validation?
What is the purpose of a range check in data validation?
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Describe the ethical implications of digital technology on society.
Describe the ethical implications of digital technology on society.
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How does legislation impact the development and use of computer science technologies?
How does legislation impact the development and use of computer science technologies?
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What is the primary advantage of using hexadecimal to represent binary numbers?
What is the primary advantage of using hexadecimal to represent binary numbers?
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Explain the roles of the most significant bit and least significant bit in binary representation.
Explain the roles of the most significant bit and least significant bit in binary representation.
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How is a character set defined in computing?
How is a character set defined in computing?
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What is a pixel and why is it significant in digital images?
What is a pixel and why is it significant in digital images?
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Define metadata in the context of digital images.
Define metadata in the context of digital images.
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What is the effect of sample rate on sound quality in digital audio?
What is the effect of sample rate on sound quality in digital audio?
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How does quantization relate to sampling in digital sound?
How does quantization relate to sampling in digital sound?
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What is the relationship between image resolution and the number of pixels?
What is the relationship between image resolution and the number of pixels?
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What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
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Explain the term 'virtual memory'.
Explain the term 'virtual memory'.
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Why is secondary storage needed in computer systems?
Why is secondary storage needed in computer systems?
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Describe what a cache is in the context of memory storage.
Describe what a cache is in the context of memory storage.
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How does data need to be formatted for processing in a computer system?
How does data need to be formatted for processing in a computer system?
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What happens during an overflow error in binary addition?
What happens during an overflow error in binary addition?
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What does the term 'denary' refer to in terms of number systems?
What does the term 'denary' refer to in terms of number systems?
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How many bits are needed to store the decimal number 317 without overflow?
How many bits are needed to store the decimal number 317 without overflow?
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What does a format check ensure for input values?
What does a format check ensure for input values?
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Why is a length check important in database fields?
Why is a length check important in database fields?
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Explain the purpose of a presence check in data validation.
Explain the purpose of a presence check in data validation.
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What does a check digit do in validation processes?
What does a check digit do in validation processes?
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How does a range check function in data validation?
How does a range check function in data validation?
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What is the role of a lookup table in validation?
What is the role of a lookup table in validation?
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Describe the function of a spell check in data validation.
Describe the function of a spell check in data validation.
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Why is it necessary to conduct testing for programs?
Why is it necessary to conduct testing for programs?
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What is the significance of validating user inputs?
What is the significance of validating user inputs?
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How can format checks improve user experience?
How can format checks improve user experience?
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What is one main advantage of a star network topology?
What is one main advantage of a star network topology?
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How does a mesh network topology enhance network reliability?
How does a mesh network topology enhance network reliability?
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What role does IP addressing play in a network?
What role does IP addressing play in a network?
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What is meant by 'networking standards'?
What is meant by 'networking standards'?
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What is the significance of layers in network communication?
What is the significance of layers in network communication?
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What is a common disadvantage of a star topology?
What is a common disadvantage of a star topology?
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Why are protocols important in networking?
Why are protocols important in networking?
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What is the function of a routing table in IP networks?
What is the function of a routing table in IP networks?
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Study Notes
1.1.1 CPU Architecture
- Central Processing Unit (CPU) purpose: takes input, processes data, and delivers output
- CPU function: fetching, decoding, and executing instructions
- Fetch-Execute-Decode Cycle:
- Fetch: retrieves the next instruction from main memory (RAM)
- Decode: interprets the instruction to determine its type and required actions.
- Execute: carries out the instruction, potentially including retrieving data from RAM, performing calculations, or storing results in RAM.
1.1.2 CPU Components
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performs arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): manages the flow of data and instructions within the CPU by sending electrical control signals.
- Registers: small, high-speed storage areas inside the CPU for temporary data and instructions.
- Cache: small storage, faster than RAM, used to store frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval.
1.1.2 Von Neumann Architecture
- Program data and instruction data stored in the same memory location in binary form.
- Key characteristics: CPU, CU, ALU, onboard cache, internal clock
- Each instruction stored in memory with a unique address
1.1.3 Embedded Systems
- Embedded system: a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
- Typical properties: low power consumption, small size, rugged operating systems, and low cost per unit.
- Examples: hospital instruments, traffic lights, domestic appliances.
1.2.1 Primary Storage (Memory)
- Primary storage: RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), registers, and cache.
- RAM: used for data and instructions currently in use. Volatile (data lost when power off), fast access.
- ROM: holds the initial program instructions. Non-volatile (data remains when power off), used for initial boot-up.
1.2.2 Secondary Storage
- Secondary storage: used for more permanent storage (longer than RAM). Access time is significantly slower than primary memory.
- Typical media: optical drives (CD-ROMs, DVDs), magnetic drives (hard disks).
- Solid-state storage (SSDs) offer faster access speeds and some data loss.
1.2.3 Storage Units
- Bit, Nibble, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte, Petabyte
1.2.4 Data Capacity
- Formula for calculating file sizes:
- Text files: Bits per character * number of characters
- Sound files: Sample rate * duration * bit depth
- Image files: Color depth * image height (pixels) * image width (pixels)
1.3 Computer Networks
- Types of network:
- LAN (Local Area Network): covers a small geographic area, typically within a single building.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): covers a large geographic area, connecting several LANs. (e.g. Internet).
- Bandwidth: the amount of data transferred per unit time on a network.
- Factors affecting network performance: bandwidth, number of users, transmission media, latency.
1.3.1 Network Topologies
- Star topology: all devices connect to a central node (e.g. a switch).
- Mesh topology: multiple paths exist between devices for redundancy.
1.3.2 Network Connection Modes
- Wired, e.g., Ethernet (Ethernet cables)
- Wireless, e.g., Wi-Fi (uses radio waves)
- Bluetooth (short distances)
1.3.3 Network Protocols
- Ethernet, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, POP3, IMAP, SMTP.
1.3.4 Network Addresses
- Network Interface Card(NIC) addresses:
- IP (Internet Protocol) addresses: identify a device on a network for communication across networks.
- MAC (Media Access Control) addresses: a unique identifier for a device on the network.
- Routers or a switch or a gateway will help direct traffic on different networks.
1.4 Network Security
- Security risks and threats to networks.
1.5 Systems Software
- Operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
1.6 Ethical, Legal, and Cultural Impacts
- Ethical issues regarding privacy.
- Loss of privacy and data security.
- Ethical issues regarding AI and automation.
- Legal issues related to software licenses.
- Cultural issues due to digital divides.
2.3 Robust Programs
- Defensive programming design
- Authentication
- Password routines
- Data validation
T3 Errors and Testing
- Error types: syntax errors and logical errors.
- Testing: iterative testing and final testing.
- Tools: trace tables, print statements, and comments for program understanding.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts of CPU architecture, including the main components such as the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and the Fetch-Execute-Decode cycle. Additionally, it explores the Von Neumann architecture and how these elements interact to process data and execute instructions effectively. Test your understanding of the critical role the CPU plays in computing.