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Questions and Answers
What is a primary responsibility of the memory manager?
What is a primary responsibility of the memory manager?
- To allocate free portions of main memory (correct)
- To connect hardware peripherals
- To run the operating system
- To compile software programs
What contains the instructions for booting the computer?
What contains the instructions for booting the computer?
- Hard disk drive
- Cache memory
- Firmware stored in ROM (correct)
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
What type of memory is non-volatile and retains its contents when powered off?
What type of memory is non-volatile and retains its contents when powered off?
- Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
- Cache memory
- Read Only Memory (ROM) (correct)
- Static RAM (SRAM)
What happens if the OS space in memory is altered accidentally or intentionally?
What happens if the OS space in memory is altered accidentally or intentionally?
Which component of the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations?
Which component of the CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations?
What does fragmentation in memory refer to?
What does fragmentation in memory refer to?
What is the role of firmware stored on the ROM chip?
What is the role of firmware stored on the ROM chip?
How does the operating system protect its own space in memory?
How does the operating system protect its own space in memory?
What is the primary characteristic of Random Access Memory (RAM)?
What is the primary characteristic of Random Access Memory (RAM)?
Which component is NOT considered part of the hardware in a computer system?
Which component is NOT considered part of the hardware in a computer system?
Why is it important for computer system designers to implement shutdown procedures?
Why is it important for computer system designers to implement shutdown procedures?
What is the main purpose of Random Access Memory in a computer system?
What is the main purpose of Random Access Memory in a computer system?
What does computer architecture primarily help us understand?
What does computer architecture primarily help us understand?
Which of the following operations is performed by the Control Unit?
Which of the following operations is performed by the Control Unit?
Which of the following correctly differentiates between primary storage and secondary storage?
Which of the following correctly differentiates between primary storage and secondary storage?
What is an example of secondary storage?
What is an example of secondary storage?
Which operation is responsible for converting raw data into useful information?
Which operation is responsible for converting raw data into useful information?
Which component is NOT typically considered part of the software in a computer system?
Which component is NOT typically considered part of the software in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of storing in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of storing in a computer system?
Which of the following statements about RAM is true?
Which of the following statements about RAM is true?
Which component is primarily involved in the inputting operation of a computer?
Which component is primarily involved in the inputting operation of a computer?
What does computer architecture provide in the context of a computer system?
What does computer architecture provide in the context of a computer system?
Which of the following best defines 'architecture' in the context of computer systems?
Which of the following best defines 'architecture' in the context of computer systems?
Why is processing considered a crucial operation in a computer system?
Why is processing considered a crucial operation in a computer system?
What is the smallest unit of digital technology in the binary system?
What is the smallest unit of digital technology in the binary system?
Which numeral represents the binary number system?
Which numeral represents the binary number system?
How many different digits are used in the decimal number system?
How many different digits are used in the decimal number system?
What is needed alongside the digits in the decimal system to denote fractions?
What is needed alongside the digits in the decimal system to denote fractions?
Which numeral is associated with the octal number system?
Which numeral is associated with the octal number system?
What is a kilobyte equivalent to in terms of bytes?
What is a kilobyte equivalent to in terms of bytes?
What is the term used to represent a group of 8 bits?
What is the term used to represent a group of 8 bits?
How does binary representation differ from decimal representation in the changing digits?
How does binary representation differ from decimal representation in the changing digits?
What is the primary function of an operating system?
What is the primary function of an operating system?
Which type of software is specifically designed to run a computer's hardware?
Which type of software is specifically designed to run a computer's hardware?
What does the operating system control when a user sends a command via an input device?
What does the operating system control when a user sends a command via an input device?
What is the difference between application software and system software?
What is the difference between application software and system software?
How does the operating system handle user errors when executing commands?
How does the operating system handle user errors when executing commands?
What is meant by the term 'nanosecond' in the context of operating systems?
What is meant by the term 'nanosecond' in the context of operating systems?
Which of the following statements is true about device drivers?
Which of the following statements is true about device drivers?
What best describes application software?
What best describes application software?
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Study Notes
Computer Architecture and Organization
- Computer Organization and Architecture (COA) is essential for computer science, encompassing foundational concepts for computer system design.
- COA includes two parts: Architecture (functionalities and performance) and Organization (hardware component interactions).
- Computer architecture defines hardware attributes and their interactions to meet specified goals.
Functionalities of a Computer System
- Inputting: Process of entering data and instructions using input devices.
- Processing: Conversion of raw data into useful information, usually performed by the CPU.
- Storing: Uses primary (RAM) and secondary storage for temporary data holding before and after processing.
- Outputting: Presentation of processed data through devices like monitors and printers.
- Controlling: Managed by the CPU's control unit, ensuring proper execution of operations in sequence.
Key Components of a Computer System
- Hardware: Basic computing resources including:
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Input/Output Devices
- Bus System
- Software: Programming instructions, which include:
- Operating System
- System Software
- User Programs
- Users: Involves people, machines, and other computers interacting with the system.
Hardware Overview
-
Main Memory (RAM):
- Volatile memory that loses data when power is off.
- Stores data and instructions temporarily, allowing random access.
- Memory management is crucial for protecting OS space and managing allocation.
-
Read Only Memory (ROM):
- Non-volatile memory holding firmware instructions necessary to boot the computer.
-
Central Processing Unit (CPU):
- Known as the processor, central processor, or microprocessor; it is the computing core of a computer.
- Performs essential functions and processes received instructions.
- Comprises:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes arithmetic and logical operations, managing hardware and software.
Software Categories
- Application Software: User programs for specific tasks or needs, sometimes for entertainment.
- System Software: Manages hardware and provides a platform for applications; also known as utility software.
Operating System (OS) Role
- Acts as the central controller for all hardware and software interactions, managing resources and ensuring commands are executed properly.
- Controls file access and user permissions, responding to user commands and managing system errors.
Number Systems
-
Binary Number System:
- Base-2 system using only digits 0 and 1; fundamental in digital technology.
- Bit (Binary Digit) is the smallest unit; a byte consists of 8 bits.
- Values in binary are converted using base-2 rules.
-
Octal Number System:
- Base-8 system using digits from 0 to 7, derived from the Greek word for eight.
- An octal number is noted with a subscript 8, e.g., 2370₈. This system simplifies binary representation in digital applications.
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