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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of an operating system?
What is the primary role of an operating system?
The main memory of a computer retains data even when the computer is turned off.
The main memory of a computer retains data even when the computer is turned off.
False
What are the three components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
What are the three components of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit, Register
The main memory can also be referred to as ______ memory.
The main memory can also be referred to as ______ memory.
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Match the following CPU components with their functions:
Match the following CPU components with their functions:
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What is the main benefit of interrupts in a CPU?
What is the main benefit of interrupts in a CPU?
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The Program Counter (PC) is responsible for holding the address of the instruction currently being executed.
The Program Counter (PC) is responsible for holding the address of the instruction currently being executed.
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Name the four phases of the instruction cycle.
Name the four phases of the instruction cycle.
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In a memory hierarchy, decreasing cost per bit and increasing capacity occur as you go _____ the hierarchy.
In a memory hierarchy, decreasing cost per bit and increasing capacity occur as you go _____ the hierarchy.
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Which of the following correctly describes a multiprocessor system?
Which of the following correctly describes a multiprocessor system?
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Match the following memory types with their characteristics:
Match the following memory types with their characteristics:
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The Instruction Register (IR) holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
The Instruction Register (IR) holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
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What type of processor consists of multiple cores within a single chip?
What type of processor consists of multiple cores within a single chip?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- The Operating System (OS) acts as a bridge between the user and the hardware, making the computer accessible and manageable.
- It manages hardware resources and provides services to users.
- Understanding the relationship between hardware and the OS is essential.
Basic Elements of a Computer
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Processor (CPU): Responsible for executing instructions.
- Composed of three main components:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs calculations and logical comparisons.
- Control Unit: Oversees processor operations, manages the flow of data.
- Registers: Small, fast memory locations on the CPU holding instructions, data, or addresses.
- Composed of three main components:
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Main Memory:
- Stores data and programs.
- Volatile memory, meaning data is lost when power is turned off.
- Also referred to as primary memory or real memory.
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Secondary Memory:
- Non-volatile memory, data is retained even when power is off.
- Examples include hard drives, SSDs, and flash drives.
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I/O Modules (Input/Output):
- Allow interaction between the computer and the external world:
- Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printers, etc.
- Allow interaction between the computer and the external world:
-
Microprocessor:
- A processor on a single chip, crucial for modern desktop and handheld computing.
- The fastest general-purpose processor.
- Multiprocessors: Computers with multiple sockets, each socket containing multiple processor cores.
Instruction Fetch and Execute
- The processor retrieves instructions from memory.
- The Program Counter (PC) keeps track of the address of the next instruction to be fetched.
- The PC increments after each fetched instruction.
Instruction Cycle
- A program is a sequence of instructions stored in memory.
- The process of executing instructions has these two main stages:
- Fetch Instruction: The instruction is retrieved from memory.
- Execute Instruction: The processor interprets the instruction and performs the necessary action.
- The cycle further breaks down into four phases: fetch, decode, execute, and store.
Instruction Register (IR)
- The fetched instruction is loaded into the Instruction Register (IR).
- The processor deciphers the instruction and performs the indicated action, which can include:
- Processor-memory interactions.
- Processor-I/O interactions.
- Data processing.
- Control functions.
Interrupts
- An interrupt is an event that disrupts normal program execution, forcing the CPU to handle a specific task.
- This allows the CPU to perform other tasks while I/O devices handle operations.
- Improves CPU utilization.
- There are different classes of interrupts.
Memory Hierarchy
- A concept organizing storage devices based on their response times, capacity, speed, and cost.
- Lower levels in the hierarchy have:
- Lower cost per bit.
- Greater capacity.
- Slower access times.
- Less frequent access by the processor.
CPU Registers
- Fast storage locations within the CPU.
- Data is frequently accessed and processed here.
Conclusion
- Key components of a computer system: CPU, main memory, I/O modules, system bus.
- Understanding the instruction cycle and interrupt processing.
- The importance of memory hierarchy.
- Additional topics to explore: cache principles, multicore/multiprocessor systems, DMA.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of operating systems, focusing on their role as a bridge between users and hardware. It explores basic computer elements such as the CPU, main memory, and secondary memory, providing a foundational understanding of how these components interact.
