Questions and Answers
Which component is primarily responsible for executing program instructions?
What is one of the functions of memory within a computer's system unit?
Which strategy can be employed to enhance a computer's operational speed?
Which of the following correctly describes the term 'buses' in computer architecture?
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What role do expansion cards play in a computer system?
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What is indicated by a higher CPU clock speed?
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What unit is used to measure CPU clock speed?
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What does bus width determine in a computer system?
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Which of the following components is primarily responsible for displaying images on the screen?
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Which level of cache memory is the fastest?
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What is typically the common word size that CPUs can manipulate at one time?
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What does the term 'teraflops' refer to in the context of CPU performance?
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What is RAM primarily used for in a computer system?
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What does a benchmark test evaluate in a CPU?
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Which part of the CPU architecture can affect the bandwidth of data transfer?
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What is the smallest unit of data that a binary computer can recognize?
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Which of the following prefixes denotes 1,000 gigabytes?
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What coding system is universally recognized to represent text-based data across various languages?
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What is a bitmapped image composed of?
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Which coding system was specifically developed by IBM for mainframes?
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In terms of processing power, what does a quad-core CPU consist of?
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What type of image requires only one bit for color storage?
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What type of music files are significantly smaller than their uncompressed versions?
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What is the primary advantage of multi-core processors?
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Which of the following best describes machine language?
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What allows a desktop computer to connect to external devices?
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What is commonly used to express larger quantities of bytes?
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Which component of a computer houses the processor and memory?
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Study Notes
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend how computers represent data and programs using coding systems.
- Understand the roles of CPU, GPU, memory, buses, and expansion cards within the system unit.
- Recognize how to add peripheral devices to a computer.
- Process program instructions and data through CPU and memory.
- Identify strategies to enhance computer performance.
- Explore future processing technologies.
Data and Program Representation
- Digital data representation requires coding systems for computers to understand data.
- Digital computers function on two states: off (0) and on (1).
- A bit represents the smallest data unit in computing.
- A byte consists of 8 bits, used to quantify file and document sizes.
- Data is expressed in larger units: kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB), etc.
Representing Numerical Data
- The binary numbering system utilizes only two symbols (1 and 0).
- Decimal uses 10 symbols (0-9), influencing digit position in number representation.
Coding Systems for Text-Based Data
- ASCII is the traditional coding system for personal computers.
- EBCDIC, developed by IBM, primarily serves mainframes.
- Unicode, with 32 bits per character, aims to standardize text representation across all languages.
Coding Systems for Other Types of Data
- Graphics data uses bitmapped images comprising small dots called pixels; colors require multiple bits for storage.
- Audio data must be in digital format, frequently compressed for quicker download times.
- Video data consists of numerous frames; substantial data can be compressed.
Representing Software Programs
- Machine language, a binary-based representation of programs, allows direct execution by computers.
- Most modern programs require translation into machine language to be understood.
Inside the System Unit
- The system unit comprises the main computer case, housing hardware components, storage devices, power supply, and cooling systems.
- The motherboard integrates key components and connects peripheral devices.
- A power supply delivers electricity; portable computers rely on rechargeable batteries.
Processor Types
- Dual-core CPUs have two processing components; quad-core CPUs feature four cores.
- Multi-core processors enhance multitasking capabilities, with varying CPUs used across devices.
- Intel and AMD dominate personal computer CPU manufacturing.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- The GPU handles image processing for displays, located on the motherboard, video card, or CPU package.
Processing Speed
- Measured by CPU clock speed in MHz or GHz; higher speeds correlate with more instructions processed.
- Other metrics include megaflops, gigaflops, and teraflops for performance evaluation.
Memory
- Memory refers to temporary chip-based storage; storage refers to long-term data retention.
- RAM serves as the main memory, storing vital operating system components and data.
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Description
This quiz covers Chapter 2 of 'Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow,' focusing on data representation and memory processing in computer systems. Test your knowledge on how computers handle data and programs, and gain a deeper understanding of system unit components.
