Topic 2

• What is the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU)?

  The architecture of the CPU includes the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit (CU), and registers.
• What are the functions of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?

  The ALU performs all arithmetic and logical calculations.
• What is the role of the control unit (CU) in the CPU?

  The CU handles loading new commands into the CPU and decoding these commands.
• How do registers function within the CPU?

  Registers are small, very fast circuits that store intermediate values from calculations or instructions.
• What is the relationship between the CPU and RAM?


  • The CPU works closely with RAM.
  • Communication requires connections: Data Bus, Address Bus, Control Bus.
• What is the purpose of the Data Bus?

  The Data Bus links RAM to the CPU via the Memory Data Register (MDR).
• What is the function of the Address Bus?

  The Address Bus links RAM to the CPU via the Memory Address Register (MAR).
• What does the Control Bus do?

  The Control Bus links RAM to the CPU via the MAR.
• What is the purpose of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?

  The MDR holds data that will be written to or read from RAM.
• What is the function of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?


  The MAR contains the memory address of the instruction the CPU wants next.
• What is primary memory and how does it differ from secondary memory?

  • Primary memory is the computer's main memory (RAM) for active data.
  • Secondary memory is long-term, non-volatile storage (e.g., hard drives).
• What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

  RAM is volatile memory, while ROM is non-volatile memory.
• What is the purpose of RAM?

  RAM temporarily stores files and data for active programs.
• What is the purpose of ROM?


  ROM is often used to store the BIOS program on a computer motherboard.
• What is the storage capacity range for RAM?

  RAM storage capacity ranges from 1 to 256 GB.
• What is the storage capacity range for ROM?

  ROM storage capacity typically ranges from 4 to 8 MB.
• What is the difference between RAM and CACHE?

  RAM is larger and slower, while cache is smaller and faster memory.
• What does CACHE store?

  Cache stores frequently accessed data to speed up CPU operations.
• Why do we need CACHE memory?

  Cache memory speeds up data access for the CPU and improves overall system performance.
• What are the three main buses used in a computer?

  1. Address Bus
  2. Data Bus
  3. Control Bus
• What is the purpose of Cache?

  Cache improves computer performance by storing frequently used data.
• What does MAR stand for?

  MAR stands for "Memory Address Register."
• What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?


  The MAR holds the memory address of the data that the CPU needs to access.
• What is primary storage?


  • Primary storage is the computer's main memory (RAM).
  • It holds data and instructions actively used by the CPU.
• What is secondary storage?

  • Secondary storage is long-term, non-volatile storage.
  • Examples include hard drives, SSDs, and optical disks.
• Why do we need secondary storage?

  Secondary storage is essential for storing data over extended periods, including backups.
• What is system software?

  System software is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs.

  
• What is application software?


  Application software performs specific functions for users or other applications.

  
• How does application software differ from system software?

  • Application software fulfills specific needs or tasks.
  • System software runs hardware and provides a platform for applications.
• What are some examples of application software?

  1. Word processors
  2. Spreadsheets
  3. Database management systems
  4. Email clients
  5. Web browsers
  6. Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  7. Graphic processing software

  
• What are the main functions of an operating system?


  • Provides a user interface
  • Manages memory
  • Manages peripherals
  • Allows multi-tasking
  • Provides security
• What is a bit?


  A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing, represented by a 0 or a 1.
• What is a byte?

  A byte is a group of 8 bits.
• What is binary?


  Binary is a numbering system that uses two symbols: 0 and 1.
• What is denary (decimal)?

  Denary is a numbering system with ten symbols: 0-9.
• What is hexadecimal?


  Hexadecimal is a numbering system with sixteen symbols: 0-9 and A-F.
• How does a computer store images?

  A computer records a number to represent the color of each pixel.
• What is ASCII?


  ASCII is the most common character encoding format for text data in computers.
• Why was UNICODE developed if ASCII was already in use?

  UNICODE was developed to address the limitations of ASCII.
• How is data represented in a computer?

  • Data is represented using binary (0s and 1s).
  • Different numbering systems are used: binary, denary, hexadecimal.