computer science

• What is the most critical component in any computer system?

  The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• What is the primary responsibility of the CPU?

  Executing instructions and performing calculations essential for a computer's operation
• Which components does the CPU work closely with?

  The motherboard, memory, and input/output systems
• What are the key components of the CPU?

  • Control Unit (CU)
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Registers
  • Cache Memory
• What is the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?

  The Control Unit directs operations by sending control signals and coordinating data movement
• What does the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) do?

  The ALU carries out arithmetic calculations and logical operations
• What are registers in the CPU?

  Very fast storage locations that temporarily hold data, instructions, or addresses
• What is the purpose of cache memory in the CPU?

  Cache memory stores frequently accessed data and instructions for quicker retrieval
• What are the steps in the fetch-execute cycle of the CPU?

  1. Fetch: Control Unit retrieves instructions from memory
  2. Decode: Control Unit decodes the instruction
  3. Execute: ALU performs calculations or logic operations
  4. Store: Results are stored back in memory or sent to an output device
• What happens during the fetch step of the fetch-execute cycle?

  The Control Unit retrieves instructions from memory and stores them in the registers
• What is the purpose of the decode step in the fetch-execute cycle?

  The Control Unit decodes the instruction to understand what action is required
• What occurs during the execute step of the fetch-execute cycle?

  The ALU performs the necessary calculations or logic operations based on the instruction
• What happens during the store step of the fetch-execute cycle?

  The results are stored back in memory or sent to an output device as necessary
• What is the overall function of the CPU components?

  • Execute instructions
  • Perform calculations
  • Collaborate to ensure computer functionality
• What is the role of the CPU in a computer system?

  The CPU executes instructions and performs calculations vital to the functioning of the computer
• What is the central processing unit (CPU) responsible for?

  Carrying out program instructions
• What is the distinction between instructions and data in a CPU?

  Instructions tell the CPU what to do, while data is what the instructions are applied to
• What does the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) do?

  It carries out mathematical and logical operations
• What role does the control unit play in the CPU?

  It coordinates the fetch-execute cycle and decodes instructions
• What is cache memory?

  A small, fast type of memory that holds frequently accessed items
• How does cache memory interact with RAM?

  Cache is checked before the CPU checks RAM for data
• What are registers in the CPU?

  Ultra small and ultra fast storage locations for temporary data
• What is the memory address register (MAR)?

  It holds the address of where data is being fetched from or written to
• What does the memory data register (MDR) do?

  It stores the actual data that the MAR points to
• What is the purpose of the program counter?

  It holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched
• What does the accumulator do?

  It holds the results of calculations performed by the ALU
• What is the fetch-execute cycle?

  It is the process of fetching an instruction, decoding it, and executing it
• What happens during the fetch stage of the fetch-execute cycle?

  An instruction is retrieved from memory using the address in the program counter
• What occurs during the decode stage of the fetch-execute cycle?

  The control unit interprets the instruction to determine the next steps
• What happens during the execute stage of the fetch-execute cycle?

  The instruction is carried out, usually by the ALU, and results may be written back to memory
• What is clock speed in relation to a CPU?

  It is the rate at which the fetch-execute cycle is carried out, measured in gigahertz
• How does increasing clock speed affect CPU performance?

  It allows the CPU to perform more fetch-execute cycles per second
• What are CPU cores?

  Mini processors within the CPU that can execute instructions simultaneously
• How does cache size affect CPU performance?

  A larger cache can store more frequently used items, reducing reliance on slower RAM
• What are embedded systems?

  Computers integrated into other devices, designed for specific tasks
• What is primary storage in a computer?

  It consists of RAM and ROM
• What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?

  Volatile memory loses its contents when power is turned off, while non-volatile memory retains data
• What is the role of ROM in a computer?

  It contains the program that runs when the computer starts up
• How does RAM function in relation to secondary storage?

  Data from secondary storage is copied into RAM when programs are opened
• What is virtual memory?

  It is a portion of secondary storage used as an extension of RAM