CPU

• What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system?

  The CPU handles instructions to ensure hardware and software respond as expected.
• How do translators work in relation to the CPU?

  Translators, in the form of an interpreter or compiler, translate code into binary.
• What is the function of buses in a computer system?

  Buses allow data to move between RAM and the Processor (ALU, Control Unit, and Registers).
• What are the main functions of the CPU?

  • Fetch instructions from RAM
  • Decode instructions
  • Execute instructions
  • Perform arithmetic calculations
  • Perform logical operations
  • Control read, write, clock, interrupt, and reset lines
• What does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) do?

  The ALU handles all calculations and logical decisions.
• What types of operations does the ALU perform?

  The ALU performs calculations, comparisons on numeric values, and makes decisions based on logic (AND, OR, NOT).
• What are registers in the context of the CPU?

  Registers are temporary storage locations within the processor.
• What is the role of the Control Unit in the CPU?

  The Control Unit manages the clock, read, write, reset, and interrupt lines.
• How is clock speed measured?

  Clock speed is measured in Hertz (Hz).
• What does a higher clock speed indicate about a processor?

  A higher clock speed indicates that the processor can complete tasks more quickly.
• What is the typical clock speed for modern desktop processors?

  Modern processors for desktop PCs operate in GHz.
• What happens to data in RAM when a program is closed?

  The data held in RAM is deleted when a program is closed.
• What is the purpose of the address bus during the fetch/execute cycle?

  The address bus uses unique values to identify each location in RAM.
• How does having more RAM affect a computer's performance?

  More RAM allows more programs to run concurrently without slowing system performance.
• What is the typical range of RAM in new desktop PCs?

  New desktop PCs usually have between 8GiB and 16GiB of RAM.