Term 1 test

• What are the core components of CPU architecture?

  Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit, Registers, Cache, and Buses
• What is the primary purpose of the CPU?

  To fetch and execute instructions stored in memory
• What are the steps involved in the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle?

  Fetch, Decode, and Execute
• What does the Fetch stage involve?

  The CPU retrieves instructions from memory
• What role does the Control Unit play in the CPU?

  It manages the execution of instructions
• What is the function of the ALU?

  Handles arithmetic and logic operations
• What is the purpose of CPU registers?

  To provide high-speed storage for immediate data and instructions
• What is the function of Cache in a CPU?

  Stores frequently used instructions/data
• What does the Program Counter (PC) do?

  Keeps track of the next instruction’s address
• What is the role of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

  Holds memory addresses for data to be accessed
• What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?

  Stores data retrieved from or written to memory
• How does clock speed affect CPU performance?

  It determines how many cycles the CPU can perform per second
• What is the significance of cache size in a CPU?

  A larger cache reduces data retrieval time
• How do the number of cores in a CPU affect multitasking?

  More cores allow parallel processing for improved multitasking
• What are embedded systems?

  Specialized computer systems performing dedicated tasks
• What is the purpose of RAM?

  Temporary storage for active processes
• What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

  RAM is volatile, while ROM is non-volatile
• What is virtual memory used for?

  To prevent system slowdown when physical RAM is full
• What is the purpose of secondary storage?

  Long-term storage of data
• What are examples of secondary storage?

  Hard Drives, CDs/DVDs, SSDs, USB drives
• What are the advantages of magnetic storage?

  Large capacity and cost-effective
• What are the disadvantages of solid-state storage?

  More expensive compared to other storage types
• How is data capacity measured in storage devices?

  In bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes
• What factors should be considered when selecting storage devices?

  Capacity, Speed, Portability, Durability, Reliability, and Cost
• What are the actions that occur at each stage of the fetch-execute cycle?

  • Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from memory using PC and MAR
  • Decode: Control Unit interprets the fetched instruction
  • Execute: ALU or other components perform the operation
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different storage types?

  • Magnetic Storage:
  • Advantages: Large capacity, cost-effective
  • Disadvantages: Slower, less durable
  • Optical Storage:
  • Advantages: Portable, inexpensive for small data
  • Disadvantages: Limited capacity, slower
  • Solid-State Storage:
  • Advantages: Fast, durable, portable
  • Disadvantages: More expensive
• What are the characteristics of embedded systems?

  • Specialized for dedicated tasks
  • Low power consumption
  • Compact size
  • Optimized for specific functions
• What is the role of primary storage in a computer system?

  • RAM: Temporary storage for active processes, volatile
  • ROM: Stores firmware and boot instructions, non-volatile