computer science

• What is the purpose of the CPU?

  To carry out the processing of data
• What cycle does the CPU perform?

  Fetch-decode-execute cycle
• What does the CPU fetch, decode, and execute?

  Instructions
• What factors determine CPU performance?

  • Clock speed
  • Cache size
  • Number of cores
• How is clock speed measured?

  In Hertz (Hz)
• How many calculations does a 3.6 GHz processor perform per second?

  3.6 billion calculations
• What is cache memory?

  A buffer between CPU and main memory
• Why does the CPU check the cache first?

  To find previously fetched instructions
• What happens when the cache size increases?

  More space for instructions
• What is a core in a CPU?

  An independent processor
• How many processors does a dual-core CPU have?

  2 processors
• What is the benefit of having more cores in a CPU?

  Better multitasking performance
• What are the characteristics of CPU performance?

  • Clock speed: fetch-decode-execute cycles per second
  • Cache size: high-speed memory for instructions
  • Number of cores: independent processors working together
• What are registers in the CPU?

  Temporary memory stores with specific purposes
• What does the Von Neumann Architecture describe?

  Data and programs stored in the same memory
• What is the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

  Process of fetching and executing instructions
• What are the steps in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?

  1. Fetch address from PC to MAR
  2. Fetch instruction from MAR to MDR
  3. Copy instruction from MDR to CIR
  4. Increment the PC
  5. Decode instruction in CIR
  6. Load data into MDR
  7. Perform instruction
  8. Store result in accumulator
• What does PC stand for in the CPU?

  Program Counter
• What does MAR stand for?

  Memory Address Register
• What does MDR stand for?

  Memory Data Register
• What does CIR stand for?

  Current Instruction Register
• What is an embedded system?

  A processor built into another device
• What is firmware?

  Software embedded in hardware
• What is the purpose of embedded systems?

  For very specialized tasks
• What is the purpose of RAM?

  Stores data and programs currently used
• How is RAM different from ROM?

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

  Stores instructions needed to start up
• What happens to data in RAM when power is off?

  Data is lost
• What is flash memory?

  Non-volatile memory that can be changed
• What is virtual memory?

  Part of hard drive used as RAM extension
• How does virtual memory affect performance?

  Slower access speeds than RAM
• What are the types of secondary storage?

  • Optical
  • Magnetic
  • Solid State
• What is the purpose of secondary storage?

  To store files and programs not in use
• How is data written to optical media?

  Lasers write data to the disk surface
• What is a disadvantage of optical media?

  Can get damaged over time
• What is magnetic tape used for?

  Backups
• What is a characteristic of solid-state memory?

  No moving parts, fast access speeds
• What is the calculation for storage requirements of a text file?

  10000 characters = 9.77 KB
• What factors should be considered when choosing a storage device?

  Capacity, access speed, portability, durability
• What are the advantages of a network?

  1. Communication between workers
  2. Data sharing
  3. Peripheral sharing
  4. Easier upgrades
  5. Distributed processing