Comp 1 definitions

• What is the fetch-execute cycle?

  Instructions are fetched, decoded, executed.
• What does the CPU control in a computer?

  It controls the operation of all parts.
• What does ALU stand for?

  Arithmetic Logic Unit
• What is the purpose of the processor cache?

  To increase the speed of the CPU.
• What is a register in the CPU?

  A small area of temporary memory.
• What is Von Neumann Architecture?

  A design defining CPU and memory interaction.
• What does the MAR register contain?

  The address of the current instruction.
• What does the MDR register contain?

  The instruction copied from main memory.
• What does the Program Counter register do?

  Holds the address of the next instruction.
• What is the purpose of the Accumulator register?

  Stores the result of the last operation.
• What does clock speed measure?

  Instruction cycles per second.
• How does cache size affect CPU performance?

  Larger cache allows faster instruction access.
• What is the benefit of having multiple CPU cores?

  More instructions can be processed simultaneously.
• What is an embedded system?

  Specialist hardware and software for a specific purpose.
• What is primary storage also known as?

  Memory
• What is the function of RAM?

  Stores data before processing by the CPU.
• What is ROM used for?

  Stores programs for embedded systems.
• What is volatile memory?

  Memory that loses data when powered off.
• What is non-volatile memory?

  Memory that retains data when powered off.
• What is virtual memory?

  Hard drive space used as main memory.
• What is optical storage?

  Data stored on a spinning disk using a laser.
• How does magnetic storage work?

  Uses magnetic fields to store data.
• What is solid state storage?

  Uses flash memory with no moving parts.
• What does HDD stand for?

  Hard Disk Drive
• What is the capacity of a DVD?

  Up to 17GB
• What is the typical capacity of a CD?

  Around 800MB
• How does SSD compare to HDD?

  SSDs are faster and have no moving parts.
• What is a bit?

  The smallest unit of storage.
• How many bits are in a byte?

  8 bits
• What is a kilobyte (KB)?

  1000 bytes
• What is a megabyte (MB)?

  1000 KB
• What is a gigabyte (GB)?

  1000 MB
• What is a terabyte (TB)?

  1000 GB
• What is a petabyte (PB)?

  1000 TB
• What is binary?

  A number system using 0 and 1.
• What is denary?

  A number system using digits 0 to 9.
• What is a positive number?

  A number greater than 0.
• What is a negative number?

  A number less than 0.
• What is an integer?

  A whole number without a decimal point.
• What is an overflow error?

  Not enough space for calculation results.