computer systems

• What is the physical part of a computer called?

  Hardware
• What is software in relation to hardware?

  Programming that operates hardware
• What is the purpose of the CPU?

  To control hardware and software
• What does the fetch decode execute cycle do?

  Processes instructions in the CPU
• What is the fetch phase in the cycle?

  Locating and bringing instructions to the processor
• What is an opcode?

  The instruction part of a command
• What does the decode phase involve?

  Identifying opcode and operand
• What is an operand?

  The data being operated upon
• Why do CPUs have an instruction set?

  To interpret opcode bit patterns
• What happens during the execute phase?

  Running the instruction and holding the outcome
• What is the von Neumann architecture?

  A stored program concept for data and instructions
• What are registers in a CPU?

  Small memory pieces holding specific data
• What does the program counter (PC) do?

  Holds the address of the next instruction
• What does the Memory Address Register (MAR) hold?

  The address of the next instruction to process
• What is the ALU in a CPU?

  Arithmetic Logic Unit
• What does clock speed indicate?

  How fast the CPU performs cycles
• What is overclocking?

  Running the CPU at higher cycles than intended
• How do multiple cores affect CPU performance?

  Increase the number of instructions processed
• What is cache size in relation to CPU?

  Holds immediately required instructions and data
• How does a larger cache improve performance?

  Reduces the frequency of refills
• What is an embedded system?

  A computer with specific purposes
• How can you identify an embedded system?

  It has a fixed purpose and limited functions
• What types of programming languages are used in embedded systems?

  Low-level languages like assembly
• Why are low-level languages preferred for embedded systems?

  They are faster and require less translation
• What is the difference between low-level and high-level languages?

  Low-level is closer to machine code
• What are common topics to revise for the exam?

  Hardware, software, CPU performance factors
• What does the control unit (CU) do?

  Provides timing signals and control signals
• What signals does the CU send?

  Signals to memory, ALU, and I/O devices
• How should you structure answers in an exam?

  Use bullet points for clarity
• What indicates an essay question in an exam?

  Specific instructions for detailed responses