Hardware and Software

• What are the internal components of a computer system?

  Processor, memory, and input/output devices
• What is the fetch-execute cycle?


  • Retrieve program instruction from memory
  • Determine expected action of instruction
  • Execute the associated actions
• What factors influence the speed of processing in a computer?

  Processor type and clock speed
• Why is secondary storage needed in a computer system?

  To retain data when power is off
• What are the types of secondary storage media?

  • Magnetic
  • Optical
  • Flash
• What is the role of the processor in a computer system?

  To execute instructions and process data
• What does the Control Unit (CU) do?

  Coordinates data movement and instruction sequencing
• How does the internal clock affect processing speed?

  It determines how many instructions are executed
• What is clock speed expressed in?

  Megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz)
• What is cache memory?

  High-speed memory accessed faster than main memory
• What is main memory also known as?

  Random Access Memory (RAM)
• What happens to data in main memory when power is lost?

  Data is lost because it is volatile
• How does cache memory improve processing speed?

  By storing frequently used data for quick access
• What is the function of the address bus?

  Identifies memory locations to be accessed
• What does the data bus do?

  Transfers data between components of the system
• What is the purpose of the control bus?

  Carries commands from the CPU to devices
• What are the types of I/O ports?

  • Serial Port: Transmits one bit at a time
  • Parallel Port: Transmits multiple bits simultaneously
  • USB Port: High-speed serial connection for peripherals
• What does the Program Counter (PC) do?

  Stores the address of the next instruction
• What is the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

  Stores the address of memory to access
• What does the Memory Data Register (MDR) do?

  Stores data fetched from memory
• What is the Current Instruction Register (CIR)?

  Stores the instruction currently being executed
• What are the steps in the fetch-execute cycle?

  1. Load address into Program Counter (PC)
  2. Copy PC to Memory Address Register (MAR)
  3. Increment PC
  4. Load data into Memory Data Register (MDR)
  5. Transfer data to Current Instruction Register (CIR)
  6. Execute instruction in CIR
• How does increasing clock speed affect CPU performance?

  More instructions can be executed per second
• What is the impact of cache size on processing speed?

  Larger cache allows more data to be accessed quickly
• What is RISC in terms of processor type?

  Reduced Instruction Set Computing
• How does CISC differ from RISC?

  CISC has a larger instruction set than RISC
• Why is secondary storage non-volatile?

  It retains data without power
• What is the main limitation of main memory?

  It is volatile and has limited capacity
• How does secondary storage benefit multiple users?

  Allows sharing of programs and data across systems
• Why is it important to have secondary storage for reloading results?

  To avoid reprogramming after power loss
• What is the purpose of secondary storage devices?

  To hold copies of programs and data permanently
• What are the advantages of using secondary storage?

  • Non-volatile: Retains data without power
  • Higher capacity than main memory
  • Enables data transfer between computers
• What is the purpose of secondary storage devices?

  To hold copies of programs and results
• Why do we need secondary storage for programs?

  To reload programs without reprogramming
• What is the main characteristic of secondary storage devices?

  They are non-volatile storage mediums
• What are the three categories of secondary storage media?

  Magnetic, Optical, and Flash
• Why is main memory considered volatile?

  It loses data when power is off
• What is a key feature of secondary storage compared to main memory?

  It has more capacity than main memory
• How does secondary storage enable data transfer between computers?

  By allowing data to be reloaded on another system
• What is magnetic media used for?

  To store data using magnetization patterns