Which component controls the execution of instructions in a CPU?
A Registers
B RAM
C CU
D ALU
The Control Unit (CU) controls the flow of data and instructions within the CPU. It directs the ALU and other components, ensuring proper execution of instructions by coordinating with memory and I/O devices.
Which of the following is an example of a CISC architecture?
A ARM
B MIPS
C RISC-V
D Intel x86
Intel’s x86 architecture is an example of a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) architecture, which uses a large set of complex instructions to perform tasks. CISC processors can execute multi‐step operations in a single instruction.
What is the function of registers in a CPU?
A Store temporary data
B Store data permanently
C Control data flow
D Perform arithmetic operations
Registers in the CPU are small, fast storage locations that temporarily hold data, instructions, and addresses. They facilitate quick access and manipulation during the execution of operations by the CPU.
Which of these is the primary function of the ALU?
A Fetch instructions
B Perform arithmetic and logic operations
C Store data
D Control data flow
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is responsible for carrying out all arithmetic (e.g., addition, subtraction) and logical (e.g., AND, OR) operations in the CPU. It is a crucial component for processing data.
In the Von Neumann architecture, where are both data and instructions stored?
A In separate memory units
B In the CPU
C In a single memory unit
D In the control unit
In Von Neumann architecture, both program instructions and data are stored in the same memory space. This can lead to a bottleneck, known as the “Von Neumann bottleneck,” since the CPU must access the same memory for both.
What does pipelining improve in computer architecture?
A Instruction throughput
B Memory speed
C Clock speed
D Data transfer rate
Pipelining improves instruction throughput by allowing multiple instructions to be processed simultaneously at different stages of their execution. This reduces the overall time needed for instruction execution, improving the processor’s efficiency.
Which of the following is NOT a feature of RISC architecture?
A Large number of registers
B Few instructions
C Simple addressing modes
D Complex instructions
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) focuses on a small set of simple instructions that execute in one cycle, unlike CISC, which uses complex instructions. RISC optimizes for speed and efficiency.
Which memory hierarchy is the fastest?
A SSD
B RAM
C Cache Memory
D Hard Drive
Cache memory is the fastest type of memory in the hierarchy. It is located closest to the CPU and stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing. It reduces the time the CPU spends fetching data from slower memory types.
What is the primary benefit of Direct Memory Access (DMA)?
A Reduces CPU load
B Stores data
C Increases CPU speed
D Manages memory
DMA allows peripheral devices to transfer data directly to or from memory without involving the CPU. This reduces the workload of the CPU, allowing it to focus on other tasks while data transfers occur in parallel.
What does virtual memory allow a system to do?
A Store data permanently
B Execute programs without physical RAM
C Increase CPU clock speed
D Manage hard drive data
Virtual memory allows programs to execute even if there isn’t enough physical RAM by using disk storage to simulate additional memory. This expands the usable memory space and improves multitasking capabilities.
What is the function of a bus in a computer system?
A Process instructions
B Store data
C Transfer data between components
D Perform arithmetic operations
A bus is a communication system that transfers data between the CPU, memory, and other peripherals. It is responsible for carrying data, addresses, and control signals to ensure the proper functioning of the system.
Which of these is an example of non-volatile memory?
A Cache
B Register
C RAM
D Hard Drive
Non-volatile memory, such as hard drives, retains data even when the power is turned off. This contrasts with volatile memory (e.g., RAM), which loses data once the power is removed.
In memory management, what is segmentation?
A Dividing memory into variable-size blocks
B Dividing memory into pages
C Storing memory on disk
D Combining memory blocks
Segmentation divides memory into variable-sized blocks, or segments, based on logical divisions like functions, arrays, or code sections. This allows efficient memory usage and management in systems with complex memory requirements.
Which of the following is a feature of multi-core processors?
A Single processing unit
B Single memory access
C Multiple processing units on one chip
D Increased power consumption
Multi-core processors have more than one processing unit (core) on the same chip, allowing parallel processing. This improves performance by enabling simultaneous execution of multiple tasks or threads.
Which component manages the interaction between hardware and software in a computer system?
A Memory
B Operating System
C Input/Output Devices
D CPU
The operating system manages the interaction between hardware and software. It allocates resources, schedules tasks, and provides an interface for users and applications to interact with the hardware components of the computer system.