What is the purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
The CPU is the brain of the computer that executes instructions and performs calculations. It processes data and controls the operation of all other components in the computer system.
What are the three main components of the CPU?
The three main components are: 1) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), 2) Control Unit, 3) Immediate-Access Store (registers/cache)
What is the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
The ALU performs all arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, comparisons) on data.
What is the role of the Control Unit in the CPU?
The Control Unit manages and coordinates all CPU operations. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and controls the execution of instructions by directing other components.
What is the Immediate-Access Store in the CPU?
The Immediate-Access Store refers to the CPU’s internal storage including registers and cache memory that provide very fast access to frequently used data and instructions.
What is the Program Counter in the fetch-execute cycle?
The Program Counter (PC) holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched and executed. It is automatically incremented after each instruction.
What is the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
The MAR holds the memory address of the location from which data or instructions are to be fetched or to which data is to be stored.
What is the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
The MDR temporarily holds data that has been read from memory or data that is about to be written to memory.
What is the Instruction Address Register (IAR)?
The IAR (also known as Instruction Register) holds the current instruction that is being decoded and executed by the CPU.
How does clock speed affect CPU performance?
Higher clock speed means the CPU can execute more instructions per second, leading to faster processing. However, higher speeds also generate more heat and consume more power.
How does cache size affect CPU performance?
Larger cache size allows the CPU to store more frequently accessed data and instructions closer to the processor, reducing the time needed to fetch data from slower main memory, thus improving performance.
How does the number of cores affect CPU performance?
More cores allow the CPU to execute multiple tasks simultaneously (parallel processing), improving performance for multi-threaded applications and multitasking scenarios.
What are the characteristics of a microphone as an input device?
A microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals. It’s analog input that requires analog-to-digital conversion. Used for voice recording, communication, and voice commands.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a microphone?
Advantages: Natural voice input, hands-free operation, accessibility for disabled users. Disadvantages: Background noise interference, requires quiet environment, privacy concerns.
What are the characteristics of a mouse as an input device?
A mouse is a pointing device that detects movement and translates it to cursor movement on screen. It typically has left/right buttons and a scroll wheel for navigation and selection.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a mouse?
Advantages: Precise pointing, familiar interface, good for detailed work. Disadvantages: Requires flat surface, can cause repetitive strain injury, not suitable for touch devices.
What is a graphics digitiser and its characteristics?
A graphics digitiser (graphics tablet) is an input device that allows users to draw or write directly onto a pressure-sensitive surface using a stylus, converting analog movements to digital coordinates.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a graphics digitiser?
Advantages: Natural drawing experience, pressure sensitivity, precise control for digital art. Disadvantages: Expensive, learning curve, requires software compatibility.
What are the characteristics of touch screens?
Touch screens are input devices that detect touch and pressure on the display surface. They can be capacitive or resistive, allowing direct interaction with on-screen elements.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of touch screens?
Advantages: Intuitive interface, no additional input device needed, good for mobile devices. Disadvantages: Fingerprints on screen, less precise than mouse, gorilla arm syndrome.
What are the characteristics of speakers as output devices?
Speakers convert electrical signals into sound waves. They reproduce audio output from the computer including music, sound effects, voice, and system notifications.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of speakers?
Advantages: Shared audio experience, no physical contact needed, good for presentations. Disadvantages: Can disturb others, sound quality varies, requires power.
What are the characteristics of laser printers?
Laser printers use laser technology and toner to produce high-quality text and graphics on paper. They use electrostatic charges to transfer toner to paper, then fuse it with heat.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser printers?
Advantages: Fast printing, high quality text, low cost per page, quiet operation. Disadvantages: High initial cost, expensive toner cartridges, poor photo quality.
