SLR 2

Question 1

What does CISC stand for?

Answer 1

Complex Instruction Set Computer.

Question 2

What does RISC stand for?

Answer 2

Reduced Instruction Set Computer.

Question 3

Describe the main characteristic of CISC processors.

Answer 3

CISC processors have many complex instructions, each capable of performing multiple operations in a single command.

Question 4

Describe the main characteristic of RISC processors.

Answer 4

RISC processors use a smaller set of simple instructions that each execute in a single clock cycle.(RISC uses a number of simple instructions so the compiler has to do more work and more RAM is usually needed).

Question 5

What is a key advantage of RISC architecture?

Answer 5

Simpler hardware design and faster instruction execution as each instruction takes one clock cycle.

Question 6

What is a key advantage of CISC architecture?

Answer 6

Can reduce program size as complex instructions achieve more work per line of code.

Question 7

Which processor type typically has more transistors dedicated to memory and control units?

Answer 7

CISC processors.

Question 8

Which type of processor is typically more power efficient and used in mobile devices?

Answer 8

RISC processors (e.g., ARM).

Question 9

What does GPU stand for?

Answer 9

Graphics Processing Unit.

Question 10

How does a GPU differ from a CPU?

Answer 10

GPUs have many smaller cores optimized for parallel processing, while CPUs have fewer powerful cores optimized for sequential tasks.

Question 11

Name one advantage of using GPUs in computing.

Answer 11

They can perform many calculations simultaneously, making them ideal for tasks like graphics rendering and machine learning.

Question 12

What types of tasks are GPUs well suited for?

Answer 12

Graphics rendering, simulations, scientific calculations, AI training, and neural networks.

Question 13

What is GPGPU computing?

Answer 13

General-Purpose GPU computing — using GPUs for non-graphics parallel tasks such as AI or data processing.

Question 14

Why are GPUs efficient at parallel processing?

Answer 14

Because they have thousands of smaller cores that can execute the same instruction on multiple data elements simultaneously.

Question 15

What is a multi-core processor?

Answer 15

A CPU with two or more independent cores that can execute instructions simultaneously.

Question 16

Define parallel processing.

Answer 16

When multiple processors or cores perform different parts of a task at the same time to speed up computation.

Question 17

What is the benefit of multi-core processors?

Answer 17

They can improve performance by allowing multiple tasks or threads to be processed simultaneously.

Question 18

Why might a program not benefit from multiple cores?

Answer 18

If the program is not written to run in parallel (not multithreaded), it will only use one core effectively.

Question 19

What is Amdahl’s Law?

Answer 19

A principle that shows the theoretical maximum improvement in performance when only part of a system is improved, often limiting parallel gains.

Question 20

Give an example of parallel processing in everyday computing.

Answer 20

Running a game while streaming or downloading updates, with different cores handling different tasks.