2 Computer Organization

Question 1

What is the CPU often referred to as?

Answer 1

The brain of your machine

Question 2

What does the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) do?

Answer 2

Performs mathematical operations

Question 3

The Control Unit (CU) and its role in the CPU?

Answer 3

It consists of a decoder, control logic circuits, and a clock to ensure everything happens at the correct time. It is also responsible for performing the instruction execution cycle.

Question 4

What are registers in the context of the CPU?

Answer 4

Short-term memory holding actively used data
MAR - Memory Address Register

Question 5

Name two key registers to remember for your IB exam.

Answer 5

• Memory Data Register (MDR)
• Memory Address Register (MAR)

Question 6

What is the first step in how the CPU components work together?

Answer 6

Fetch instructions from memory

Question 7

How does the CPU store results after execution?

Answer 7

In registers or sends back to memory

Question 8

What is RAM commonly compared to?

Answer 8

The computer’s workbench

Question 9

What are the key characteristics of RAM?

Answer 9

• Volatile
• Fast access times
• Directly accessible by the CPU

Question 10

What is ROM used for?

Answer 10

Contains data crucial for booting up the computer

Question 11

List the key characteristics of ROM.

Answer 11

• Non-volatile
• Slower than RAM
• Contains essential startup instructions

Question 12

What is cache memory?

Answer 12

A small, super-fast memory that stores frequently used data

Question 13

How many levels of cache are typically found in a CPU?

Answer 13

Three levels

Question 14

What are the three levels of cache?

Answer 14

• L1 Cache
• L2 Cache
• L3 Cache

Question 15

What does the machine instruction cycle consist of?

Answer 15

• Fetch
• Decode
• Execute
• Store

Question 16

What is persistent storage?

Answer 16

Non-volatile storage that retains data when power is off

Question 17

Name three common types of persistent storage.

Answer 17

• Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
• Solid State Drives (SSD)
• USB flash drives

Question 18

What is the main function of an operating system (OS)?

Answer 18

Manages interactions between hardware and software

Question 19

List five main functions of an operating system.

Answer 19

• User Interface
• Memory Management
• File Management
• Device Management
• Process Management

Question 20

What is application software designed for?

Answer 20

To help users perform specific tasks

Question 21

Name four common types of application software.

Answer 21

• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Web browsers
• Graphics software

Question 22

What is the smallest unit of data in computing?

Answer 22

Bit

Question 23

How many bits are in a byte?

Answer 23

8 bits

Question 24

What is the binary number system based on?

Answer 24

Base-2

Question 25

Convert the decimal number 42 to binary.

Answer 25

101010

Question 26

What is Boolean logic?

Answer 26

The foundation of digital circuits and computer operations

Question 27

Name three key operators in Boolean logic.

Answer 27

* AND * OR * NOT

Question 28

True or False: RAM is non-volatile.

Answer 28

False

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Cache memory is like a small, super-fast _______.

Answer 29

notepad