Computer Fundamentals

Question 1

What are the components of the Computer Memory Hierarchy from fastest/smallest to slowest/largest?

Answer 1

CPU Register, Cache Memory (L1, L2), RAM (Random Access Memory), Secondary Storage (Hard Drive, SSD, Removable Media).

Question 2

Differentiate between System Software and Application Software.

Answer 2

System Software: Manages computer hardware and software resources (e.g., Operating Systems, Compilers, Utility Programs).

Application Software: Performs specific tasks for the user (e.g., Word Processors, Web Browsers, Accounting Software).

Question 3

Explain 2’s Complement representation for negative binary numbers.

Answer 3

To find the 2’s complement of a binary number, first find its 1’s complement (flip all bits), then add 1. If the MSB is 1, the number is negative. This method is efficient as it avoids issues like separate +0 and −0.

Question 4

Define an Algorithm.

Answer 4

A finite sequence of explicit and unambiguous instructions which, when provided with a set of input values, produces an output and then terminates.