Computer Systems

Question 1

CPU

Answer 1

Central Processing Unit - a processor that carries out program instructions.

Most CPUs are microprocessors contained on a single integrated circuit chip.

Question 2

RAM

Answer 2

Main Memory - Random Access Memory

Computer data storage which stores frequently used program instructions.

Volatile memory

Question 3

Memory cell

Answer 3

The fundamental building block of computer memory. An electronic circuit that stores one bit of binary information. Set to store a logic 1 (high voltage) and reset to store logic 0 (low voltage).

Question 4

Address

Answer 4

The location in memory

Question 5

The smallest addressable unit

Answer 5

Typically one byte

Question 6

Byte

Answer 6

8 bits

Question 7

How many different values can k bytes store?

Answer 7

2^k values

Question 8

Kilobyte

Answer 8

2^10 bytes

Question 9

Megabyte

Answer 9

2^20 bytes

Question 10

Gigabyte

Answer 10

2^30 bytes

Question 11

Secondary Memory

Answer 11

Where programs and data are kept on a long-term basis

Hard disks, optical disks

Question 12

Machine Code

Answer 12

Binary numbers encoding program instructions

Question 13

Where is a program Copied when it is loaded?

Answer 13

Main Memory

Question 14

Where can a program read data from?

Answer 14

Secondary memory and input devices.

Question 15

Where are variables stored in memory?

Answer 15

Main Memory

Question 16

What are the main features of an operating system?

Answer 16

Process management 
Memory management 
I/O
Window system
Network Control
Enforcing Security