What does CPU stand for? What are the main components of a CPU?
What is the function of the ALU? What is the function of the CU?
What is the function of registers within the CPU? What is the relationship between the ALU and CU?
What is the purpose of pipelining in the CPU? What is clock speed in relation to the CPU?

 

Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit, Registers Central Processing Unit
To coordinate and control the operations of the CPU To perform arithmetic and logic operations
The CU sends instructions to the ALU to perform arithmetic or logic operations To store temporary data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly
It is the rate at which the CPU processes instructions To allow multiple instructions to be processed concurrently

 

What is cache memory and how does it relate to the CPU? What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit CPU?
What is the purpose of the instruction register in the CPU? What is the purpose of the program counter in the CPU?
What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory? What is the function of the memory controller in the CPU?
What is the difference between RAM and ROM? What is the machine instruction cycle?

 

A 32-bit CPU can process up to 4GB of memory, while a 64-bit CPU can process much more memory, up to several terabytes Cache memory is high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly
To keep track of the memory address of the next instruction to be executed To temporarily hold the instruction being executed by the CPU
To manage the flow of data between the CPU and memory Volatile memory requires a constant power source to retain data, while non-volatile memory retains data even when power is turned off
The machine instruction cycle is a sequence of events that occur during the execution of a machine language instruction. RAM is volatile memory used for temporary storage, while ROM is non-volatile memory used for permanent storage of instructions and data

 

What are the four steps of the machine instruction cycle? What is the fetch stage of the machine instruction cycle?
What is the decode stage of the machine instruction cycle? What is the execute stage of the machine instruction cycle?
What is the store stage of the machine instruction cycle? What is the purpose of the machine instruction cycle?
What is the difference between a machine language instruction and a high-level language instruction? What is an opcode?

 

The fetch stage is where the CPU retrieves the instruction from memory. Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store.
The execute stage is where the CPU performs the action specified by the instruction. The decode stage is where the CPU interprets the instruction and determines what action to take.
The machine instruction cycle allows the CPU to execute machine language instructions in a systematic and controlled manner. The store stage is where the CPU stores the result of the operation in memory or a register.
An opcode is a code that specifies the operation that the CPU should perform. A machine language instruction is a set of binary codes that the CPU can understand and execute directly. A high-level language instruction is written in a more human-friendly way and must be translated into machine language before it can be executed.

 

What is an operand? What is cache memory?
How does cache memory work? What are the different types of cache memory?
What is the purpose of L1 cache? What is the purpose of L2 cache?
What is the purpose of L3 cache? What are the benefits of using cache memory?

 

Cache memory is a type of high-speed memory that is used to temporarily store frequently accessed data or instructions to reduce the time it takes to access that data or instructions again. An operand is a value or memory location that is used as an input to an operation.
The different types of cache memory include L1, L2, and L3 cache memory. L1 cache is the smallest and fastest cache memory that is integrated into the CPU. L2 cache is larger and slower than L1 cache, but still faster than the main memory. L3 cache is the largest and slowest cache memory that is shared among multiple cores or processors. Cache memory works by storing a copy of frequently accessed data or instructions in a small and fast memory that is closer to the CPU than the main memory. When the CPU needs to access that data or instructions again, it can retrieve it from the cache memory instead of the slower main memory.
The purpose of L2 cache is to provide the CPU with a larger cache memory that can still be accessed relatively quickly, while also reducing the traffic between the CPU and the main memory. The purpose of L1 cache is to provide the CPU with the fastest possible access to frequently used data and instructions.
The benefits of using cache memory include faster access to frequently used data and instructions, reduced traffic between the CPU and the main memory, and improved overall performance of the system. The purpose of L3 cache is to provide a larger cache memory that can be shared among multiple cores or processors in a multi-core or multi-processor system, while also reducing the traffic between the CPU and the main memory.

 

What are the limitations of using cache memory? What is a cache hit?
What is a cache miss? What factors can affect the cache hit rate?
What is the difference between direct-mapped and set-associative cache? What is a write-through cache?
What is a write-back cache? What is the cache coherence problem?

 

A cache hit is when the CPU finds the data or instructions it needs in the cache memory and can retrieve it quickly without having to access the main memory. The limitations of using cache memory include limited size and capacity, the cost of implementing multiple levels of cache memory, and the risk of cache misses, where the data or instructions are not found in the cache memory and have to be retrieved from the slower main memory.
The factors that can affect the cache hit rate include the size and capacity of the cache memory, the frequency and pattern of data or instruction access, and the complexity of the memory access patterns. A cache miss is when the CPU cannot find the data or instructions it needs in the cache memory and has to retrieve it from the slower main memory, which takes more time.
A write-through cache is a type of cache memory where any write operation to the cache memory is immediately propagated to the main memory, ensuring that the data in the cache memory and the main memory are always consistent. Direct-mapped cache is a type of cache memory where each memory block can only be stored in one specific location in the cache memory. Set-associative cache is a type of cache memory where each memory block can be stored in multiple locations in the cache memory, increasing the chance of finding it quickly when needed.
The cache coherence problem is the problem of ensuring that multiple caches that contain copies of the same memory block are kept coherent, meaning that any modifications to the memory block in one cache are properly propagated to the other caches. A write-back cache is a type of cache memory where the writes to the cache memory are only propagated to the main memory when the cache is evicted or overwritten, allowing for more efficient use of the cache memory.

 

What is primary memory? What is random access memory (RAM)?
What is read-only memory (ROM)? What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
What are some common uses for RAM? What are some common uses for ROM?
What is cache memory? How is cache memory different from RAM and ROM?

 

RAM is a type of primary memory that can be both read from and written to. Primary memory refers to the memory in a computer that can be directly accessed by the CPU.
The main difference between RAM and ROM is that RAM is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is turned off, while ROM is non-volatile, meaning its contents are retained even when the computer is turned off. ROM is a type of primary memory that can only be read from, not written to.
ROM is commonly used to store the BIOS (basic input/output system) and other firmware programs used by the computer's hardware. RAM is commonly used to store the operating system and other software programs, as well as data being actively worked on by the CPU.
Cache memory is typically much faster than RAM or ROM, but it also has a much smaller capacity. Cache memory is a type of primary memory that is used to store frequently accessed data for quick access by the CPU.

 

What is virtual memory? Why is virtual memory useful?
What is a memory address? What is the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed in a typical desktop computer?
What is the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed in a typical laptop computer? What is the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM?
What is persistent storage? What are some examples of persistent storage devices?

 

Virtual memory is useful because it allows programs to allocate more memory than is physically available, improving performance by reducing the need for swapping data in and out of physical memory. Virtual memory is a technique used by operating systems to simulate additional memory using a portion of the hard disk.
This can vary depending on the computer's motherboard and processor, but a common maximum is 16GB. A memory address is a unique identifier used by programs to access specific locations in memory.
DDR4 RAM is faster and more power-efficient than DDR3 RAM, but is not backwards compatible with motherboards designed for DDR3 RAM. This can vary depending on the computer's motherboard and processor, but a common maximum is 8GB.
Examples of persistent storage devices include hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and USB flash drives. Persistent storage refers to data storage that retains data even when the computer or device is turned off.

 

What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile storage? Why is persistent storage important in computer systems?
What are some common types of persistent storage in smartphones? What does the acronym SSD stand for?
How does a hard disk drive work? What is the capacity of an average USB flash drive?
What are some advantages of using cloud storage for persistent storage? What is the lifespan of a typical solid-state drive?

 

Persistent storage is important because it allows users to store and access data over multiple sessions and devices. Volatile storage, such as RAM, requires power to retain data, while non-volatile storage, such as hard disk drives, can retain data even when the device is turned off.
SSD stands for solid-state drive. Common types of persistent storage in smartphones include eMMC, UFS, and microSD cards.
The average capacity of a USB flash drive is between 8GB and 64GB. A hard disk drive uses magnetic disks to store and retrieve digital information.
The lifespan of a typical solid-state drive is approximately 10 years. Advantages of using cloud storage for persistent storage include remote accessibility, scalability, and off-site backups.

 

What is the difference between local storage and cloud storage? What is the advantage of using non-volatile storage for long-term data storage?
What is the disadvantage of using a hard disk drive for persistent storage? What is the primary method of accessing cloud storage?
What is an operating system? What are the main functions of an operating system?
Name three common operating systems. What is the significance of operating systems in computer science?

 

The advantage of using non-volatile storage for long-term data storage is that the data can be retained for extended periods without power. Local storage is physical storage located on a device, while cloud storage is remote storage accessed over the internet.
The primary method of accessing cloud storage is through a web browser or mobile app. The disadvantage of using a hard disk drive for persistent storage is that it is susceptible to physical damage and can fail over time.
The main functions of an operating system include managing computer hardware and software resources, providing a user interface, scheduling tasks, managing files and folders, and providing security and protection. An operating system (OS) is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
Operating systems are critical to the functioning of modern computer systems and are essential to the development and use of software applications. Windows, macOS, and Linux are all common operating systems used in computing.

 

What is the role of an operating system in managing computer hardware resources? What is the role of an operating system in managing software resources?
What is the difference between a multi-user operating system and a single-user operating system? What is the boot process of an operating system?
What is virtual memory and how does it work? What is the role of a device driver in an operating system?
What is the concept of common features in applications? Why are common features important in applications?

 

An operating system manages software resources by providing libraries and shared code, managing system resources such as memory and processing power, and scheduling tasks and processes for efficient operation. An operating system manages computer hardware resources by providing drivers for hardware devices, allocating and deallocating memory and processing power, and controlling input/output operations.
The boot process of an operating system involves initializing hardware components, loading the kernel and other system files into memory, and starting the operating system services and user interface. A multi-user operating system can handle multiple users accessing the system simultaneously, whereas a single-user operating system is designed for a single user to access the system at a time.
A device driver is a software component that allows an operating system to communicate with hardware devices. The driver provides a standard interface for the operating system to send and receive data to and from the hardware device. Virtual memory is a memory management technique that uses hard disk space to supplement physical RAM in order to increase the amount of memory available to programs. When physical memory is full, the operating system retrieves data from the hard disk and writes it to a temporary file on the hard disk called a page file. When the data is needed again, it is retrieved from the hard disk and written back to physical memory.
Common features are important in applications because they improve usability and simplify user experience. Common features in applications refer to functionalities that are present in different applications.

 

What are some common features found in many applications? What is the purpose of search functionality in an application?
What is the purpose of navigation menus in an application? What is the purpose of user accounts in an application?
What are some benefits of common features in applications? Why is it important to identify common features in different applications?
What are some examples of applications that share common features? What is the difference between common features and unique features in applications?

 

The purpose of search functionality in an application is to allow users to quickly find the information they need. Some common features found in many applications include search functionality, navigation menus, and user accounts.
The purpose of user accounts in an application is to allow users to save their preferences, track their activity, and access personalized content. The purpose of navigation menus in an application is to help users find their way around the application and access its different sections.
It is important to identify common features in different applications because it allows users to transfer their knowledge and skills from one application to another more easily. Some benefits of common features in applications include easier user adoption, increased efficiency, and reduced training time.
Common features are functionalities that are present in many different applications, while unique features are functionalities that are specific to a particular application. Some examples of applications that share common features include social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and email clients.

 

What is application software? Can you provide examples of application software?
What is the difference between system software and application software? What are the different types of application software?
How can application software be used for specific tasks? Why is application software important in the modern world?
What are the advantages of using application software? What are the disadvantages of using application software?

 

Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and multimedia players. Application software is a type of software that is designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
There are various types of application software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, database management software, graphics software, and multimedia software. System software is designed to manage and control the computer hardware, while application software is designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
Application software is important in the modern world because it enables individuals and organizations to perform various tasks efficiently and effectively. Application software can be used to perform specific tasks such as creating documents, analyzing data, making presentations, managing databases, editing photos and videos, and browsing the web.
Disadvantages include potential security risks, compatibility issues, and the need for regular updates and maintenance. Advantages include increased productivity, improved accuracy, faster processing, and enhanced creativity.

 

How can individuals learn to use different application software? How can businesses benefit from using application software?
What skills are required to use application software effectively? How has the use of application software changed over time?
What is the future of application software? What are some popular application software programs?
What is a bit? What is a byte?

 

Businesses can benefit from using application software by improving their efficiency, streamlining their operations, and enhancing their competitiveness in the marketplace. Individuals can learn to use different application software through training programs, online tutorials, and user manuals.
The use of application software has evolved over time to include a wider range of functionality and to be more user-friendly. Skills required include basic computer literacy, knowledge of the specific software being used, and the ability to troubleshoot issues that may arise.
Popular programs include Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Chrome, and Photoshop. The future of application software is expected to involve increased automation, integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and greater emphasis on data security and privacy.
A group of 8 bits. A binary digit, either 0 or 1.

 

What is binary? What is denary/decimal?
What is hexadecimal? Can you convert the binary number 1011 to denary/decimal?
Can you convert the binary number 110110 to denary/decimal? Can you convert the denary/decimal number 23 to binary?
Can you convert the denary/decimal number 76 to binary? Can you convert the binary number 1001 to hexadecimal?

 

A number system with a base of 10, using digits 0 to 9. A number system with a base of 2, using only 0 and 1.
Yes, it is 11. A number system with a base of 16, using digits 0 to 9 and letters A to F to represent values 10 to 15.
Yes, it is 10111. Yes, it is 54.
Yes, it is 9. Yes, it is 1001100.

 

Can you convert the binary number 11010011 to hexadecimal? Can you convert the hexadecimal number F4 to denary/decimal?
Can you convert the hexadecimal number 1A5 to denary/decimal? Can you convert the denary/decimal number 183 to hexadecimal?
Can you convert the denary/decimal number 567 to hexadecimal? What is data representation?
What are the different types of data representation? What is binary representation?

 

Yes, it is 244. Yes, it is D3.
Yes, it is B7. Yes, it is 421.
Data representation is the way data is encoded and stored in a computer system. Yes, it is 237.
Binary representation is a system of representing data using only two digits, 0 and 1. The different types of data representation are numerical, text, image, audio, and video.

 

Why is binary representation important in computing? What is ASCII encoding?
What is Unicode encoding? What is a bit?
What is a byte? What is a hexadecimal number?
What is little-endian and big-endian? What is a graphics card?

 

ASCII encoding is a standard method of encoding characters such as letters, numbers, and punctuation marks using binary codes. Binary representation is important in computing because digital devices such as computers and smartphones can only understand and process data in binary form.
A bit is the smallest unit of information in a computer system, represented by a 0 or 1. Unicode encoding is a standard method of encoding characters from multiple languages and scripts using binary codes.
A hexadecimal number is a base-16 number system that uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F to represent values. A byte is a collection of 8 bits, representing a single character or number in a computer system.
A graphics card is a hardware component in a computer that is designed to render images and videos for display on a monitor or screen. Little-endian and big-endian are different ways of ordering bytes in memory when representing multi-byte values.

 

What is a pixel? What is a compression algorithm?
What is lossy compression? What is lossless compression?
What is the Boolean operator 'AND'? What is the Boolean operator 'OR'?
What is the Boolean operator 'NOT'? What is the Boolean operator 'NAND'?

 

A compression algorithm is a method of encoding data to reduce its size for storage and transmission purposes. A pixel is the smallest unit of an image that can be displayed and processed on a digital device.
Lossless compression is a type of compression that reduces the size of data without discarding any information, resulting in an exact copy of the original data. Lossy compression is a type of compression that reduces the size of data by discarding some information, resulting in a lower quality version of the original data.
A logical operator that returns true if either or both operands are true. A logical operator that returns true only if both operands are true.
A logical operator that is the negation of the AND operator; it returns false only if both operands are true. A logical operator that negates the operand, if it is true then it returns false and vice versa.

 

What is the Boolean operator 'NOR'? What is the Boolean operator 'XOR'?
What is the difference between 'AND' and 'OR'? What is the difference between 'NAND' and 'NOT'?
What is the difference between 'NOR' and 'NOT'? What is an example of using 'AND' operator in programming?
What is an example of using 'OR' operator in programming? What is an example of using 'NOT' operator in programming?

 

A logical operator that returns true if the operands are different (one true and one false), and false if they are the same (both true or both false). A logical operator that is the negation of the OR operator; it returns true only if both operands are false.
'NOT' negates the operand, while 'NAND' returns false only if both operands are true. 'AND' returns true only if both operands are true, while 'OR' returns true if at least one of the operands is true.
((x > 5) AND (x < 10)) - This returns true only if x is greater than 5 AND less than 10. 'NOT' negates the operand, while 'NOR' returns true only if both operands are false.
(NOT (x == 5)) - This returns true only if x is not equal to 5. ((x > 5) OR (x < 10)) - This returns true if x is greater than 5 OR less than 10 (or both).

 

What is an example of using 'NAND' operator in programming? What is an example of using 'NOR' operator in programming?
What is an example of using 'XOR' operator in programming? What is a truth table?
What are logical operators? What are some common logical operators?
How do you construct a truth table? What is the truth value of 'P AND Q' if P is true and Q is false?

 

(NOT ((x > 5) OR (x < 10))) - This returns true only if x is between 5 and 10 (inclusive). (NOT ((x > 5) AND (x < 10))) - This returns true if x is less than or equal to 5 OR x is greater than or equal to 10.
A truth table is a table that shows the truth values of a logical proposition for all possible combinations of its input values. ((x > 5) XOR (x < 10)) - This returns true if x is greater than 5 OR less than 10 (but not both).
Some common logical operators include AND (&&), OR (||), NOT (!), IF-THEN (->), and IF AND ONLY IF (<->). Logical operators are symbols or words used to represent boolean expressions that combine one or more propositions.
The truth value of 'P AND Q' is false if P is true and Q is false. To construct a truth table, list out all possible combinations of true and false inputs for each proposition in the logical expression, and then evaluate the expression for each combination.

 

What is the truth value of 'P OR Q' if P is false and Q is true? What is the truth value of 'NOT P' if P is true?
What is the truth value of 'P -> Q' if P is false and Q is true? What is the truth value of 'P <-> Q' if P is false and Q is true?
Construct a truth table for 'P AND (Q OR R)' where P is true, Q is false, and R is true. Construct a truth table for '(P OR Q) -> R' where P is true, Q is false, and R is true.
What are the different types of logic gates? What is the purpose of a truth table?

 

The truth value of 'NOT P' is false if P is true. The truth value of 'P OR Q' is true if P is false and Q is true.
The truth value of 'P <-> Q' is false if P is false and Q is true. The truth value of 'P -> Q' is true if P is false and Q is true.
P | Q | R | P OR Q | (P OR Q) -> R T | F | T | T | T P | Q | R | Q OR R | P AND (Q OR R) T | F | T | T | T
To simplify complex electronic circuits and to understand the relationship between inputs and outputs in logic gates. AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, and XOR gates.

 

What is the Boolean expression for the AND gate? What is the Boolean expression for the OR gate?
What is the Boolean expression for the NOT gate? What is the Boolean expression for the NAND gate?
What is the Boolean expression for the NOR gate? What is the Boolean expression for the XOR gate?
What is the purpose of a logic diagram? What is Boolean algebra?

 

A+B A.B
~(A.B) ~A
A^B ~(A+B)
A branch of algebraic system used in logical operations. To show the logic of a digital circuit and the relationship between inputs and outputs.

 

What is the difference between an AND gate and an OR gate? What is the difference between a NAND gate and a NOR gate?
What is the difference between the XOR and XNOR gates? How can you use truth tables to design logic diagrams?
What are some applications of logic gates in digital circuits?

 

NAND gates output a 0 if both inputs are 1, while NOR gates output a 1 if both inputs are 0. AND gates only output a 1 if both inputs are 1, while OR gates output a 1 if either input is 1.
By listing all possible input combinations and determining the corresponding output using the logic gates. XOR gates output a 1 if the inputs are different, while XNOR gates output a 1 if the inputs are the same.
Computer processors, memory chips, and communication devices all use logic gates in their circuits.