Components of a Computer System
This is the primary component of a computer responsible for interpreting and executing instructions.
What is the CPU (Central Processing Unit)?
This processing unit architecture splits tasks across multiple cores, allowing for parallel processing.
What is multi-core processing?
This is the fastest level of memory, located closest to the CPU, used to store frequently accessed instructions and data.
What is cache memory?
This technique reduces the number of instructions that a CPU needs to execute, improving efficiency by reusing results of previous computations.
What is caching?
ARM and x86 are examples of these types of structures that define the instructions a processor can execute.
What is an Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)?
This type of memory is non-volatile and stores the BIOS, which is essential for the computer's boot-up proce
What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
This specialized processor is often used in artificial intelligence and machine learning for handling massive numbers of calculations at once.
What is a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?
This technique temporarily moves data from RAM to disk storage to free up memory space for active processes.
What is virtual memory?
This is the concept of arranging data and instructions in such a way that maximizes speed by minimizing delays between CPU and memory.
What is memory hierarchy?
This type of instruction allows a processor to repeat a set of operations without reloading each instruction.
What is a loop instruction?
Known for its fast read and write speeds, this type of memory stores data temporarily for quick access by the CPU.
What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?
This type of architecture has a small set of simple instructions, making it efficient and reducing power consumption.
What is RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)?
In computer systems, this law states that adding more memory can improve performance, but only to a point where additional memory no longer has much effect.
What is Amdahl's Law?
This measurement, often in GHz, represents the speed at which a CPU executes instructions.
What is clock speed?
This part of an instruction is used to specify the operation, such as add, subtract, or load.
What is the opcode?
This type of storage device uses flash memory and has no moving parts, making it faster and more durable than a traditional hard drive.
What is an SSD (Solid-State Drive)?
Intel's x86 is an example of this type of architecture, which allows a large set of complex instructions.
What is CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing)?
This small, battery-backed memory stores system settings, including the date and time.
What is CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)?
This principle states that “data closer to the processor should be accessed first for better performance.”
What is the principle of locality?
This type of architecture reduces instruction counts by allowing only a limited set of simple, efficient instructions.
What is RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)?
This hardware component in a computer is responsible for rendering graphics and managing video output.
What is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?
This type of processing allows a computer to execute multiple instructions simultaneously by overlapping the stages of different instructions.
What is pipelining?
This type of non-volatile memory is often used for high-speed storage in smartphones and other mobile devices.
What is flash memory?
This is the type of delay that occurs when the CPU must wait for data to be fetched from main memory rather than from cache.
What is memory latency?
In assembly language, these are the basic storage units where data can be held temporarily while being processed.
What are registers?