1 Lecture

CS401

Midterm & Final Term Short Notes

Basic Computer Architecture

Basic computer architecture refers to the structure and organization of a computer system, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and input/output devices. It involves understanding how data is processed and stored, the role of the


Important Mcq's
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
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  1. Which of the following is responsible for fetching instructions from memory and executing them? a) ALU b) Control Unit c) Input Unit d) Output Unit Solution: b) Control Unit Which component of a CPU stores the results of arithmetic and logical operations? a) Cache Memory b) Control Unit c) ALU d) Registers Solution: d) Registers Which type of memory can be read from and written to? a) ROM b) RAM c) Cache Memory d) Virtual Memory Solution: b) RAM What is the purpose of the system clock in a computer system? a) To synchronize the execution of instructions b) To store data c) To display the time d) To provide power to the system Solution: a) To synchronize the execution of instructions Which component is responsible for communicating with input and output devices? a) ALU b) Control Unit c) Input Unit d) Output Unit Solution: c) Input Unit Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations? a) Control Unit b) ALU c) Input Unit d) Output Unit Solution: b) ALU Which of the following is a type of secondary storage device? a) Hard Disk Drive b) Cache Memory c) RAM d) Registers Solution: a) Hard Disk Drive Which type of memory is non-volatile? a) ROM b) RAM c) Cache Memory d) Virtual Memory Solution: a) ROM Which component of a CPU controls the flow of data between the CPU and memory? a) ALU b) Control Unit c) Input Unit d) Output Unit Solution: b) Control Unit Which of the following is a type of primary memory? a) Hard Disk Drive b) Optical Disk Drive c) Flash Drive d) RAM Solution: d) RAM


Subjective Short Notes
Midterm & Finalterm Prepration
Past papers included

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  1. What is a CPU? Answer: A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of a computer system. It is responsible for executing instructions, performing arithmetic and logical operations, and controlling the flow of data between different parts of the system. What are the basic components of a CPU? Answer: The basic components of a CPU include the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. What is the purpose of memory in a computer system? Answer: Memory is used to store data and instructions that the CPU can access and manipulate. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory? Answer: Primary memory, also known as main memory or RAM, is used to temporarily store data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU. Secondary memory, such as hard drives and flash drives, is used for long-term storage of data and instructions. What is the purpose of the system bus in a computer system? Answer: The system bus is used to transfer data between the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. What is a register? Answer: A register is a small amount of high-speed memory that is used to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU is currently working with. What is a cache memory? Answer: A cache memory is a small amount of high-speed memory that is used to store frequently accessed data and instructions. What is the purpose of the system clock in a computer system? Answer: The system clock is used to synchronize the operation of different parts of the system, such as the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. What is an instruction set? Answer: An instruction set is a collection of instructions that a CPU can execute. It includes operations such as arithmetic, logic, and data transfer. What is a bus width? Answer: A bus width refers to the number of bits that can be transferred simultaneously over a bus. A wider bus allows for faster data transfer between different parts of the system.

Basic Computer Architecture refers to the organization and structure of a computer system, including its hardware components and software architecture. This fundamental understanding of computer architecture is essential to developing efficient software and optimizing system performance. At the heart of every computer system is the CPU or Central Processing Unit, which is responsible for executing instructions and performing arithmetic and logical operations. The CPU comprises three essential components: the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. The control unit manages the flow of data between the CPU and other parts of the system. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations on data. Registers are small, high-speed memory units that store data and instructions. Memory is another critical component of computer architecture. There are two types of memory: primary memory and secondary memory. Primary memory, also known as RAM, is used to store data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU. Secondary memory, such as hard drives and flash drives, is used for long-term storage of data and instructions. The system bus is used to transfer data between the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. The bus comprises a set of wires that connect different components of the system. The bus width, or the number of wires in the bus, determines the amount of data that can be transferred simultaneously. In addition to the above, computer architecture also involves understanding the instruction set of the CPU, which is a collection of instructions that the CPU can execute. The system clock, which is a device that provides a timing signal, is used to synchronize the operation of different parts of the system, such as the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. In conclusion, Basic Computer Architecture is the foundation upon which computer science is built. Understanding the organization and structure of a computer system is essential to developing efficient software and optimizing system performance.