Transcript
Hardware
True/False Questions
A computer’s main memory holds currently active programs and data.
A program must be stored in memory before it can be executed. Data must be stored in memory before the computer can manipulate them.
A computer’s memory holds binary digits, or bits.
When you read memory, you extract the contents but you do not change them.
When you write memory you record new values without affecting the old contents.
Most computer memory is random access memory (RAM).
ROM can be read, but not written.
The terms byte and word are synonyms.
Most computers are able to manipulate a group of bytes called a word.
To distinguish them, each byte (more generally, each physical storage unit) is assigned a unique address.
The amount of data that moves between the processor and memory at one time depends on the application.
Cache memory is a form of secondary storage.
The processor, often called the central processing unit (CPU), is the component that manipulates data.
A processor can do nothing without a program to provide control; whatever intelligence a computer has is derived from software, not hardware.
The processor manipulates data stored in memory under the control of a program stored in memory.
A program is a series of instructions each of which tells the computer to perform one of its basic functions: add, subtract, multiply, divide, compare, copy, start input, or start output.
The address of the next instruction to be executed is always found in the instruction counter
The processor fetches and executes several instructions during each machine cycle.
An instruction is fetched during E-time and executed during I-time.
A coprocessor is a replacement for a main processor.
On many computers a layer of microcode, sometimes called firmware, lies between memory and the processor
The basic input device on most personal computer systems is a display screen.
The basic output device on most personal computers is disk.
By routing the output to a printer, a permanent copy (called a hard copy) is obtained.
Many modern computer applications utilize multimedia, another name for graphics.
The big problem with RAM is volatility; RAM loses its contents when the power is cut.
Secondary storage is a fast, accurate, inexpensive, high-capacity, nonvolatile form of main memory.
Secondary storage is an extension of main memory, not a replacement for it.
The basic argument for secondary storage is that main memory is too slow.
Increasing a disk’s rotational speed will reduce rotational delay.
A hard disk is generally faster than a diskette and has greater storage capacity.
The data on a disk are recorded on a series of concentric circles called tracks, and it is the contents of a track that move between the disk’s surface and memory.
Diskettes are typically used to store backup copies of files and to transfer data and software from one computer to another.
Files are physically stored in a disk’s directory.
A modem allows a computer to communicate over a dedicated, special-purpose telephone line.
Access to high-speed communication lines (such as cable) calls for a cable modem.
Some peripheral devices are linked directly to the processor.
A buffer is temporary memory or storage used to adjust for the speed differential between the processor and memory.
Certain functions (for example, deciding where the next byte can be found or stored in memory and counting the characters transferred to or from an external device) are common to almost all types of input and output. On larger machines, they are performed by each interface; in effect, they are duplicated for each device on the system.
On a mainframe computer, a channel handles device-independent functions and device-dependent functions are implemented through I/O control units or interface units.
Answers:
1. T; 2. T; 3. T; 4. T; 5. F; 6. T; 7. T; 8. F; 9. T; 10. T;
11. F; 12. F; 13. T; 14. T; 15. T; 16. T; 17. T; 18. F; 19. F; 20. F;
21. T; 22. F; 23. F; 24. T; 25. F; 26. T; 27. F; 28. T; 29. T; 30. T;
31. T; 32. F; 33. T; 34. F; 35. F; 36. T; 37. F; 38. F; 39. F; 40. T.
Multiple Choice Questions
Note: Most of the multiple choice questions can be converted to fill-in questions by simply deleting the suggested answers.
The __________ must be stored in memory before the computer can manipulate the data.
a. current program only
b. current program and the current data
c. current data only
d. neither
On most computers, the basic addressable unit of memory is a __________.
byte
string
number
bit
When you __________ memory, you do not change the contents. When you __________ memory you destroy the old contents.
a. read/write
b. write/read
c. access/read
d. write/access
Most computer memory is __________.
a. RAM
b. ROM
c. flash
d. core
__________ can be read, but not written.
a. RAM
b. flash memory
c. core
d. ROM
A __________ contains enough bits (usually eight) to represent a single character.
a. word
b. string
c. couplet
d. byte
Most computers are able to manipulate a group of bytes called a __________ that often holds a single number.
a. string
b. word
c. neither
d. The premise of this question is false.
To distinguish them, each byte (more generally, each physical storage unit) is assigned a unique __________.
a. name
b. address
c. neither
d. The premise of this question is false.
Data move between the processor and memory __________.
a. one bit at a time
b. one byte or one word at a time
c. in variable length chunks
d. any or all of the above
One way to increase processing speed is to move program instructions and data from memory to the processor more quickly. To help accomplish this objective, many computers contain a block of high-speed __________.
a. ROM
b. RAM
c. registers
d. cache memory
__________ acts as a staging area for the processor.
a. cache memory
b. RAM
c. ROM
d. the instruction register
__________ is the component that manipulates data.
a. Memory
b. The processor
c. Main memory
d. The bus
Whatever intelligence a computer has is derived from __________.
a. hardware
b. data
c. software
d. firmware
The processor manipulates __________ stored in memory under the control of __________ stored in memory.
a. hardware settings/a program
b. a program/data
c. data/hardware settings
d. data/a program
A program is a series of __________ each of which tells the computer to perform one of its basic functions.
a. commands
b. data values
c.
d. instructions
Inside the processor, the __________ fetches instructions from memory.
arithmetic and logic unit
register
instruction control unit
memory controller
Inside the processor, the components are synchronized by __________.
the ICU
a clock
fetch signals
data
The address of the computer’s next instruction is found in the __________.
instruction register
clock
memory controller
instruction counter
An instruction is fetched by the instruction control unit during __________ and executed by the arithmetic and logic unit during __________.
a. E-time/I-time
b. F-time/E-time
c. I-time/E-time
d. The premise of this question is false.
A __________ is a special-purpose processor that assists the main processor on certain operations.
a. CPU
b. cache
c. microprocessor
d. coprocessor
On many computers a layer of __________, sometimes called firmware, lies between memory and the processor
a. cache memory
b. microcode
c. coprocessors
d. none of the above
The basic __________ devices on most personal computer systems are a keyboard and a mouse.
a. output
b. storage
c. input
d. integrated
By routing the output to a __________, a permanent copy (called a hard copy) is obtained.
a. display screen
b. LCD screen
c. printer
d. keyboard
Many modern computer applications utilize __________, mixing text, graphics, sound, animations, and other elements to form an integrated, interactive environment.
a. the Internet
b. multiple programs
c. accelerator boards
d. multimedia
RAM is considered __________ because it loses its contents when the power is cut.
a. fast
b. permanent
c. volatile
d. none of the above
__________ is a fast, accurate, inexpensive, high-capacity, nonvolatile extension of main memory.
a. RAM
b. ROM
c. D-RAM
d. Secondary storage
On disk, data are recorded on concentric circles called __________.
blocks
sectors
tracks
cylinders
Data typically move between a disk’s surface and memory a __________ at a time.
track
sector
cylinder
logical record
Once the access mechanism is positioned, the time required for the data to rotate to the read/write head is called __________.
rotational delay
lag time
access time
seek time
Unlike a diskette drive, a hard disk spins constantly. This reduces __________.
rotational delay
seek time
storage capacity
cost
Should a disk be lost or destroyed, __________.
a. the contents are lost forever
b. a disk cannot be lost or destroyed
c. restoration is automatic on most modern computer systems
d. a backup copy can be used to restore the contents
A __________ is typically used to store backup copies of files and to transfer data and software from one computer to another.
a. hard disk
b. diskette
c. USB cable
d. none of the above
To record the starting address of each of its files, a portion of the disk’s first track is set aside to hold a(n) __________.
a. directory
b. index
c. boot record
d. table
A __________ allows the computer to communicate over standard telephone lines.
a. cable modem
b. buffer
c. coupler
d. modem
Access to high-speed broadband communication lines can be accomplished by using a ___________.
a. cable modem
b. DSL connection
c. either B or C
d. neither B nor C
A peripheral device is linked to a computer through a(n) __________.
a. interface
b. connection
c. switch
d. connector
Because the various input, output, and secondary storage devices are different, they must be linked to a microcomputer through separate __________.
switches
interfaces
display units
The answer varies with the device.
A(n) __________ is temporary memory or storage used to adjust for the speed differential between adjacent devices.
a. cache
b. buffer
c. interface
d. There is no such thing.
Certain functions are common to almost all types of input and output. On a microcomputer, they are performed by each interface; in effect, they are duplicated for each device on the system. On larger machines, these common functions are assigned to a __________.
a. control unit
b. interface board
c. coprocessor
d. channel
On a mainframe, device-dependent functions are implemented through ___________.
a. channels
b. coprocessors
c. I/O control units
d. the main processor
Answers:
1. B; 2. A; 3. A; 4. A; 5. D; 6. D; 7. B; 8. B; 9. B; 10. D;
11. A; 12. B; 13. C; 14. D; 15. D; 16. C; 17. B; 18. A; 19. D; 20. C;
21. D; 22. B; 23. C; 24. D; 25. C; 26. D; 27. C; 28. B; 29. A; 30. A;
31. D; 32. B; 33. A; 34. D; 35. C; 36. A; 37. B; 38. B; 39. D; 40. C.
