1.1 Systems Architecture

What are the two main functions of the CPU?

• to control the rest of the computer system

• to process data and instructions

What is a general purpose computer?

a computer designed to be able to perform a number of tasks e.g. play games, access internet, play videos n music

What are the tasks that can be performed by a general purpose computer called?

applications

Examples of general purpose computers

Tablets, phones, game consoles
anything that can have many applications is a general purpose computer

What does the CPU run?

All programs and data processing + all hardware components are controlled by it to some extent

What is the basic model of general purpose computers?

Data is input, processed, and then either output or sent to secondary storage.

Compare + contrast primary and secondary storage (4)

Primary storage:

• (usually) volatile – data erased when computer turned off

• immediate CPU access

• smaller: 8-64gb

• active processes n data

Secondary storage:

• larger: 512gb-8tb

• long-term retention + backup of data

• slower

• non-volatile (retained without power)

Where are applications stored in memory?

In primary while still being processed; secondary otherwise

Six main components of the CPU?

• Control Unit (CU)

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Registers

• Cache

• Buses

• Clock

Three functions of the CU

• sends signals to control how data moves around the CPU

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