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What is the role of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the CPU?
The ALU carries out calculations like addition or multiplication and performs Boolean logic operations such as AND, OR, NOT, and relational operations like less than or greater than.
What is the function of the Control Unit in the CPU?
The Control Unit sends out control signals, fetches and decodes instructions and data from memory, and controls the flow of data and instructions between the CPU, RAM, and hardware.
What distinguishes cache memory from RAM?
Cache is high-speed memory built into the processor that stores the most recent or frequently used instructions, while RAM is the main memory that holds all open applications and data.
What does the Program Counter (PC) do in the fetch-execute cycle?
The PC stores the address in RAM of the next instruction to be processed.
What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
The MAR stores the address in RAM of the data and instructions that are currently being read or written.
What is the function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
The MDR stores the data that has just been read from RAM and is about to be processed.
What role does the Instruction Address Register (IAR) or Current Instruction Register (CIR) play?
It stores the instruction that is currently being processed.
What does the Accumulator in the CPU do?
The Accumulator stores the results of processing, similar to a calculator's screen.
What is a primary function of system software in memory allocation?
The operating system allocates memory by finding free space in RAM and creating it if necessary, ensuring that the space is contiguous.
Describe the real-time processing mode.
In real-time processing, transactions must be completed at the time they occur; if not completed, all changes are rolled back.
What is batch processing?
Batch processing involves collecting a number of transactions together and processing them all at once at a later date.
What is a multi-user system?
A multi-user system allows multiple users to access a single system simultaneously, giving the impression that each user is the only one using it.
What is the purpose of disk defragmenting?
Disk defragmenting rewrites the entire hard drive to reorganize fragmented files into contiguous sectors for quicker access.
What does the task scheduling utility do?
Task scheduling automatically performs certain tasks at regular intervals or set times, reducing the risk of human error.
Why is regular updating of antivirus software important?
Antivirus software must be updated regularly because new viruses are created every day, requiring the software to recognize and deal with new threats.
How does clock speed impact CPU performance?
Higher clock speed means more instructions can be executed per second, resulting in higher performance.
What effect does cache size have on CPU performance?
A larger cache can store more instructions, allowing for faster access and processing, thus improving performance.
What is the significance of having multiple cores in a CPU?
More cores allow for more processes to be handled simultaneously, enhancing overall computing power.
