Processor Overview

Front

What is the main function of a processor in a computer?

Back

The processor executes instructions, performs calculations, and coordinates input/output operations.

Front

What does CPU stand for?

Back

Central Processing Unit.

Front

Name two major manufacturers of processors.

Back

Intel and AMD.

Front

What is the measurement unit for processor speed?

Back

Gigahertz (GHz).

Front

What is the register size of the Intel 8088 processor?

Back

16 bits, or 2 bytes.

Front

What is the purpose of a bus in a processor?

Back

To move 1s and 0s around inside the processor and to other chips.

Front

What is an ALU?

Back

Arithmetic Logic Unit, which performs calculations and comparison logic.

Front

What is pipelining in processors?

Back

The use of multiple pipelines that operate simultaneously to improve processing speed.

Front

What is cache memory?

Back

A very fast type of memory designed to increase the speed of processor operations.

Front

What is multithreading?

Back

A technique that allows multiple threads to be executed simultaneously to improve processor efficiency.