Hardware 5 (The Processor)

Which one of the following best describes what the processor is responsible for?

• holding data in temporary memory locations

• running of the programs that are loaded into the main memory

• performing arithmetic calculations and logic functions

• overseeing the actions of the other parts of the computer and executing the machine code instructions

What is the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) responsible for?

• holding data in temporary memory locations

• running of the programs that are loaded into the main memory

• performing arithmetic calculations and logic functions

• overseeing the actions of the other parts of the computer and executing the machine code instructions

What are the Registers?

• temporary storage areas within the processor

• programs that are loaded into the main memory

• arithmetic calculations and logic functions

• the machine code instructions

What is a 'core'?

• the exact centre of the processor

• a unit that reads and executes program instructions

• the speed of the processor

• a temporary storage area in the processor

What name is given to a processor with more than one core?

• plural-core processor

• multi-core processor

• binary-core processor

• extra-core processor

What is the purpose of the program counter (PC) register in a processor?

• Perform arithmetic and logic operations
• Store the memory address of a memory location
• Hold the memory address of the next instruction to be executed in the fetch-execute cycle
• Hold the instruction that is currently being executed by the processor

What is the purpose of the control unit in a processor?

• Perform arithmetic and logic operations
• Store data temporarily
• Hold the memory address of the next instruction
• Control the various components of the processor

Are instructions for one processor compatible with other processors?

• No, each type of processor has its own instruction set
• Yes, all processors use the same instruction set
• It depends on the type of operation
• It depends on the type of processor

What is the role of the clock in a processor?

• Stores the contents of a memory location
• Generates a timing signal to synchronize communication between processor components
• Holds the instruction currently being executed
• Stores the memory address of a memory location to be read from or written to

What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?

• Stores the memory address of a memory location to be read from or written to
• Holds the instruction currently being executed
• Stores the contents of a memory location
• Contains a number of bits that can change to indicate an interrupt