Fundamentals of a Computer (GCSE AQA)

What is the definition of a computer?

• An electronic device that takes an input, processes data, and delivers output

• A device that stores computer programs

• A machine that carries out instructions

• A device that fetches and executes instructions

What are the critical components of a typical desktop computer?

• Memory and Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Monitor and Speaker

• Controller and Fan

• RAM and Processor

What is the purpose of the CPU?

• To fetch, decode, and execute instructions

• To store computer programs

• To carry out calculations

• To deliver output

What is the first stage of the fetch-execute cycle?

• Fetch

• Decode

• Execute

• Inspect

What does the CPU do during the decode stage?

• Inspects the instruction and breaks it down

• Fetches the next instruction

• Carries out the instruction

• Brings the instruction back to the CPU

What is the clock speed of a modern CPU measured in?

• Hertz

• Bytes

• Megahertz

• Gigabytes

How many times does the fetch-execute cycle occur per second on a modern CPU?

• Billions

• Millions

• Thousands

• Hundreds

What is the purpose of the fetch stage in the fetch-execute cycle?

• To fetch the next instruction from the main memory

• To inspect the instruction and break it down

• To carry out the instruction

• To store information back into main memory

What does the CPU do during the execute stage?

• Carries out the instruction

• Fetches the next instruction

• Inspects the instruction and breaks it down

• Brings the instruction back to the CPU

What are the three stages of the cycle in the CPU used to retrieve, process and store data or instructions from and back to memory?

• Fetch, Decode, Execute

• Inspect, Break, Carry out

• Store, Retrieve, Process

• Input, Process, Output