1.1 The purpose of the CPU - The fetch-execute cycle

What is the primary function of a computer?

• To store large amounts of data

• To take input, process data, and deliver output

• To connect to the internet

• To play video games

What are the two critical components inside a typical desktop computer?

• Hard drive and graphics card

• Power supply and motherboard

• Memory and central processing unit (CPU)

• Monitor and keyboard

What does the CPU do with an instruction during the fetch cycle?

• It performs the instruction immediately

• It stores the instruction in the hard drive

• It sends the instruction to the monitor

• It fetches the next instruction from the computer's main memory

What happens after the CPU decodes an instruction?

• It goes into sleep mode

• It disconnects from the main memory

• It carries out or executes the instruction

• It sends the instruction back to the main memory

What could executing an instruction involve?

• Turning off the computer

• Sending an email

• Printing a document

• Going back to main memory to get some data, performing a calculation, or storing information back into main memory

What is the processor's clock speed measured in?

• Hertz

• Volts

• Bytes

• Watts

What is the purpose of the CPU?

• To cool down the computer components

• To supply power to the computer

• To store data permanently

• To fetch, decode, and execute instructions

What does the fetch-execute cycle involve?

• Charging the computer's battery

• Uploading data to the cloud

• Deleting unnecessary files from the hard drive

• Fetching the instruction from the main memory, inspecting it, and then carrying out the instruction