Year 12 Gold Understanding Computer Systems

What are the main components of CPU architecture?

• Memory Management Unit (MMU)

• Input/Output Interface (IO)

• Cache Memory (CM)

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), Registers

Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

• RAM is used for permanent storage; ROM is volatile and used for temporary storage.

• RAM is slower than ROM and used for long-term data retention; ROM is faster and used for temporary tasks.

• RAM and ROM are both non-volatile memory types used for the same purpose.

• RAM is volatile and used for temporary storage; ROM is non-volatile and used for permanent storage.

What is the function of a NOT gate in logic circuits?

• The NOT gate amplifies the input signal.

• The NOT gate combines multiple input signals.

• The NOT gate outputs the same signal as the input.

• The function of a NOT gate is to invert the input signal.

Describe the process of analog to digital conversion.

• Analog signals are directly converted to binary without any steps.

• The process of analog to digital conversion includes sampling, quantizing, and encoding.

• The process involves only encoding the signal.

• The conversion process is limited to digital to analog transformation.

What is a file system and why is it important?

• A file system is a method for organizing and managing files on a storage device, crucial for data storage, retrieval, and integrity.

• A file system is a network protocol for transferring files.

• A file system is a type of hardware used for data processing.

• A file system is a software application for editing documents.

Outline the stages of the software development life cycle.

• Concept, Execution, Evaluation, Launch, Retirement

• Analysis, Design, Coding, Debugging, Support

• Requirement Gathering, Planning, Development, Review, Release

• Requirement Analysis, Planning, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance

What role does the ALU play in the CPU?

• The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations in the CPU.

• The ALU stores data in memory.

• The ALU manages input and output devices.

• The ALU controls the flow of data between CPU components.

Differentiate between volatile and non-volatile memory.

• Volatile memory is used for permanent storage; non-volatile memory is used for temporary storage.

• Volatile memory loses data without power; non-volatile memory retains data without power.

• Volatile memory retains data without power; non-volatile memory loses data without power.

• Volatile memory is slower than non-volatile memory; non-volatile memory is faster than volatile memory.

How does a NAND gate differ from a NOR gate?

• NAND gate outputs true when all inputs are true; NOR gate outputs false when all inputs are false.

• NAND gate has only one input; NOR gate has multiple inputs.

• NAND gate is used for analog signals; NOR gate is used for digital signals.

• NAND gate outputs false when all inputs are true; NOR gate outputs true when all inputs are false.

What are the common data conversion techniques used in computing?

• Data compression

• Data visualization

• Data type casting, serialization, deserialization, data mapping, data transformation.

• Data encryption