SLR2: CISC and RISC Architectures

What is an instruction set in the context of computer architecture?

• A set of programming languages used by developers

• A set of instructions written in machine code that can be executed by a CPU

• A collection of software applications

• A type of computer hardware

The two main categories of instruction sets are (a)   and (b)   .

• Binary and Decimal
• Complex Instruction Set Computer (C
• High-level and Low-level
• Static and Dynamic

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)?

• It uses a small number of simple instructions

• It has a large set of instructions, some of which are complex

• It is designed for high-level programming languages only

• It is primarily used in mobile devices

Which of the following is a characteristic of a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)?

• It uses a large number of complex instructions

• It focuses on a small set of simple instructions

• It is incompatible with modern operating systems

• It is slower than CISC

What is the primary advantage of using a RISC architecture?

• It allows for more complex software development

• It simplifies the hardware design and can lead to faster execution

• It supports a wider range of programming languages

• It is more energy-efficient than CISC

What is the primary advantage of using a CISC architecture?

• It reduces the need for complex software

• It allows for more efficient use of memory

• It simplifies the instruction set for programmers

• It is more compatible with older hardware

What is the significance of the binary addressing system?

• It is used to encrypt data

• It is used to uniquely identify each location in memory

• It is used to compress data

• It is used to increase processing speed

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding terms:

• Python, Java, and C++ are examples of this.

• A low-level code that is directly executed by the CPU

• Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop are examples of this.

• A graphical user interface

• This is the binary code that the processor understands directly.

• A type of software application

• This allows users to interact with electronic devices using graphical icons.

• A high-level programming language

What is the main focus of a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)?

• To provide a wide range of complex instructions

• To optimise the execution of a small set of simple instructions

• To increase the size of the instruction set

• To enhance graphical processing capabilities

Which type of instruction set is typically associated with a larger number of instructions?

• RISC

• CISC

• Both RISC and CISC

• Neither RISC nor CISC