Processor Instruction Set

What is a processor instruction set?

• A collection of commands for a CPU

• A type of memory

• A software application

• A hardware component

Answer explanation

A processor instruction set is indeed a collection of commands for a CPU, defining the operations it can perform. This distinguishes it from memory, software applications, and hardware components.

Fill in the blank: An instruction set provides a framework for how software communicates with the ______.

• Internet

• Hardware

• User

• Operating System

Answer explanation

An instruction set defines how software interacts with hardware components. It specifies the operations that can be performed, making 'Hardware' the correct choice for the blank.

What is the importance of software compatibility with the instruction set of the processor it is running on?

• It ensures faster execution

• It ensures the CPU can interpret and execute the program correctly

• It reduces power consumption

• It allows for more complex operations.

Answer explanation

Software compatibility with the processor's instruction set is crucial because it ensures the CPU can interpret and execute the program correctly, allowing the software to function as intended.

An instruction set consists of op-codes and _______ that define the operations the processor can perform.

• operands

• instructions

• formats

• layouts

Answer explanation

An instruction set includes op-codes, which specify the operation, and operands, which are the data or variables the operation acts upon. Therefore, the correct term to complete the statement is 'operands'.

Which component of a computer system directly executes the instructions of a program?

• GPU

• CPU

• RAM

• Hard Drive

What role does the instruction set play in the performance of a processor?

• It controls the power supply to the processor

• It determines the speed of the processor

• It manages the cooling system of the processor

• It defines the operations the processor can perform

Fill in the blank: The efficiency of a processor is often measured by how quickly it can execute its ______.

• network

• instruction set

• memory

• software

​ (a)   allows programs to have flexible memory sizes, called ​ (b)   memory allocation, that appear to be ​ (c)   to them. It is more simple and flexible to the OS running ​ (d)   programs at once.

• Virtual memory
• dynamic
• continuous
• multiple
• systematic
• digital

​ (a)   allows programs to have flexible memory sizes, called ​ (b)   memory allocation, that appear to be ​ (c)   to them. It is more simple and flexible to the OS running ​ (d)   programs at once.

• Virtual memory
• dynamic
• continuous
• multiple
• systematic
• digital