GCE A/L Pastpaper MCQ Chapter 1, 2 Part - 2

Which of the following correctly lists the given computer storage components in the descending order of access speed?

• cache memory > main memory > magnetic disk > register

• magnetic disk > main memory > cache memory > register

• magnetic disk > main memory > register > cache memory

• register > cache memory > main memory > magnetic disk

• register > main memory > magnetic disk > cache memory

Answer explanation

The correct order of access speed is register > cache memory > main memory > magnetic disk. Registers are the fastest, followed by cache memory, then main memory, and finally magnetic disks, which are the slowest.

A - CMOS memory

B - cache memory

C - flash memory

D - hard disk

E - RAM

F - registers

Which of the above are volatile memory types?

• A, C and D only

• A, D and E only

• A, E and F only

• B, E and F only

• C, E and F only

Answer explanation

Volatile memory types lose their data when power is off. In this case, A (RAM), D (Cache), and E (Registers) are volatile, while B, C, and F are non-volatile. Thus, the correct answer is A, D, and E only.

Which of the following events relates to the highest value of information?

• Counting down for the launching of the rocket that carried the space shuttle

• The moment the space shuttle escaped from the gravitational field of the earth

• The moment the space shuttle entered the moon's gravitational field

• The moment the astronaut Neil Armstrong placed his first step on the surface of the moon

• The moment the astronauts landed on the sea in their return voyage to earth

Answer explanation

The moment Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon represents a historic achievement in human exploration, symbolizing the culmination of the Apollo program and the first human presence on another celestial body, thus holding the highest value of information.

Consider the following statements related to the development of computers over time.

A: Both processing speed and power consumption of computers have increased.

B: Processing speed of a computer has increased while the physical size of a computer has decreased.

C: Both power consumption and the physical size of a computer have reduced.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• A only

• B only

• A and B only

• B and C only

• All A, B and C

Answer explanation

Statements A and B are correct based on the provided information, while statement C is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B only.

A computer processor will operate fastest when the data that it wants is in the:

• Cache memory

• Hard disk

• Magnetic tape

• Main memory

• Optical disk

Answer explanation

Cache memory is the fastest type of memory in a computer, allowing the processor to access data quickly. In contrast, hard disks, magnetic tapes, main memory, and optical disks are slower, making cache the optimal choice for speed.

Which of the following hardware components will lose data when the power to a computer is switched off?

• A only

• A and B only

• A and C only

• B and C only

• All A, B and C

Answer explanation

All A, B, and C are volatile memory types, meaning they lose data when power is turned off. This includes RAM and other temporary storage devices, confirming that the correct answer is 'All A, B and C'.

Which of the following inventions contributed to reduce the physical size of computers?

• Bus

• Integrated circuits

• Registers

• Solid state memory

• Vacuum tube

Answer explanation

Integrated circuits significantly reduced the size of computers by combining multiple electronic components into a single chip, allowing for more compact designs compared to earlier technologies like vacuum tubes.

Which of the following is the correct combination for A, B and C?

• A - CPU, B - primary memory, C - secondary storage

• A - CPU, B - secondary storage, C - primary memory

• A - primary memory, B - secondary storage, C - CPU

• A - secondary storage, B - CPU, C - primary memory

• A - secondary storage, B - primary memory, C - CPU

Answer explanation

The correct combination is A - secondary storage, B - primary memory, C - CPU. This reflects the hierarchy of data storage, where secondary storage holds data, primary memory is used for active processes, and the CPU executes instructions.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

A: Firmware is a computer program that is usually embedded in the volatile memory of a computer.

B: A printer driver is an example of application software.

C: Linux is an example of system software.

• A only

• B only

• C only

• A and B only

• B and C only

Answer explanation

Statements A and B are correct based on the provided information, while statement C is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B only.

Which of the following lists a computer memory hierarchy in the descending order of access speed?

• Hard disk, registers, L2 cache, L1 cache, main memory

• Main memory, L1 cache, registers, L2 cache, hard disk

• Registers, main memory, hard disk, L1 cache, L2 cache

• Registers, L1 cache, L2 cache, main memory, hard disk

• L1 cache, L2 cache, registers, main memory, hard disk

Answer explanation

The correct order of computer memory hierarchy by access speed is: Registers (fastest), L1 cache, L2 cache, main memory, and finally hard disk (slowest). Thus, the correct choice is 'Registers, L1 cache, L2 cache, main memory, hard disk'.