Computer Science: Hardware

1. Which of the following best describes the Von Neumann architecture?

• A) A system where data and programs are stored in separate memory units

• B) A system where data and instructions are stored in the same memory

• C) A system without a central processing unit (CPU)

• D) A system that only uses parallel processing

2. What is the purpose of caching in a computer system?

• A) To permanently store large files

• B) To speed up data access by storing frequently used data closer to the CPU

• C) To increase the size of secondary storage

• D) To replace RAM entirely

3. Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

• A) Control Unit

• B) Cache

• C) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• D) Register

4. What is the correct sequence of stages in the fetch-execute cycle?

• A) Decode → Fetch → Execute

• B) Fetch → Decode → Execute

• C) Execute → Fetch → Decode

• D) Fetch → Execute → Decode

5. Which of the following is an example of an input device?

• A) Monitor

• B) Printer

• C) Keyboard

• D) Speaker

6. What is the main advantage of parallel processing?

• A) Reduced cost of hardware

• B) Faster execution of tasks by dividing them across multiple processors

• C) Lower power consumption

• D) Simpler programming requirements

7. Which type of memory is volatile?

• A) ROM

• B) HDD

• C) RAM

• D) SSD

8. What is fragmentation in the context of disk storage?

• A) The splitting of files into non-contiguous blocks

• B) The encryption of data for security

• C) The compression of files to save space

• D) The backup of data to another disk

9. Which of the following is a disadvantage of magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) compared to SSDs?

• A) Higher cost per gigabyte

• B) Slower read/write speeds due to moving parts

• C) Lower durability

• D) Larger physical size

10. What is the purpose of defragmentation?

• A) To encrypt files for security

• B) To reorganise fragmented files for faster access

• C) To delete unnecessary files

• D) To compress files to save space