WorksheetsComputer Architecture Quiz
Total questions: 51
Worksheet time: 26mins
What is the initial step in the fetch-decode-execute cycle?
Execute the instruction
Decode the instruction
Retrieve the instruction
Store the result
Which register holds the instruction currently being processed?
MAR
CIR
ACC
MDR
What occurs during the decode phase of the cycle?
The ALU performs calculations
The Control Unit interprets the instruction
Data is moved to the MDR
The Program Counter resets
What action does the Program Counter (PC) take after fetching an instruction?
It resets to zero
It moves to the next instruction
It executes the instruction
It retains the current instruction
Which component is responsible for performing calculations and logical operations?
MAR
MDR
ALU
CU
What is the purpose of the Memory Address Register (MAR)?
Holds the address of the next instruction
Stores the current instruction
Executes arithmetic operations
Manages data flow
Which register temporarily stores data being transferred to or from memory?
PC
MAR
MDR
CIR
What is the primary role of the Control Unit (CU)?
Store temporary data
Execute instructions
Oversee and manage CPU functions
Perform arithmetic operations
Where are the results of ALU operations stored?
PC
ACC
CIR
MDR
What is the function of an assembler?
Converts assembly language into machine code
Translates code line-by-line as it runs
Converts high-level programming code into machine code
Automatically debugs programs
Why is an interpreter beneficial for debugging?
It translates the entire code at once
It provides immediate error feedback
It does not perform error-checking
It executes programs faster than a compiler
What happens when an interpreter encounters an error?
It ignores the error
It halts execution immediately
It translates the whole program first
It automatically corrects the issue
Which translator processes an entire program into machine code in one go?
Interpreter
Compiler
Assembler
Debugger
Why can debugging be more challenging with a compiler?
Errors are displayed only after compilation is complete
It translates code line by line
It stops execution when encountering an error
It operates slower than an interpreter
Which translator is best for executing programs across multiple platforms?
Assembler
Compiler
Interpreter
BIOS
What is the function of an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC)?
Converts digital signals into analogue signals
Converts analogue signals into digital signals
Converts images into sound
Converts video signals
What does ‘bit depth’ indicate in digital images?
The number of bits assigned to store each pixel’s color
The total image file size
The screen resolution
The number of pixels in the image
What unit is used to measure frequency in computing?
Bits
Pixels
Hertz
Bytes
What does the term ‘analogue’ refer to in computing?
A type of storage medium
A type of compressed data
Continuous signals that change over time
A digital data format
What does ‘bit depth’ define in an audio file?
The number of audio channels
The number of bits per audio sample
The file format
The playback speed
What is the purpose of defragmentation?
Remove unnecessary files
Reorganize fragmented files for improved access speed
Increase available disk space
Create file backups
Which storage device utilizes flash memory?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Magnetic tape
Optical disc
Which type of memory retains data even when the power is off?
RAM
Cache memory
ROM
Virtual memory
What type of data is stored in ROM?
User files
The BIOS (firmware)
Temporary application data
Operating system settings
What is the main function of RAM?
Permanently store system files
Temporarily store data for quick access
Backup user files
Save applications after shutdown
What happens to data in RAM when the computer is turned off?
It remains permanently stored
It is erased
It is transferred to ROM
It is compressed
What is the primary function of application software?
Manage hardware components
Perform specific user tasks, such as word processing
Control the operating system
Translate programming languages
Which of the following is considered system software?
Google Chrome
Windows OS
Microsoft Excel
Adobe Photoshop
Which of the following is an example of utility software?
WordPad
Disk Cleanup
Google Chrome
Adobe Acrobat
What distinguishes system software from application software?
System software manages hardware, while application software serves user needs
System software is designed only for large-scale computers
Application software directly controls the CPU
System software includes only programming languages
What does ‘fragmentation’ mean in a computer system?
Files are broken into smaller parts and scattered in different locations
A process that accelerates CPU performance
A feature unique to cloud storage
A method for file compression
What occurs when defragmentation is performed on a hard drive?
Files are permanently deleted
Files are reorganized for faster access
System updates are installed
The operating system is reinstalled
What is a drawback of using a compiler?
It executes programs at a slower speed
It takes longer to compile code
It requires more RAM than an interpreter
It does not detect errors
Which type of software is most suitable for debugging?
Compiler
Interpreter
Assembler
Operating System
Which translator stores a copy of the translated code?
Interpreter
Compiler
Assembler
Both (b) and (c)
What is the function of an operating system?
Store files permanently
Run applications and manage hardware components
Perform mathematical calculations
Automatically debug programs
What is an advantage of using an interpreter?
Faster execution of compiled code
Immediate error detection
Translates the entire program at once
Requires no memory to function
What is the role of the ALU?
Control program execution
Perform calculations
Store instructions
Retrieve data from memory
What type of software translates assembly language into machine code?
Interpreter
Compiler
Assembler
Debugger
What is the function of the Memory Data Register (MDR)?
Holds the address of the next instruction
Temporarily stores data being transferred to/from memory
Executes program instructions
Controls input and output devices
What is the purpose of virtual memory?
To store frequently accessed data
To extend RAM by using part of the hard drive as temporary storage
To increase CPU processing speed
To permanently store files
Which type of memory is used to store frequently accessed data for faster retrieval?
RAM
ROM
Cache memory
Virtual memory
What happens if a computer runs out of RAM while running multiple applications?
The CPU stops working
The system crashes immediately
The computer uses virtual memory
The hard drive is formatted
What does the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle achieve?
Transfers data between storage devices
Processes instructions in the CPU
Manages network connections
Converts analogue signals to digital
Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
Managing hardware resources
Providing a user interface
Executing application software
Compiling source code
Why is cache memory faster than RAM?
It is larger in size
It is located closer to the CPU
It is stored on the hard disk
It holds more data
Which type of software is responsible for controlling computer hardware?
Application software
Utility software
System software
Firmware
What is a major difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile
RAM stores permanent data, ROM does not
ROM is used for temporary storage
RAM is slower than ROM
What is an example of secondary storage?
RAM
CPU registers
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Cache memory
What does the CU (Control Unit) do in the CPU?
Executes mathematical calculations
Controls and coordinates all operations in the CPU
Stores program instructions permanently
Manages virtual memory
Why is an SSD faster than an HDD?
It has no moving parts
It uses magnetic storage
It has a higher storage capacity
It requires more power to operate
