Test: Computer System - Year 9 MCQ

A monitor is an example of an output device, as it displays visual output from the computer, including text, images, and videos. Other output devices include printers and speakers, which provide printed copies or sound output, respectively. Input devices, on the other hand, allow users to send commands to the computer.

A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is an example of secondary storage because it retains data even when the computer is turned off. Unlike RAM, which is temporary, SSDs provide a permanent storage solution for files, applications, and the operating system. SSDs are known for their speed and durability compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

In the Von Neumann architecture, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions. This architecture is foundational to most modern computer systems and operates on the principle of a single storage structure for both data and instructions, leading to a streamlined process of fetching, decoding, and executing commands.

A Solid-State Drive (SSD) uses flash memory for data storage, which allows for faster data access and retrieval compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) that use magnetic storage. SSDs are not only faster but also more durable because they have no moving parts, making them a popular choice for modern computers.

Software is primarily categorized into two main types: system software and application software. System software includes operating systems like Windows and Linux, which manage hardware and allow other programs to run. Application software consists of programs designed for users to perform specific tasks, such as word processors and spreadsheets.

Non-volatile storage retains data even when the computer is powered off, making it ideal for long-term data storage. Examples include Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), and flash drives. In contrast, volatile storage, such as RAM, loses its data when power is lost.

The fetch-decode-execute cycle is a fundamental process performed by the CPU to execute instructions. It involves three steps: fetching the instruction from memory, decoding it to understand what action is required, and executing that action. This cycle is repeated continuously as long as the computer is running programs, making it essential for all computing tasks.

A keyboard is classified as an input device because it allows users to type commands and text, sending data to the computer for processing. Other examples of input devices include mice and scanners. In contrast, monitors and printers are output devices, as they display or produce results from the computer's processing.

Static RAM (SRAM) is faster and more reliable than Dynamic RAM (DRAM), but it is also more expensive to produce. SRAM does not need to be refreshed periodically like DRAM does, making it suitable for use in cache memory within CPUs, where speed is critical for performance.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often referred to as the brain of the computer. Its primary function is to execute instructions from programs and control the operations of the computer. This involves performing calculations, making decisions, and coordinating the activities of other components. An interesting fact is that the speed of a CPU, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicates how many billion cycles per second it can process, which directly affects the performance of a computer.

The primary purpose of system software is to manage hardware and software resources within a computer system. This includes operating systems, which provide the interface for users and applications to interact with the computer's hardware, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that programs run smoothly.

Displaying processed data is not a function of input devices; that is the role of output devices like monitors and printers. Input devices, such as keyboards and mice, are designed to capture user commands and convert physical actions or signals into digital data that the computer can process.

The main function of output devices is to display or present processed data to the user. This includes devices like monitors, which show visual information, and printers, which produce hard copies of documents. Output devices are crucial as they translate the computer's processing into a format that users can understand and utilize.

A scanner is used to convert physical documents into digital formats, allowing them to be processed by a computer. This technology is essential for digitizing records, photographs, and other printed materials, making them easier to store, edit, and share electronically.

Computer architecture refers to the arrangement and interaction of a computer's internal components, including the CPU, memory, and input/output devices. It defines how these components work together to perform computing tasks and can influence a computer's performance and capabilities.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is classified as volatile memory, meaning that it loses all stored data when the computer is powered off. RAM is used to store data and instructions that the CPU is currently using, allowing for quick access and efficient processing of tasks. An interesting aspect of RAM is that it is much faster than secondary storage devices, which retain data even when powered off.

Primary memory, specifically Random Access Memory (RAM), is characterized by its ability to provide fast access to data, enabling quick execution of programs. However, it is volatile, meaning that it does not retain data when the computer is powered off. This temporary nature makes RAM essential for active processing tasks.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) stores data by periodically refreshing it, which means that it needs to be constantly recharged to retain the information. This characteristic makes DRAM less expensive than Static RAM (SRAM) but also means it is slower and less reliable for certain applications, such as cache memory.

The Control Unit (CU) is a critical component of the CPU that directs the operations of the computer. It interprets and executes instructions from programs, coordinating how data is processed and ensuring that all parts of the computer work together effectively. This function is essential for the smooth operation of any computing task.

The clock speed of a CPU, measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicates the number of instructions it can execute per second. A higher clock speed means that the CPU can process instructions more quickly, which generally translates to better overall performance for the computer. However, other factors, such as the number of cores and architecture, also play significant roles in a CPU's performance.