E238 Computer Architecture TEE 1997-2000 1 Combo Questions

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PART A Multiple Choice Items

Attempt all questions in this part. Each question is worth 1 mark. Each question has only one correct response. For each question select the response that is correct. Signify your answer by circling the label (a, b, c or d) of the correct response. If you change your answer, completely erase your original answer. Questions where two or more responses are selected will score no marks.

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1997 PART A Multiple Choice Items

1. The primary memory in a computer is used to hold both instructions and data. If part of the primary memory is ROM, what could this be used for?

(a) Temporary storage
(b) Level 2 cache
(c) User preferences
(d) Boot program

2. Many current computers and operating systems are referred to as “32 bit”. To what does the number “32” refer?

(a) The number of bits in a word
(b) The number of registers in the CPU
(c) The size of primary memory
(d) The number of bits into which tasks will be broken

3. Which factors govern the rate with which data can be delivered to the CPU through a data bus?

(a) Bus speed and RAM size
(b) Rotational delay and clock speed
(c) Bus speed and bus width
(d) Bus width and seek time

4. What is parallel processing?

(a) The concurrent execution of multiple tasks by a single processor.
(b) The use of multiple processors to simultaneously execute instructions.
(c) Parallel processing is a network of processors that share the same resources.
(d) Parallel processing is the physical arrangement of processors on a computer’s motherboard.

END OF 1997 PART A

1998 PART A Multiple Choice Items

4. Which of the following is a small, high speed storage device?

(a) Control unit.
(b) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
(c) Central processing unit (cpu).
(d) Register.

5. A common practice uses 8 bits to encode a single character. You have an application where this is insufficient and are considering using a 9-bit code. How many characters will this now allow you to represent?

(a) One more character.
(b) Half as many characters.
(c) Twice as many characters.
(d) Nine more characters.

6. A conventional computer will execute instructions one after the other. In most cases, once one instruction has been executed the computer will execute the instruction at the next physical address in memory. Which of the following events will NOT affect this flow?

(a) Calling a module.
(b) An interrupt.
(c) Multiplying a number by zero.
(d) Returning from a module.

7. A computer on the market is described as 260 MHz. To what does the number “260” refer?

(a) The clock speed.
(b) The amount of memory.
(c) The maximum number of tasks that can be executed simultaneously.
(d) The frequency characteristics of the sound card.

8. In the computer store you see a box with the words “6.4 GB” on the outside. Which of the following is most likely to be in this box?

(a) A high resolution scanner,
(b) A hard disk drive.
(c) A laser printer.
(d) A very fast processor.

END OF 1998 PART A

1999 PART A Multiple Choice Items

1. The term 32x CD-ROM refers to the CD-ROM’s:

(a) Speed of rotation.
(b) Total data capacity.
(c) Degree of oversampling by the laser.
(d) Compression algorithm used.

2. The term RISC stands for:

(a) Required integrated system compliance.
(b) Reduced instruction set computer.
(c) Real-time internal system clock.
(d) Read instruction set cache.

3. Two computer users attempt to exchange data by swapping floppy discs. It turns out that neither can read the other’s disc, although they have the same operating system and can each read their own discs. From this we can conclude that the most likely cause is:

(a) The discs are faulty.
(b) The users are not inserting the discs correctly.
(c) One or both disc drives are out of alignment.
(d) The computers are incompatible.

4. A scanner is available in two models: SCSI or parallel. To what do these models refer?

(a) Their method of connection to the computer.
(b) Their loading mechanism.
(c) The resolution of the resulting images.
(d) The kind of image file produced.

15. You are writing an application where you need to explicitly manipulate the machine registers. Which of the following types of computer language would be suitable?

(a) Third generation language.
(b) Fourth generation language.
(c) Assembler/machine code.
(d) Data manipulation language.

END OF 1999 PART A

2000 PART A Multiple Choice Items

3. You have purchased a new computer with the following specifications: 333MHz, 128 MB RAM, Internal 6 GB IDE HDD and 24x CD-ROM. The number “128” refers to the:

(a) amount of memory.
(b) clock speed.
(c) speed of rotation.
(d) volume of secondary storage.

4. Which of the following devices directs the execution of program instructions?

(a) Register
(b) Central Processing Unit
(c) Control Unit
(d) Arithmetic Logic Unit

5. With respect to the Universal Serial Bus (USB), which statement is correct?

(a) Computers must be restarted after attaching peripheral devices.
(b) It is not suitable for use in different computer platforms.
(c) It is suitable for use in different computer platforms.
(d) Computers must be turned off to connect peripheral devices.

6. Your computer is turned on but the coloured monitor has no display. Which of the following statements does not describe a valid diagnostic procedure?

(a) Check that the monitor is set to the correct resolution.
(b) Connect another monitor known to be working to the computer.
(c) Connect the monitor to another computer that is known to be working.
(d) Check to see if the power to the monitor is turned on.

7. Software instructions that were loaded into random access memory from the hard disk and control the operation of the computer would be classified as

(a) applications software
(b) systems software
(c) firmware
(d) antivirus software

END OF 2000 PART A

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1997 PART B Short Answers

Question 21. (3 marks)

(a) Distinguish between a CPU’s control unit and its arithmetic logic unit. (6 lines)

(b) What are registers? Describe two registers used by a CPU. (4 lines)

Question 22. (1 mark)

What do the abbreviations RISC and CISC represent? (1 line for each abbreviation)

END OF 1997 PART B

1998 PART B Short Answers

22. Why does the efficiency of a computer system improve with the implementation of any of the various types of cache? (4 lines) [2 marks]

23. When a program reads a record from a file stored on a disk, sometimes this results in an immediate access to the disk. On other occasions, however, there may be no apparent disk activity. Explain why this is so. (3 lines) [1 mark]

END OF 1998 PART B

1999 PART B Short Answers

23. List two reasons why computerised information systems usually store their data on disc, rather than in RAM. (4 lines) (2 marks)

END OF 1999 PART B

2000 PART B Short Answers

19. During the execution of a program, a certain program instruction may exist simultaneously in a register and in cache. With respect to this program instruction, explain the roles of the register and cache. (4 lines) (2 marks)

20. The processors in a computer may be associated with sequential, parallel or distributed processing of instructions and data. Explain these three terms. (2 lines for each term) (3 marks)

END OF 2000 PART B

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1997 PART C Extended Answers No question! END OF 1997 PART C

1998 PART C Extended Answers No question! END OF 1998 PART C

1999 PART C Extended Answers No Question! END OF 1999 PART C

2000 PART C Extended Answers No question! END OF 2000 PART C

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2001 PART C Extended Answers