Computer Architecture
12 Grade 10 Computer Studies questions on Computer Architecture, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markWhen a computer in the school laboratory is switched on, it begins working immediately, before any disk has been read. The start-up instructions that the processor obeys at this point are held in:
A. read only memory
B. random access memory
C. cache memory
D. the hard disk
(1 mark)
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2 marksState two functions of the control unit of the central processing unit.
(2 marks)
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1 markDuring the machine cycle, the register that keeps track of the address from which the next instruction will be fetched is the:
A. instruction register
B. program counter
C. memory data register
D. accumulator
(1 mark)
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1 markDuring the processing of end-of-term results, a computer compares each learner's total mark with the class average in order to decide whether it is higher or lower. The part of the central processing unit that carries out this comparison is the:
A. arithmetic and logic unit
B. read only memory
C. random access memory
D. control unit
(1 mark)
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3 marksOutline, in the order in which they occur, the three stages of the machine cycle, stating what happens at each stage.
(3 marks)
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1 markWhich of the following lists computer storage in the correct order, from the fastest access to the slowest access?
A. Main memory, registers, cache memory, hard disk
B. Hard disk, main memory, cache memory, registers
C. Registers, cache memory, main memory, hard disk
D. Cache memory, registers, main memory, hard disk
(1 mark)
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3 marksIdentify three ports found on the system unit of a computer and state one device that is connected to each.
(3 marks)
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1 markThe purpose of cache memory in a computer is to:
A. increase the amount of space available on the hard disk for saving files
B. keep a backup copy of open files in case of a power failure
C. store the operating system permanently so that it is not lost when the power goes off
D. hold the data and instructions the processor uses most often so that they are obtained more quickly
(1 mark)
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1 markWhich statement correctly describes the stored program concept on which modern computers are based?
A. Both the instructions of a program and the data it works on are held in main memory, and the processor fetches them one after another
B. Programs remain on the hard disk and are obeyed directly from there without being copied anywhere else
C. Programs are kept permanently inside the processor so that they never need to be installed again
D. Every program is given its own separate processor so that programs never interfere with one another
(1 mark)
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4 marksDistinguish between primary storage and secondary storage in a computer.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Any FOUR contrasting pairs, 1 mark each (both sides of the pair needed for the mark): primary storage is accessed directly by the processor, while secondary storage is reached through input/output channels; primary storage gives much faster access, while secondary storage is slower; primary storage has a small capacity and costs more per unit, while secondary storage has a large capacity and costs less per unit; primary storage mainly holds the programs and data currently in use, while secondary storage holds programs and data for long-term keeping; example of primary storage is RAM, while examples of secondary storage are the hard disk, flash disk or memory card. Max 4 marks.
Question 11
4 marksA supplier advertises a laptop as 'Intel Core i5 processor, 3.2 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB hard disk'. Explain what each of the four items tells the buyer about the machine.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
1 mark each: (i) Intel Core i5 - the make and family of the processor, which indicates the general processing power of the machine. (ii) 3.2 GHz - the clock speed, that is 3.2 thousand million cycles each second, showing how fast the processor carries out instructions. (iii) 8 GB RAM - the size of main memory, showing how much data and how many programs the machine can hold at one time while working. (iv) 1 TB hard disk - the capacity of the secondary storage available for permanently saving files and installed programs. Total 4 marks.
Question 12
6 marksDescribe the three types of buses found in a computer system, stating in each case what it carries and the direction in which signals move along it.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
2 marks for each bus (1 mark for what it carries, 1 mark for the direction): (i) Data bus - carries data and instructions between the processor, main memory and the input/output units; it is bidirectional, since data moves both into and out of the processor. (ii) Address bus - carries the address of the memory location or device that is to be used; it is unidirectional, signals moving outwards from the processor only. (iii) Control bus - carries control and timing signals such as read, write, interrupt and clock pulses; it is bidirectional, since the processor sends commands out and receives status signals back. Total 6 marks.
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