Introduction to Computer Architecture: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

Which component is NOT part of the von Neumann architecture's core components?

Accepted Answer

Input/output devices

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit

Question 2

Which defining characteristic distinguishes the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Separate storage for data and instructions

Answer

Simultaneous execution of instructions

Answer

Exclusive use of temporary memory

Answer

Fully optimized pipeline architecture

Question 3

Which component is NOT a core element of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Secondary Storage Device

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Answer

Input/Output Interface

Question 4

Which component is NOT a fundamental part of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Answer

Central processing unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output (I/O) devices

Question 5

In the von Neumann architecture, which component is not directly involved in executing instructions?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output Devices

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Answer

Registers

Question 6

In the von Neumann architecture, which component is absent?

Accepted Answer

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Answer

Central processing unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output (I/O) devices

Question 7

In computer architecture, which of these is NOT a hardware component?

Accepted Answer

Compiler

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 8

What component of a computer system is responsible for executing instructions and processing data?

Accepted Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Answer

Storage devices

Question 9

Which component is NOT considered essential to the basic structure of a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Network Interface Card

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output

Question 10

In the von Neumann architecture, which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

Accepted Answer

ALU

Answer

Cache

Answer

GPU

Answer

Network card

Question 11

Which component is **NOT** part of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Answer

CPU

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output devices

Question 12

Within a computer architecture, which component is dedicated to storing both data and instructions?

Accepted Answer

RAM

Answer

CPU

Answer

SSD

Answer

GPU

Question 13

In the von Neumann architecture, which component is not crucial for its core operation?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output Devices

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Memory

Question 14

In a classic instruction pipeline, what is the correct sequence of the five stages?

Accepted Answer

Fetch, Decode, Execute, Memory Access, Writeback

Answer

Decode, Fetch, Execute, Memory Access, Writeback

Answer

Execute, Decode, Fetch, Memory Access, Writeback

Answer

Writeback, Memory Access, Execute, Decode, Fetch

Question 15

In a computer system, which component is responsible for performing calculations and executing instructions?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Answer

Graphics card

Question 16

Within the von Neumann architecture, which component is tasked with executing instructions and performing calculations?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Answer

Main Memory (RAM)

Answer

Cache Memory

Question 17

Which component is NOT a key element of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Answer

Central processing unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/output (I/O) devices

Question 18

In a computer system, what is the primary function of the control unit?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating and directing data and instruction flow

Answer

Storing data and instructions

Answer

Performing calculations and logical operations

Question 19

Which component is not a part of the classic von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Question 20

Which component is NOT a fundamental part of a CPU?

Accepted Answer

Memory

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Registers

Question 21

In the classic von Neumann architecture, which component serves as the primary storage for programs and data, making them readily available to the processor during execution?

Accepted Answer

Main Memory (RAM)

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Secondary Storage Devices (e.g., hard disk)

Answer

Input/Output Devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse)

Question 22

Within the realm of computer architecture, which component is tasked with the primary responsibility of processing data and executing instructions?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Question 23

Within the von Neumann architecture, which component is primarily responsible for storing data and instructions, rather than directly participating in the processing and execution of instructions?

Accepted Answer

Memory

Answer

Processor

Answer

Input/output devices

Answer

Registers

Question 24

Which component is NOT a core functional unit in a computer system's architecture?

Accepted Answer

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Control Unit (CU)

Answer

Memory Unit (MU)

Question 25

Which fundamental concept is a defining characteristic of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Stored program concept

Answer

Separate data and instruction memory

Answer

Multiple execution units

Question 26

What is a defining feature of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Stored program concept

Answer

Separate data and instruction memory

Answer

Parallel processing

Answer

Use of microcode

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of a memory hierarchy in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

To organize memory into levels with different speeds and sizes for optimal performance.

Answer

To combine all data and instructions into a single, large memory.

Answer

To provide secure storage for sensitive data.

Question 28

What is the primary function of the Control Unit in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Managing the flow of data and instructions through the system

Answer

Performing arithmetic and logical operations on data

Answer

Storing data and instructions

Question 29

In computer architecture, which I/O technology facilitates rapid data transfer over long distances?

Accepted Answer

Optical Fiber

Answer

Parallel Port

Answer

Serial Port

Answer

USB

Question 30

Which component is **not** part of a CPU's control unit?

Accepted Answer

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Answer

Program counter

Answer

Instruction register

Answer

Control logic

Question 31

Within the context of basic computer architecture, which component is not considered an essential part of the processor?

Accepted Answer

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Registers

Question 32

In the von Neumann architecture, which component, besides the CPU and memory, is considered a crucial element?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Answer

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Question 33

Which pathway is responsible for data exchange between the CPU and main memory?

Accepted Answer

System Bus

Answer

I/O Bus

Answer

Address Bus

Question 34

In computer architecture, what's the main goal of the memory hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Boosting system performance by giving quick access to commonly used data.

Answer

Combining all data into one large memory unit.

Answer

Protecting data from power failures.

Question 35

In a typical computer system, which component is responsible for coordinating the actions of the other components and ensuring the proper execution of instructions?

Accepted Answer

Control Unit

Answer

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Answer

Memory Unit

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Unit

Question 36

Within the von Neumann architecture, which component is not directly engaged in data processing or storage?

Accepted Answer

Input/Output unit

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a significant milestone in the evolution of computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

The construction of the first mechanical computer

Answer

The introduction of the stored-program concept

Answer

The invention of the microprocessor

Answer

The development of electronic computers

Question 38

Within a typical von Neumann architecture computer system, which component assumes the responsibility of processing and executing instructions?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Question 39

Within a computer system, which component serves as the central storage for both data and instructions, facilitating software execution and user content storage?

Accepted Answer

Memory

Answer

Processor

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Answer

Buses

Question 40

In computer architecture, the primary function of the instruction set architecture (ISA) is to:

Accepted Answer

Define the instructions a processor can execute.

Answer

Establish a standard communication protocol for computer components.

Answer

Specify the physical structure of the processor.

Answer

Determine the performance characteristics of a computer system.

Question 41

What is the primary focus of computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Designing, building, and evaluating computer systems

Answer

Creating software for personal computers

Answer

Managing computer networks and servers

Question 42

In computer architecture, what is the main function of the control unit?

Accepted Answer

Sequence and control the execution of instructions

Answer

Execute instructions and perform arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

Store data and instructions

Answer

Provide an interface between the user and the computer

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental hardware component of a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Operating System

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 44

In a von Neumann architecture computer system, which component is NOT considered a major element?

Accepted Answer

Bus

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Question 45

In a Harvard architecture, the separation of data and instruction paths provides several advantages. Which of the following is a key benefit of this separation?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced instruction fetch efficiency

Answer

Increased memory capacity

Answer

Reduced power consumption

Answer

Simplified processor design

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a performance metric commonly used to assess computer systems?

Accepted Answer

Reliability

Answer

Execution time

Answer

Throughput

Question 47

In a computer system, which component is responsible for retrieving and executing instructions?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) devices

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of the von Neumann architecture?

Accepted Answer

Compiler

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a performance metric commonly used to measure the efficiency of computer systems?

Accepted Answer

Reliability

Answer

Throughput

Answer

Latency

Answer

Energy Consumption

Question 50

Which defining characteristic differentiates von Neumann architectures from earlier stored-program computers?

Accepted Answer

Unified memory space for instructions and data

Answer

Instruction storage in CPU registers

Answer

Incorporation of a cache memory

Answer

Single-instruction execution at a time

Question 51

When designing a custom computer architecture for a self-driving car, which architectural feature is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Specialized hardware for image and sensor processing

Answer

High clock speed

Answer

Multiple processor cores

Answer

Large memory capacity

Question 52

To minimize energy consumption in computer systems, which architectural innovation is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling

Answer

High-performance cores

Answer

Multiple small caches

Question 53

For a streaming video application that prioritizes high frame rates, minimal latency, and energy efficiency, which combination of components and design choices would be optimal?

Accepted Answer

Multi-core CPU with large cache, integrated graphics, dedicated video codec, medium-power supply

Answer

Multi-core CPU with large cache, dedicated GPU, high-power supply

Answer

Low-power CPU with small cache, integrated graphics, low-power supply

Answer

Single-core CPU with small cache, no dedicated graphics, very low-power supply

Question 54

The primary responsibility of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) within a computer's central processing unit (CPU) is to:

Accepted Answer

Perform mathematical and logical operations on data.

Answer

Store data in the computer's memory.

Answer

Retrieve instructions from the computer's main memory.

Answer

Manage the flow of data within the CPU.

Question 55

In a computer system, registers serve the primary purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Temporarily storing small amounts of frequently accessed data.

Answer

Storing the instructions of the currently executing program.

Answer

Providing long-term storage for large datasets.

Answer

Connecting and facilitating communication between different components of the computer.

Question 56

Which of the following is a commonly used metric for measuring the speed at which a computer system processes data?

Accepted Answer

Clock speed

Answer

Cache size

Answer

Number of cores

Answer

Bus width

Question 57

The primary role of an operating system (OS) within a computer system is to:

Accepted Answer

Manage system resources and provide services to applications.

Answer

Execute user programs.

Answer

Store data permanently.

Answer

Facilitate communication between hardware components.

Question 58

The primary purpose of a cloud computing platform is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide access to shared computing resources over the internet.

Answer

Store and manage data

Answer

Deploy and manage applications

Answer

Offer a platform for software development

Question 59

What bus connects the processor to main memory?

Accepted Answer

Data bus

Answer

Address bus

Answer

Control bus

Answer

Expansion bus

Question 60

Which principle is characteristic of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architectures?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing a limited set of simple instructions

Answer

Prioritizing pipelining and parallelism

Answer

Employing complex instructions to minimize code size

Answer

Minimizing the number of registers used

Question 61

Identify the component that does NOT belong to the essential components of computer architecture.

Accepted Answer

Application Software

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 62

Within the CPU, what is the primary responsibility of the control unit?

Accepted Answer

Manage the flow of data and instructions

Answer

Execute instructions

Answer

Retrieve data from memory

Answer

Perform arithmetic and logical operations

Question 63

Among the given memory types, which one offers the fastest speed but is susceptible to data loss when powered off?

Accepted Answer

SRAM

Answer

DRAM

Answer

ROM

Answer

Flash Memory

Question 64

What is the primary purpose of a bus in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Establish connections between different components

Answer

Store data and instructions

Answer

Execute instructions

Answer

Regulate data flow