Scribd
Upload
32 views4 pages

Computer Architecture Revision Paper 2013

The document is a revision paper for a Computer Architecture course at Mount Kenya University, covering various topics such as CPU instruction execution, operating systems, cache memory, and computer classification. It includes exam questions that require definitions, explanations, and comparisons related to computer architecture concepts. The paper is structured into multiple questions, each addressing different aspects of computer systems and their components.

Uploaded by

steverayyen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
32 views4 pages

Computer Architecture Revision Paper 2013

The document is a revision paper for a Computer Architecture course at Mount Kenya University, covering various topics such as CPU instruction execution, operating systems, cache memory, and computer classification. It includes exam questions that require definitions, explanations, and comparisons related to computer architecture concepts. The paper is structured into multiple questions, each addressing different aspects of computer systems and their components.

Uploaded by

steverayyen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

lOMoARcPSD|51470080

Computer architecture revision paper 2013

Computer Architecture (Mount Kenya University)

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university


Downloaded by Steve Rayyen ([email protected])
lOMoARcPSD|51470080

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION 2012/2013

SCHOOL OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

VIRTUAL CAMPUS

UNIT CODE: BIT 1103 UNIT TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

DATE: MARCH 2013 MAIN EXAM TIME: 2HRS


Answer Question One and any other Two Questions.

1. a) Define the following terms. (5 Marks)


i. Registers.
ii. System software. iii. Device driver. iv.
Bus.a bus is a communication system that
transfers data between components inside a
computer or between computers.can alspo be
defined as a communication pathway between
used in a computer system through which
information flows from one computer component
to another
v.Interupt.an event that alters the sequence in which the processor executes
instructions

b) Using diagram, explain the instruction execution cycle of cpu. (6 Marks)


Fetching an instruction from memory,decoding the fetched instruction,reading
the the address from memory and finally instruction execution

Downloaded by Steve Rayyen ([email protected])


lOMoARcPSD|51470080

c) “Operating system is a Resource Manager”. Using any four specific


examples,support this statement. (8 Marks)
i. acts as an interface between the user and the computer
ii. One of the functions of OS is resource management
iii. Os collects allthe resources in the network environment and allocates the

d) Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of RAM in comparison with


secondary memory (Hard disk). (4 Marks) e) Describe any four types of
system programs. (4 Marks)
f) Using examples, differentiate between Network operating systems and
standalone operating system. (3 Marks)
2. a) Explain the role of the cache memory instruction execution.
Outline two types of cache memory. (4 Marks) b) Using examples discuss
four factors which determine the performance of a computer.(8 Marks)
c) There are different methods of used to classify computers. Discuss.
(8 Marks)

3. a) What is motherboard form factor? (2 Marks)


b) With the help of diagram, discuss three types of buses in a computer system.
(9 Marks) c) In context of memory, explain the concept of: (4 Marks)
i. Addressable memory.
ii. Bus size.
d) Differentiate between general purpose and special purpose computers. Give
examples for each category. (5
Marks)
(8
4. A) Discuss any four types of interrupt. Marks)
b) Explain the following concepts. (6
Marks)
i. I/0 controllers.
ii. Small computer system interface (scsi). iii.

Downloaded by Steve Rayyen ([email protected])


lOMoARcPSD|51470080

Bits.
c) Discuss the following types of data access methods. (6
Marks)
i. Random
Access. ii. Direct
Access. iii.
Sequential Access.

(2
5. A) Explain the term flash memory. Marks)
b) Discuss five motherboard components and explain how they are connected to
the motherboard. (10 Marks)
c) Explain the difference between AT and ATX power surply connectors.(4 Marks)
d) Explain the following abbreviated terms: (4 Marks)
i. PCI
ii. IDE

Downloaded by Steve Rayyen ([email protected])

You might also like