csci 260 midterm <pt 1: revision>

what does it mean octa-core cpu?

- An octa-core CPU is a central processing unit with eight separate processing cores. Each core can execute tasks independently, which can lead to better multitasking and improved overall performance for tasks that can be parallelized - common configuration in modern computer processors, particularly in mobile devices and high performance computers

what is CPU clock? what is CPU frequency?

- CPU clock controls processing speed - CPU frequency is the rate at which a CPU executes instructions, measured in Hertz (Hz). It represents the number of cycles the CPU can complete in one second. A higher CPU frequency generally indicates faster processing speed.

What is the relationship between C++ variable, RAM and memory address?

- Variable stored at memory address. - RAM stores program data. - Address points to data in RAM.

what is byte?

- a byte is a unit of digital info that consists of 8 bits. it is commonly used to represent a single character of text or a small piece of binary data in computing - 1 byte = 8 bits

What is interpreter? What are interpreter advantages?

- execute code line by line - advantages: easier debugging, platform independent, no need for separate compilation

What is compiler? What are compiler advantages?

- translates code into machine language for efficient execution. - advantages: faster execution, optimizes code, no need to recompile for reuse

How long should be memory addresses to address a given amount of memory?

address length determines memory capacity

How can we execute program written in higher-level languages?

using compiler or interpreter

What is the most common size of the following C++ data types: char, short, int, long, long long, float, double? Does signed/unsigned affect those sizes (for example, is the size of int, signed int, and unsigned int equal)?

varies by system/compiler

What is "word"?

CPU basic data unit

what computer component executes program?

CPU executes program

How much memory can we address/use with the given length of memory address?

Addressable memory size varies (e.g., 4 GB).

What is the language that the CPU understands?

Machine code

What is PC?

Personal computer

what is bit?

A binary digit, a 0 or a 1.

what frequency measures? what is the measurement unit of frequency?

Frequency measures cycles per second (Hz).

what is the length of memory address? what does it mean "32-bit address"?

Length = Address size (e.g., 32-bit).

Hexadecimal numbers. Why do we use them? How to convert from hexadecimal to binary and back quickly?

compactly represent binary data.

what does it mean to run the program?

executing program code instruction after instruction

what are basic steps of machine cycle?

fetch -> decode -> execute

what is data?

information processed by programs

what is cpu core?

is a processing unit.

how does memory look like?

linear array of bytes

what is memory address?

location in computer's memory

Can memory contain nothing at all?

memory can be empty

what does it mean quad-core CPU?

quad-core cpu = 4 cores

where is running program stored? what else is stored there?

running program stored in RAM with data and variables

what is program?

set of instructions for a computer

what is memory address of a larger chunk of memory?

starting point of memory block

what is c++ pointer?

stores memory addresses