Computer Architecture Quizzes for University Students

Question 1

Which of the following is the primary input device used to enter text and commands into a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Monitor

Answer

Mouse

Answer

Printer

Question 2

What is the name for the set of instructions that a processor executes to perform a specific task or operation?

Accepted Answer

Program

Answer

Software

Answer

Firmware

Answer

Algorithm

Question 3

Which type of memory is used to store data temporarily during processing and is typically much faster than other types of memory?

Accepted Answer

Cache

Answer

ROM

Answer

RAM

Answer

EEPROM

Question 4

Which of the following is a key advantage of using the von Neumann architecture in computer design?

Accepted Answer

Simplicity and cost-effectiveness

Answer

Faster processing speeds

Answer

Increased memory capacity

Answer

Improved graphical capabilities

Question 5

What is the purpose of a compiler in software development?

Accepted Answer

To translate high-level programming language code into machine code

Answer

To interpret code line by line during execution

Answer

To optimize code for better performance

Answer

To detect and correct errors in code

Question 6

What is the term for the process of carrying out instructions in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Executing

Answer

Decoding

Answer

Fetching

Answer

Storing

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a component of a typical computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Operating System

Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Answer

Main Memory

Answer

Input/Output Devices

Question 8

Which of the following is a type of software that manages computer hardware resources?

Accepted Answer

Operating System

Answer

Compiler

Answer

Application Software

Answer

Development Kit

Question 9

Which of the following is a technique used to improve performance by predicting and fetching data before it is actually requested?

Accepted Answer

Branch Prediction

Answer

Data Preprocessing

Answer

Cache Coherency

Answer

Virtualization

Question 10

The _________ provides a standardized interface between the hardware and software.

Accepted Answer

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Answer

Operating System

Answer

Compiler

Answer

Virtualization

Question 11

Which of the following is a type of computer architecture that emphasizes parallelism and multi-core processing?

Accepted Answer

Multi-core Architecture

Answer

Von Neumann Architecture

Answer

Harvard Architecture

Answer

Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC)

Question 12

Which performance optimization technique predicts branch outcomes and executes instructions accordingly?

Accepted Answer

Branch prediction

Answer

Instruction pipelining

Answer

Cache optimization

Answer

Register renaming

Question 13

Which component within a computer architecture is primarily responsible for coordinating the flow of data and instructions throughout the system?

Accepted Answer

Control unit

Answer

Registers

Answer

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Answer

Cache memory

Question 14

Identify the type of memory utilized for storing the operating system and actively running programs.

Accepted Answer

Primary memory (RAM)

Answer

Secondary memory (Hard disk)

Answer

Cache memory

Answer

Virtual memory

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Enabling the connection of peripheral devices

Answer

Connecting the CPU to main memory

Answer

Providing long-term data storage

Answer

Facilitating user interaction through a graphical interface

Question 16

Which key concept is central to the von Neumann architecture for computer design?

Accepted Answer

Stored-program concept

Answer

Separate data and instruction memory

Answer

Parallel processing capabilities

Answer

Distributed memory architecture

Question 17

Identify the primary advantage associated with using a pipelined processor design.

Accepted Answer

Enhanced instruction processing efficiency

Answer

Increased clock speed

Answer

Reduced power consumption

Answer

Enlarged cache memory capacity

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of the fetch-decode-execute cycle in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

To retrieve and execute instructions from memory

Answer

To perform arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

To store data in memory

Answer

To manage input and output operations

Question 20

Which of the following is a key advantage of utilizing a cache memory?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced performance due to faster access to frequently used data

Answer

Expanded memory capacity

Answer

Reduced cost compared to main memory

Answer

Diminished power consumption

Question 21

What is the primary role of the I/O (Input/Output) bus in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating communication between input/output devices and the processor and memory

Answer

Connecting the processor to memory

Answer

Storing operating system instructions

Answer

Supplying power to the system components

Question 22

What is the primary distinction between a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) processor?

Accepted Answer

RISC processors have a smaller and simpler instruction set compared to CISC processors

Answer

CISC processors have a smaller and simpler instruction set compared to RISC processors

Answer

RISC processors have a larger and more intricate instruction set compared to CISC processors

Answer

CISC processors have a larger and more intricate instruction set compared to RISC processors

Question 23

What is the primary purpose of a device driver within a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Translating high-level commands into specific hardware operations

Answer

Managing memory allocation

Answer

Providing a user-friendly interface for interacting with hardware devices

Answer

Performing error detection and recovery actions

Question 24

What is the primary function of an operating system in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Managing system resources and providing essential services to applications

Answer

Executing user programs

Answer

Storing data and programs

Answer

Providing a graphical user interface for user interaction

Question 25

Which of the following is a significant challenge in parallel computing?

Accepted Answer

Synchronization overhead

Answer

Enhanced data locality

Answer

Diminished instruction count

Answer

Unlimited memory bandwidth

Question 26

When designing an embedded system for a specific application, which architectural considerations are crucial and why?

Accepted Answer

Optimizing for low power consumption, real-time performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Answer

Using a general-purpose processor and a popular operating system.

Answer

Prioritizing performance over cost and size constraints.

Answer

Ignoring security considerations.

Question 27

What is the key difference between a cache and main memory?

Accepted Answer

Cache is faster and smaller than main memory

Answer

Main memory is faster and smaller than cache

Answer

Cache holds recently used data and instructions

Answer

Main memory stores program code

Question 28

Which technique aims to improve the accuracy of branch prediction?

Accepted Answer

Branch history table

Answer

Loop unwinding

Answer

Register renaming

Answer

Speculative execution

Question 29

What is the primary function of a memory management unit (MMU)?

Accepted Answer

Translating virtual addresses to physical addresses

Answer

Managing memory allocation and deallocation

Answer

Protecting memory from unauthorized access

Answer

Caching frequently used memory pages

Question 30

What is a primary advantage of a pipelined processor?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced performance

Answer

Reduced energy consumption

Answer

Increased complexity

Answer

Larger chip size

Question 31

Which feature characterizes a multi-core processor?

Accepted Answer

Multiple processing units within a single chip

Answer

Shared memory between processing units

Answer

Increased clock speed

Answer

Reduced energy consumption

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Connecting different components

Answer

Storing data and instructions

Answer

Performing arithmetic operations

Answer

Controlling data flow

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

User interface

Answer

Control unit

Answer

Memory unit

Answer

Arithmetic logic unit

Question 34

The instruction register is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Storing the current instruction being executed

Answer

Fetching instructions from memory

Answer

Decoding instructions

Answer

Executing instructions

Question 35

Which advantage does pipelining provide in a processor?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced instruction throughput

Answer

Reduced memory latency

Answer

Lower power consumption

Answer

Increased cache size

Question 36

In computer architecture, the term 'address space' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The range of memory locations accessible by the processor

Answer

The physical layout of memory modules in the system

Answer

The size of the installed main memory

Answer

The number of address bits used by the processor

Question 37

Which type of memory is commonly used as the main memory in contemporary computers?

Accepted Answer

DRAM

Answer

SRAM

Answer

EEPROM

Answer

Flash memory

Question 38

Which bus type is used for data transfer between the processor and the main memory?

Accepted Answer

Data bus

Answer

Address bus

Answer

Control bus

Answer

Expansion bus

Question 39

The primary purpose of a register in a processor is to:

Accepted Answer

Store temporary data and instructions

Answer

Perform arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

Control the flow of execution

Answer

Interface with external devices

Question 40

A notable characteristic of a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture is:

Accepted Answer

A large number of general-purpose registers

Answer

Complex instructions with multiple operands

Answer

Heavy reliance on microcode for complex operations

Answer

High emphasis on clock speed

Question 41

The term 'multithreading' in computer architecture refers to:

Accepted Answer

Executing multiple threads concurrently on a single processor

Answer

Sharing resources among multiple processors

Answer

Utilizing multiple pipelines in a single processor

Answer

Dynamically adjusting thread priorities

Question 42

Which component is primarily responsible for fetching and executing machine instructions?

Accepted Answer

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Answer

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Answer

I/O Device (Input/Output Device)

Answer

Bus (Data Transfer Pathway)

Question 43

What is the primary function of a multiplexer in computer architecture?

Accepted Answer

Data Selection (Selecting Inputs from Multiple Sources)

Answer

Temporary Data Storage (Storing Data for Later Use)

Answer

Logical Operations (Performing AND, OR, NOT Operations)

Answer

Instruction Flow Control (Determining Instruction Execution Order)

Question 44

Which advantage is associated with a pipelined architecture?

Accepted Answer

Faster Instruction Execution (Overlapping Instruction Stages)

Answer

Lower Instruction Latency (Reduced Time Between Instruction Issuance and Completion)

Answer

Lower Power Consumption (Efficient Resource Utilization)

Answer

Improved Data Locality (Enhanced Cache Performance)

Question 45

What is the purpose of a branch predictor in modern processors?

Accepted Answer

Conditional Branch Outcome Prediction (Anticipating Conditional Jumps)

Answer

Storing Frequently Accessed Data (Reducing Memory Access Time)

Answer

Handling Cache Misses (Managing Data Retrieval from Slower Memory)

Answer

Managing Virtual Memory (Translating Virtual Addresses to Physical Addresses)

Question 46

Identify the component that is NOT part of the von Neumann architecture:

Accepted Answer

Accumulator

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

To facilitate data transfer between components

Answer

To store data temporarily

Answer

To perform arithmetic and logical operations

Answer

To control the system operation

Question 48

Distinguish between a load instruction and a store instruction:

Accepted Answer

Load moves data from memory to a register, while store moves data from a register to memory

Answer

Load moves data from a register to memory, while store moves data from memory to a register

Answer

Both load and store instructions move data between registers and memory

Answer

There is no difference between a load instruction and a store instruction

Question 49

Identify the primary advantage of using a virtual memory system:

Accepted Answer

Programs can access more memory than physically available

Answer

Program performance improves due to reduced page faults

Answer

Eliminates the need for a cache memory

Answer

Simplifies program debugging

Question 50

What is the primary role of a compiler in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

To translate high-level code into machine code

Answer

To execute machine code

Answer

To interpret high-level code

Answer

To debug programs

Question 51

Identify the component that is NOT part of the von Neumann architecture:

Accepted Answer

Compiler

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

Executing instructions

Answer

Storing data

Answer

Managing input/output operations

Answer

Performing arithmetic and logical operations

Question 53

Which type of memory is commonly utilized to store programs and data in a computer system?

Accepted Answer

Main memory

Answer

Cache memory

Answer

Register file

Answer

Secondary memory

Question 54

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

Accepted Answer

Connecting different components

Answer

Storing instructions

Answer

Performing calculations

Answer

Managing input/output operations

Question 55

Identify the advantage of a pipelined architecture:

Accepted Answer

Increased instruction throughput

Answer

Reduced latency

Answer

Simplified control logic

Answer

Lower power consumption

Question 56

What is the role of a register file within a processor?

Accepted Answer

Temporary storage of data and instructions

Answer

Managing memory access

Answer

Decoding instructions

Answer

Executing arithmetic and logical operations

Question 57

Which addressing mode enables the processor to directly access data at a specified memory address?

Accepted Answer

Direct addressing

Answer

Immediate addressing

Answer

Indirect addressing

Answer

Register addressing

Question 58

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

Accepted Answer

Graphics card

Answer

Processor

Answer

Memory

Answer

Input/Output devices

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT a type of computer bus?

Accepted Answer

Instruction bus

Answer

Data bus

Answer

Address bus

Answer

Control bus

Question 60

What is the primary purpose of a register file in a processor?

Accepted Answer

To temporarily store frequently used data and instructions

Answer

To store long-term data and programs

Answer

To perform complex mathematical operations

Answer

To communicate with external devices

Question 61

Which factor is typically NOT considered a measure of processor performance?

Accepted Answer

Operating system version

Answer

Clock speed

Answer

Number of cores

Answer

Cache size

Question 62

Which of the following best describes the difference between RISC and CISC processors?

Accepted Answer

RISC processors have a smaller instruction set and are generally faster.

Answer

CISC processors have a larger instruction set and are typically more efficient.

Answer

RISC processors are designed for single-threaded applications, while CISC processors are better suited for multi-threaded workloads.

Answer

There is no significant difference between RISC and CISC processors in terms of performance or efficiency.

Question 63

What is the purpose of a page fault in a virtual memory system?

Accepted Answer

To identify when a required page is not present in physical memory

Answer

To allocate a physical memory page to a virtual memory page

Answer

To remove a page from physical memory to make space for a new page

Answer

To copy a page from virtual memory to physical memory

Question 64

Which of the following devices is NOT an example of an input/output device?

Accepted Answer

Processor

Answer

Keyboard

Answer

Mouse

Answer

Printer