Chapter 4
Homework Questions
Answer the following questions on a scantron to be turned in for a grade.
True or False.
__ 1. The system unit contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to
process data.
__ 2. The main circuit board in the system unit is called the grandmother board.
__ 3. The binary number system represents quantities by using only ten numbers, 0
through 9.
__ 4. On a personal computer, it normally requires several cabinets to contain the
electronic components and most storage devices.
__ 5. Another aspect that affects the speed of a computer is word size.
__ 6. The control unit directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.
__ 7. Instructions stored in ROM can be changed by the user.
__ 8. A register is a temporary storage location for specific data.
__ 9. Programs and data contained in RAM are erased from memory when the power to
the computer is turned off.
__10. The size of memory can be measured in megabytes, which is approximately one
hundred bytes.
__11. A computer's memory is used to temporarily store data, instructions, and
information.
__12. A byte contains 8 binary digits.
__13. A port is an opening where you can insert a circuit board into the motherboard.
__14. The system clock is used to synchronize, or control the timing of all computer
operations.
__15. With RAM, data is permanently recorded in the memory when it is manufactured.
===============================================================
Multiple Choice.
__16. ____________, one of the operations in the machine cycle, means obtaining a
program instruction from main memory.
A. Fetching
C. Executing
B. Decoding
D. Storing
__17. Which of the following is not an arithmetic operation?
A. Comparing data items
C. Subtracting data items
B. Adding data items
D. Multiplying data items
__18. A(an) ________ is a unique number identifying the location of a byte in memory.
A. Binary bit
C. Address
B. Control bit
D. Check bit
__19. The ____________ is the number of bits the processor can execute at a given time.
A. Bus width
C. Clock speed
B. Word size
D. Instruction set
__20. Which of the following is stored in memory (also referred to as primary storage)?
A. Certain operating system files
C. Data
B. Application programs
D. All of the above
__21. ROM memory is described as nonvolatile because ______________.
A. It can be read and used but it cannot be altered.
B. Data and programs can be transferred into and out of ROM
C. The programs and data stored in ROM are erased when the power is turned off.
D. It retains its contents even when the power is turned off.
__22. The _______ can be thought of as the traffic cop of the computer.
A. Control unit
C. Main memory
B. ALU
D. Processor unit
__23. Which of the following is not an operation in the machine cycle?
A. Fetching
C. Decoding
B. Loading
D. Storing
__24. Which term applies to the computer's capability to automatically configure
expansion cards and other devices as they are installed?
A. Fetching
C. Configuring ram
B. Plug and play
D. Auto configuration
__25. A ______ port is an interface used to connect devices that are capable of transferring
more than one bit at a time.
A. Serial
C. Parallel
B. Bus
D. External