Fundamentals of computer systems flashcards

Topic 6: Fundamentals of computer systems

What is the difference between system software and application software?

System software runs and manages the computer (operating systems, utilities, libraries, translators). Application software performs tasks for the user.

What is the role of an operating system?

It hides the complexity of the hardware from the user and manages resources: processor scheduling, memory, input/output devices and files.

What is the difference between low-level and high-level languages?

Low-level (machine code, assembly) is close to the processor’s instruction set. High-level languages use English-like statements, are portable between processors and are easier to write and debug.

What is the difference between a compiler, an interpreter and an assembler?

Compiler: translates the whole high-level program into object code before it runs. Interpreter: translates and runs one statement at a time. Assembler: translates assembly language into machine code.

What is bytecode?

An intermediate code produced by a compiler that is then run by a virtual machine (interpreter) on the target computer, so the same code is platform-independent.

What are the truth conditions for NAND, NOR and XOR?

NAND: 1 unless both inputs are 1. NOR: 1 only if both inputs are 0. XOR: 1 if the inputs differ.

What are the outputs of a half adder?

Sum = A XOR B; Carry = A AND B.

What does an edge-triggered D-type flip-flop do?

It stores one bit: on the rising edge of the clock the output takes the value of the D input and holds it until the next clock edge. Used to build registers and memory.

State De Morgan’s laws.

NOT (A AND B) = NOT A OR NOT B NOT (A OR B) = NOT A AND NOT B