MIS 502 Ch2 Questions Drilled Down -

Explanation
A powerful CPU does not necessarily need a high-capacity I/O unit to keep it supplied with instructions and data from primary storage. While a high-capacity I/O unit may be beneficial in certain cases, it is not a requirement for a powerful CPU to function properly. The CPU can still receive instructions and data from primary storage through other means, such as a standard I/O unit or direct memory access. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) does not retrieve input data directly from primary storage. The ALU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations on data that is already in the CPU's registers or cache memory. The primary storage, such as RAM, is used to store data that is being actively used by the CPU, but the ALU does not directly interact with it.

Explanation
A processor is a device that performs data manipulation and transformation functions. It is responsible for executing instructions and carrying out calculations or operations on data. The processor is the central component of a computer system and is responsible for processing and manipulating data in order to perform tasks and run programs. It is the "brain" of the computer and handles all the calculations and operations necessary for the computer to function properly.

Explanation
Experimental quantum computers have already been developed for the problem type of cryptography. Quantum computers have the potential to break many of the currently used cryptographic algorithms, as they can perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers. Therefore, researchers have been working on developing quantum computers specifically for cryptographic purposes, aiming to enhance security and develop new encryption methods that are resistant to quantum attacks.

Explanation
Comparison instructions are used to solve algorithmic problems because they allow for the comparison of values and the execution of different actions based on the result of the comparison. In algorithmic problems, it is often necessary to compare values, such as finding the largest or smallest value in a list, or determining if a certain condition is met. Formulaic problems, on the other hand, typically involve applying a set formula or equation to solve a specific problem, without the need for comparing values. Therefore, the statement that comparison instructions are used to solve algorithmic but not formulaic problems is true.

Explanation
Data manipulation is not one of the major functions of computer hardware. Computer hardware primarily focuses on processing data, storing data, and enabling external communication. Data manipulation, on the other hand, involves the manipulation and transformation of data through software programs or algorithms. While computer hardware provides the necessary infrastructure for data manipulation to occur, it is not directly responsible for this function.

Explanation
A grid multicomputer configuration doesn't require specialized hardware because it utilizes existing resources such as computers and servers connected over a network. In a grid, tasks are distributed among multiple machines, allowing them to work together as a single system. This can be achieved without the need for dedicated hardware, making it a flexible and cost-effective solution for parallel computing.

Explanation
The purpose of the I/O units within a computer system is to implement external communication functions. These units are responsible for facilitating communication between the computer system and external devices, such as printers, scanners, and network devices. They enable the transfer of data and instructions to and from these devices, allowing the computer system to interact with the outside world.

Explanation
Data manipulation is not one of the major functions of computer hardware. Computer hardware primarily focuses on processing, storage, and external communication. Processing involves executing instructions and performing calculations. Storage involves storing and retrieving data. External communication involves connecting and exchanging data with other devices. Data manipulation, on the other hand, is a function typically performed by software or applications running on the computer hardware, rather than being a direct function of the hardware itself.

Explanation
The statement is true because registers are small, high-speed storage areas within the CPU that hold frequently accessed data and instructions. They are used to store variables, memory addresses, and intermediate calculations during the execution of a program. Since registers are located within the CPU itself, accessing data from registers is much faster than accessing data from main memory. Therefore, most of a currently executing program's data is indeed held in registers.

Explanation
A special-purpose processor is designed to execute a specific set of instructions in a specific sequence or combination. It is not capable of executing many different instructions in many different sequences or combinations. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation
An operating system is a collection of utility programs that supports users and application programs, allocates computer resources among multiple users and application programs, and controls access to computer hardware. It provides a platform for users to interact with the computer and manages various tasks such as memory management, file management, and device management. The operating system acts as an intermediary between the hardware and software, ensuring that all resources are utilized efficiently and providing a secure environment for users and applications.

Explanation
Grosch's Law, proposed by computer scientist Herbert Grosch, states that computing power, measured in MIPS, is proportional to the square of the cost of hardware. This means that as the cost of hardware increases, the computing power also increases, but at a diminishing rate. This law has been influential in understanding the relationship between cost and performance in computer systems.

Explanation
The statement is false because a grid is not a group of computers connected by a high-speed network. Instead, a grid is a distributed computing system that combines resources from multiple computers to solve complex problems. These resources can include processing power, storage, and network bandwidth. Grid computing is often used for scientific research and large-scale data analysis.