Skip to ContentGo to accessibility page
OpenStax Logo
Introduction to Computer Science

Conceptual Questions

Introduction to Computer ScienceConceptual Questions

Conceptual Questions

1 .
Why is the memory connected directly to the CPU?
2 .
Both the disk and memory store programs and data. Why do we need them both in a computer system?
3 .
Why do we need an assembler? Why don’t we make compilers generate machine language directly?
4 .
If there are two processors that understand the same ISA, does this mean they have exactly the same microarchitecture?
5 .
Can the step from algorithms to HLL programs be automated instead of being done by a human being? Justify your answer.
6 .
The idea of compilers and assemblers made HLL more portable. Why is that?
7 .
Suppose we have a list of 1,000 numbers ordered in ascending order. We need to find whether a specific number is in the list or not. What is the best algorithm to accomplish this?
  1. Scan the list from first number to last number until you find the number you want or reach the last number.
  2. Scan the list from last number to first number until you find the number you want or reach the first number.
  3. Go to the middle of the list and see whether the number you are looking for is bigger or smaller than the middle number. If it is bigger, discard the lower half. If it is smaller, discard the higher half. Then redo the same in the smaller list.
  4. Take a quick look at the list and decide whether the number is present.
8 .
Why is the two’s complement a good choice for presenting signed numbers?
9 .
As a programmer, do you think it is useful to know about data presentation? Why?
10 .
Why are computers slower in dealing with floating points than integers?
11 .
For portable devices, such as your smartphone, do you think processors supporting CISC ISA or RISC ISCA should be used? Why?
12 .
Is it possible to build a de-compiler? That is, if given an assembly code, can we bring the original HLL code? Explain.
13 .
Why are the different technologies organized as a hierarchy?
14 .
What is the relationship between SSD and flash memory?
15 .
Do you think it is better to have more cores in the chip or to use multiple chips with fewer cores each? Why?
16 .
Why is heterogeneous computing here to stay?
PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution
Reuse and redistribution of this content in digital or print format:
  • This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's prior written permission.
  • This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License, which means that you can reuse and modify the material only for noncommercial purposes, must attribute OpenStax, and must distribute any derivative works under the same license.
  • Any commercial printing of this textbook, including using a local or custom printer, must be approved by OpenStax, and proper citation provided.
  • OpenStax-copyrighted images, activities, assessments, and similar components of this book are subject to the same licensing – CC-BY-NC-SA. They can be used for noncommercial purposes with attribution. Commercial use requires permission.
  • Permission requests: Anyone who intends to incorporate this content (including text, images, and other components) into large language models, use it in AI offerings, use it commercially (including in print), and/or has questions about another use case is welcome to complete our reuse request form.
Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/introduction-computer-science/pages/1-introduction

  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial digital format, then for every page that includes OpenStax content, you must license the derivative work under the same CC-BY-NC-SA license as the original, and include on every digital page view the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/introduction-computer-science/pages/1-introduction

Citation information

The information below includes the information needed to generate citations in most major styles (APA, MLA, etc.); you must reformat and organize the information as needed to fit the requirements of the style. Use the information below to generate a citation. We recommend using a citation tool such as this one.

© Apr 23, 2026 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo, and Rice University name, and Rice University logo trademarks, or wordmarks are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.