Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

Worksheet 3.1 Von Neumann

architecture
The diagram below shows a representation of the Von Neumann architecture. Use the words
at the bottom of the worksheet to label each of the boxes.

output arithmetic logic unit memory 1

input central processing unit control unit
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

Worksheet 3.2 Operating

systems
Use the words at the bottom of the page to complete the description about operating
systems and their functions.
Operating systems are used by lots of electrical devices and computers, for example,
a , tablet and even your phone has an operating system.
Operating systems have a range of key functions that they perform. One of these is providing
a user to allow users to communicate with the computer.
The operating system manages a lot of different processes, for example, it the
hardware, such as sending data to and receiving data from
The operating system also manages , it stores data in memory such as
, or on a hard disk drive, and it also data from memory when
needed.
An operating system allows a computer to look as though it’s
even though it cannot actually perform two tasks at once.
An operating system handles , allowing user accounts and to be
set up, restricting access and it may handle anti-virus and firewalls.
An operating system allows file operations. This can include creating and
naming , moving files, deleting files. 2
An operating system will have soft ware that it uses to perform house-keeping
tasks such as disk formatting and automatic

folders handling interface laptop

manages memory mobile multi-tasking
passwords peripherals RAM retrieves
security updates utility
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

Worksheet 3.3 Assembly

language
A set of assembly language commands are:

Code Description Example

INP Inputs a number IN
STA address Stores the number in the accumulator STA num1
in the memory address address
ADD address Adds the number stored in address to ADD num2
what is in the accumulator
SUB address Subtracts the number stored SUB num2
in address from what is in the
accumulator
LDA address Loads the number stored in address
to the accumulator
OUT Outputs what is in the accumulator OUT
HLT Ends the program HLT

1 The table below gives a series of steps to input two numbers, subtract the second from
the first and then output the result. Fill in the assembly language commands in the left-
hand column to complete the program. 3

Input the first number

Store it in the address num1
Input the second number
Store it in the address num2
Load the number in num1
Subtract the number in num2
Output the result
Stop the program

2 Write a program to input three numbers, add them together and output the result.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

Worksheet 3.4 Compilers

and interpreters
For each of the statements below, identify if it describes a compiler, an interpreter,
or both and put a tick in the correct box(es).

Description Compiler Interpreter

A computer program

Produces an executable file

Translates high-level code into low-level language

Reads a line of code, checks it for errors and runs

it or stops

Checks all the code and reports all errors found

Is beneficial when testing a program

Is beneficial when a program is complete

4