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Questions and Answers
What best defines a system?
What best defines a system?
What does the architecture of a system refer to?
What does the architecture of a system refer to?
Which of the following statements about the environment of a system is correct?
Which of the following statements about the environment of a system is correct?
What is the purpose of system decomposition?
What is the purpose of system decomposition?
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In what way do abstractions differ from real systems?
In what way do abstractions differ from real systems?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of components within a system?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of components within a system?
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How does an interface function within a computing system?
How does an interface function within a computing system?
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What is indicated by the term 'linked components' in a system?
What is indicated by the term 'linked components' in a system?
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What is the primary purpose of communication protocols in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of communication protocols in a computer system?
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Which of the following statements about TCP and UDP is true?
Which of the following statements about TCP and UDP is true?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a multimedia standard?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a multimedia standard?
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What role does virtualization play in a computer system?
What role does virtualization play in a computer system?
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Which of the following languages is an example of a computer language standard?
Which of the following languages is an example of a computer language standard?
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What does the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model describe?
What does the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model describe?
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Which of the following concepts involves breaking down a system into its component parts?
Which of the following concepts involves breaking down a system into its component parts?
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What is commonly shared among all the systems listed: plumbing system, solar system, home network system, inventory control system?
What is commonly shared among all the systems listed: plumbing system, solar system, home network system, inventory control system?
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What is the primary function of the CPU's Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
What is the primary function of the CPU's Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
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Which of the following correctly describes primary storage in a computer system?
Which of the following correctly describes primary storage in a computer system?
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What role does the control unit (CU) of the CPU serve?
What role does the control unit (CU) of the CPU serve?
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What is a primary characteristic of virtualization?
What is a primary characteristic of virtualization?
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Which component of a computer system is responsible for establishing communication channels?
Which component of a computer system is responsible for establishing communication channels?
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Which of the following best describes data in a computer system?
Which of the following best describes data in a computer system?
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How does software differ from hardware in a computer system?
How does software differ from hardware in a computer system?
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What characterizes a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
What characterizes a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
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Which of the following components is NOT part of the CPU architecture?
Which of the following components is NOT part of the CPU architecture?
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What is the primary purpose of an operating system in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of an operating system in a computer system?
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Which of the following is an example of a communication channel in computer systems?
Which of the following is an example of a communication channel in computer systems?
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What type of memory is primarily used for holding instructions currently in use by the CPU?
What type of memory is primarily used for holding instructions currently in use by the CPU?
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What is the function of a modem in a communication component?
What is the function of a modem in a communication component?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computer Systems; Computer Systems Architecture
- The presentation is a general overview of computer systems
- The primary resource used is "The Architecture of Computer Hardware, Systems Software & Networking" (5th Edition), by Irv Englander, published in 2013
- Additional information compiled from websites and other sources on the internet
- The presentation uses Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0)
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model
- List the components of a computer system
- Explain the purpose of each component
- Describe virtualization
- Explain the purpose of standards
Modern Computing
- Personal computing is ubiquitous
- Computers are no longer limited to a traditional form factor
- Computing is embedded in a wider range of devices (appliances, automobiles, etc.)
- Users don't often need to understand the internal workings to use them now
Why Study Computer System Architecture?
- Understand capabilities, strengths, and limitations of computer systems
- Enable better decision-making surrounding IT systems
- Improve communication between IT professions and others
Web Browser Application Example
- A diagram illustrating a browser request, communication, and a server response (includes URL, HTTP, and HTML)
Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model
- Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner
- Process: CPU executes the program
- Output: Monitor, printer, fax machine
- Storage: Hard drive, optical media, diskettes, magnetic tape
Computer System Components
- Hardware: Processes data through instructions, provides input and output
- Software: Applications and system software, instructs hardware on tasks
- Data: Fundamental representation of facts and observations
- Communication: Sharing data and processing between different systems
Hardware Component
- Input/output devices
- Storage devices
-
CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- ALU (arithmetic/logic unit)
- CU (control unit)
- Interface unit
- Memory: Short-term storage for CPU calculations
Hardware Components of a PC
- Includes a diagram depicting various components and their connections (CPU, Memory, I/O Interface, Network, Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse, Printer, etc.)
CPU: Central Processing Unit
- ALU: Performs arithmetic and Boolean logical calculations
- CU: Controls the processing of instructions
- Interface unit: Moves instructions and data between the CPU and other hardware components
- Bus: Connects components, handles signals and power
Memory
- Also known as primary storage/working storage/RAM (random access memory)
- Consists of bits (0 or 1), 8 bits = 1 byte
- Holds both instructions and data of a computer program
Software Component
- Applications
- Operating System: (API) application program interface
- File management
- I/O
- Kernel: Memory management , resource scheduling, program communication, security
- Network Module
Communication Component (1 of 2)
- Hardware: Communication channels (physical connections, e.g., wire cable, phone lines, fiber optics)
- Interface hardware: Connects the computer to communication channels (e.g., modems, network interface cards (NICs))
Communication Component (2 of 2)
- Software: Establishing connections, controlling data flow, directing data to the correct applications
Computer Systems
- All computer systems, regardless of complexity, include at least one CPU, memory to hold programs and data, I/O devices, and long-term storage
Computer Systems Examples
- Images of examples, including a smartphone and a small computer box
Virtualization
- Software-created representation of a real system
- Examples include memory, networks, and operating systems
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- A diagram showing the VPN connection, tunnel, internet, firewall, and perimeter network
Real vs. Virtual Keyboard
- Images of a physical and software keyboard
Standards
- Designed for universal compatibility of data formats and protocols
- Examples include computer languages like Java and C, display standards like JPEG, character set standards like ASCII, and multimedia protocols like DVD-ROM.
QWERTY Keyboard Layout
- Diagram of a QWERTY keyboard layout
Protocols
- Common communication rules between computers, I/O devices, and software
- Examples include HTTP for web servers and browsers, TCP/IP for internet networking, and SATA for storage.
TCP and UDP
-
TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
- Ensures data delivery by re-sending if required
-
UDP: User Datagram Protocol
- Data sent without confirmation of delivery, data loss is acceptable
Summary
- IPO model fundamental for computer system architecture
- Computers are self-contained systems of hardware, software, and data communicating through components (CPU, memory, I/O, storage)
- Virtualization is a software-oriented computer system
- Protocols are communication standards
2.2: System Concepts and Architecture
- Discusses core concepts related to IT systems, their components, and how they interact
Learning Objectives (2.2)
- Describe a system
- List the components of a system
- Describe each component in detail
- Explain system decomposition
- Discuss the difference between system architecture and abstraction
What is a system?
- Systems consist of interlinked components working together
Definition of a System
- Describes a system as a series of interlinked components functioning as a single unit
- Systems have boundaries; everything outside is the environment
General Representation of a System
- A Diagram showing parts of a system, including components, links, interfaces, and the environment surrounding it (with an encompassing boundary)
Definition of an Interface
- Boundary between two or more components of a computer system for exchanging information
Different Interfaces
- A diagram showing various computer interfaces like Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, and others
A Simple E-Business System
- A diagram representing a basic business structure showing components (suppliers, customers, employees, marketing, finance) and their relationships
System Decomposition
- Breaking down a system into smaller, simpler components and their relationships
Hierarchy of the Internet
- Diagram illustrating a layered hierarchy of internet connections
System Architecture
- Defines the fundamental properties, relationships, connections, constraints, and interlinkages within the system and its environment
Abstractions of Systems
- Models or simplified representations of a complex system (not literal representations/are not the same as the real system)
- Examples of system representations for various systems/abstractions
Abstractions of Systems
- The differences between various system abstractions and real-world systems are discussed
Business Organization Chart
- A hierarchical organizational chart for a business, showing departments and sub-departments
Business Application Architecture
- A diagram of a business application architecture, showing the flow of information between different applications and systems
Summary (2.2)
- Defines a system as a group of components functioning together
- System architecture defines the relationships between components and the system/environment
- System abstraction is a simplified representation of a system
2.3: IT System Architecture
- Covers IT system architecture in detail
Learning Objectives (2.3)
- Explain the purpose of IT system architectures
- List three types of distributed processing systems
- Describe client-server, cloud, and peer-to-peer computing structures
- Give examples of client-server architecture
- Compare the three types of cloud computing services
Application Architecture
- Characterized by the flow or processing of data: within an organization, between organizations, and between an organization and its environment
IT System Architectures
- IT systems are complex and multi-layered—consisting of various subsystems
Distributed Processing Systems
- Describes three types of distributed processing systems: client-server, cloud, and peer-to-peer
Client-Server Computing
- Architecture where one computer (server) provides services to multiple computers (clients)
- Examples include email, files, printing, web browsing, database access, and remote access services
Basic Two-tier Client-Server Architecture
- A simple diagram showing two computers communicating
- The server and client exchange requests and responses via a communication channel
Web Browser-Web Server Model
- An illustration showing the interaction between a web browser (client) and a web server
Clients and Servers on a Network
- Dedicated servers run a single service
- Shared servers run multiple services (e.g. databases, emails)
Advantages of Client-Server Architecture
- Centralized service administration
- Easier service availability/location for users
- Consistent resources management
Multi-tier Architectures
- Models where multiple computers participate in a service:
- Two-tier: two computers involved
- Three-tier: three computers involved
- N-tier: any number of computers involved
Multi-tier Architectures: Two-tier
- Diagram of two-tier architecture (client-server)
Multi-tier Architectures: Three-tier
- Diagram of three-tier architecture (client-web server-database server)
Three-tier Web-based Email Architecture
- Diagram of a three-tier web-based email system illustrating the interaction between the client, web server, and the mail server
Multi-tier Architectures: N-tier
- Diagram illustrating N-tier architecture, where multiple tiers of applications and services are involved.
- Advantages of N-tier are easier upgrades and improved scalability
Cloud Computing (1 of 2)
- Describes the concept including the core components of cloud computing (servers, virtual desktops, applications, software platforms, and storage).
- Includes a diagram illustrating the user components and the cloud components
Cloud Computing (2 of 2)
- Three core types of cloud services: Software as a service, platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service
Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Applications running on a server, processing may be divided between server and client
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Hosting for applications and services, virtual hosting of websites, databases, and operating systems
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Virtualized hardware resources including computing, network, and storage systems
Peer-to-Peer Computing
- Computers treated as equals in a network, sharing resources
Peer-to-Peer Computing: Disadvantages
- Difficulty locating services
- Difficult to synchronize files/software
- Hard to secure network
- Potential for viruses/malware issues
Peer-to-Peer Computing: Advantages
- Easy setup without a server
- Sharing files between computers
- If a computer goes offline, files remain available on others
Hybrid Model of Computing
- Use of client-server technology to locate systems and files, with the ability to transition to peer-peer sharing
Summary (2.3)
- Describes different IT models for application and system design—client-server, cloud, and peer-to-peer
- Highlights the aspects and advantages of each model
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