17 Questions
What does 'Architecture' in computer science refer to?
The attributes visible to the programmer
Which aspect of computer systems does 'Organization' focus on?
How features are implemented
What is a distinguishing factor between Architecture and Organization in computer systems?
The way components relate to each other
Which family of processors shares the same basic architecture according to the text?
IBM System/370 family
What are the three main computer functions mentioned in the text?
Data processing, Data storage, Data movement
According to the passage, which of the following is an example of a computer architectural attribute?
The instruction set of the computer
The passage suggests that the decision to implement a multiply instruction using a special multiply unit or the add unit is an example of which aspect of computer design?
Computer organization
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT considered an organizational attribute of a computer system?
Techniques for addressing memory
The passage suggests that the decision to implement a multiply instruction in a computer system would be considered a matter of:
Computer architecture
Which of the following best describes the relationship between computer architecture and computer organization according to the passage?
Computer architecture and computer organization are interrelated aspects of computer design.
What is the primary difference between computer architecture and computer organization according to the passage?
Computer architecture is concerned with the logical execution of programs, while computer organization is concerned with the physical implementation of the computer.
What was a key advantage of the IBM System/370 architecture?
It allowed customers to upgrade to newer, faster models without having to rewrite software.
What is the relationship between architecture and organization in microcomputers, as described in the text?
There is a close interplay between architectural and organizational design decisions.
What is a hierarchical system?
A system composed of interrelated subsystems at different levels.
What do designers focus on at each level of a hierarchical system, according to the text?
The structure and function of that level.
How does the text characterize the behavior of a system at each level?
It depends on a simplified, abstracted view of the next lower level.
Which of the following statements is NOT true, based on the information in the text?
Microcomputers often require generation-to-generation compatibility.
Study Notes
Computer Architecture and Organization
- Computer architecture refers to attributes visible to a programmer, such as instruction set, data representation, I/O mechanisms, and addressing techniques.
- Computer organization refers to operational units and their interconnections that realize architectural specifications, including hardware details transparent to the programmer.
Architectural Attributes
- Examples of architectural attributes include:
- Instruction set (e.g., whether a computer has a multiply instruction)
- Number of bits used to represent data types (e.g., numbers, characters)
- I/O mechanisms
- Addressing techniques
Organizational Attributes
- Examples of organizational attributes include:
- Control signals
- Interfaces between the computer and peripherals
- Memory technology used
Distinction between Architecture and Organization
- Historically, the distinction between architecture and organization has been important for computer manufacturers offering a family of computer models with the same architecture but differing in organization.
- This allows for different price and performance characteristics for different models in the family.
Example: IBM System/370
- The IBM System/370 architecture was first introduced in 1970 and included a range of models with different price and performance characteristics.
- Over the years, IBM introduced new models with improved technology, retaining the same architecture to protect the customer's software investment.
Microcomputers
- In microcomputers, the relationship between architecture and organization is close, with changes in technology influencing both.
- There is less requirement for generation-to-generation compatibility in microcomputers, leading to more interplay between organizational and architectural design decisions.
Computer Structure and Function
- A computer is a complex system composed of millions of elementary electronic components.
- A hierarchical system is a set of interrelated subsystems, with each level consisting of components and their interrelationships.
- The behavior at each level depends on a simplified, abstracted characterization of the system at the next lower level.
Structure and Function
- Structure refers to the way in which components are interrelated.
- Function refers to the operation of each individual component as part of the system.
Computer Functions
- All computer functions can be categorized into:
- Data processing
- Data storage
- Data movement
- Control
Explore the differences between architecture and organization in computer systems. Learn about the visible attributes to the programmer and the implementation features of a system. Test your knowledge on concepts like instruction sets, I/O mechanisms, control signals, and more.
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