Computer Architecture and Operating Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the kernel in an operating system?

To serve as the main interface between hardware and OS processes (correct)

To store data in Network Attached Storage

To run application software

To manage network traffic

Which of the following describes the advantage of Harvard architecture over Von Neumann architecture?

It requires less physical memory

It is less expensive to implement

It allows simultaneous access to data and instructions (correct)

It simplifies the CPU design

In data transmission, what is the purpose of the transport layer?

To handle the physical transmission of data over the medium

To guarantee reliable process-to-process message delivery and error handling (correct)

To ensure packets move efficiently from source to destination

To provide access to network resources

What distinguishes RISC from CISC architecture?

RISC focuses on a smaller and optimized set of instructions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of redundancy in data management?

To ensure system reliability and data integrity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of network interface layer?

Transmission of data between devices on the same network (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which utility software is mainly used for improving system performance by consolidating fragmented data?

Defragmentation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does emulation do in computing?

Imitates another computer system on a different computer system (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of USB?

Can provide power and supports multiple devices on the same channel (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of parity checking in error detection?

To check the number of ones in a binary set (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which communication protocol is known for ensuring reliable delivery of data?

TCP (C) Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates asynchronous transmission from synchronous transmission?

Asynchronous does not need timing signals for data packets (A) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of data transmission can devices send and receive data at the same time?

Full Duplex (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which data type is represented by a fractional number?

Float (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Program Counter (PC) in a computer?

Fetches the next instruction from memory (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does using a repetitive scheme in error detection have on data transmission?

Can help identify the correct data in noisy connections (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of image representation uses a set number of pixels assigned different colors?

Bitmap (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)?

Uses a division method to calculate a remainder (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Redundancy

Redundancy is having multiple copies of data to maintain system dependability and data integrity.
This ensures data access when needed.

Kernel

The kernel is the core of an operating system.
It serves as the primary interface between hardware and OS processes.
Primary responsibilities include: memory management, process management, interrupt handling, and device management.

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

NAS is storage connected to a network enabling file sharing among users.

Von Neumann Architecture

Uses the same memory for data and instructions.
Simpler and cheaper.
Bottlenecks speed due to accessing one at a time.

Harvard Architecture

Uses separate memory for data and instructions.
Faster and more efficient as both can be accessed concurrently.
More expensive.

Clock Speed

Represents the number of instructions a CPU can execute per second.

CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)

Utilizes a large set of complex instructions that handle multiple operations.

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)

Employs a small, optimized set of instructions often executed in a single clock cycle.

Application Software

Runs on a computer within the operating system.
Supports user tasks (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, etc.).

Data Transmission Layers

Application Layer: Accesses network resources.
Transport Layer: Provides reliable process-to-process message delivery and error handling.
Internet Layer: Routes packets from source to destination.
Network Interface Layer: Transmits data between devices on the same network.

Utility Software

Maintains system health and security through tools like antivirus, compression, disk cleanup, defragmentation, and backup utilities.

Emulation

Mimicking one computer system on another.

Interrupts

Pausing ongoing processing to execute a more critical task.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Serial data transmission.
High speed and compatibility.
Power delivery capability.
Multiple devices share the same channel.

Ethernet

Creates computer networks.
Reliable and high speed.
Extended range (over 100m).
Limited mobility due to physical connection.
Devices require Network Interface Cards (NICs).

Error Detection

Parity Checking

Checks the number of '1's in binary data.
Maintains even or odd parity.

Checksum

Uses a mathematical algorithm on transmitted data to produce a number.
The number is sent along with the data.
The receiving end recalculates the checksum.
Mismatches trigger data retransmission.

Repetition Scheme

Sends data multiple times.
Calculates an average from received data.
Effective under noisy or unreliable connections.

CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)

Calculates a number based on data and another number chosen by the sender.
Difficult to achieve the same CRC with different data.
Crucial for security as malicious alterations are detectable.

Communication Protocols

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Internet standard for reliable data exchange.
Establishes connections.
Breaks data into packets, ensuring delivery order.
Complements IP.

IP (Internet Protocol)

Governs data routing and addressing across networks.
Determines routes and prioritizes certain types of traffic e.g. voice.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Faster communication, prioritizing speed over reliability.
Used in time-sensitive applications like gaming and video streaming.

Text/Image Representation

ASCII

Uses 7 bits per character.

Unicode

Uses variable bits per character.

Bitmap

Uses a set number of pixels with specified colors.

Vector

Does not use pixels, allowing scaling without loss of quality.

Data Transmission

Simplex

One-way communication.

Half Duplex

Two-way communication, but not simultaneously.

Full Duplex

Two-way communication simultaneously.

Synchronous

Organized transmission based on internal clocks.
Potential for timing errors.

Asynchronous

Data transmitted in packets with start/stop signals.
Less sensitive to timing errors.

Parallel Transmission

Multiple bits sent simultaneously.
High theoretical speed but needs complex synchronization.
Prone to errors over long distances.

Serial Transmission

One bit sent at a time.
Lower cabling needs, suitable for long distances.
Slower theoretical speed but less error-prone.

Data Types

Character: ASCII or Unicode text.
Integer: Whole numbers (e.g., 1).
Float: Fractional numbers (e.g., 1.45642).
Boolean/Binary: True or False.

Registers

Accumulator: Stores data fetched from memory.
MAR (Memory Address Register): Stores address of data/instructions.
MBR (Memory Buffer Register): Stores data received from/sent to memory.
PC (Program Counter): Contains the address of the next instruction.
IR (Instruction Register): Fetches and stores the next instruction.

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in computer architecture and operating systems, including redundancy, kernels, and memory architectures like Von Neumann and Harvard. Test your knowledge on NAS, CISC, and clock speed, and understand how they influence system performance.