Computer Architecture and Storage Quiz

Redundancy

• Redundancy is a system design principle.
• It involves creating multiple copies of data or components.
• This ensures system reliability and data integrity.
• If one copy fails, others ensure data and system function.

Kernel

• The kernel is the core of an operating system.
• It acts as the link between hardware and software processes.
• Key kernel responsibilities include memory management, process control, handling interrupts, and device management.

NAS

• Network Attached Storage (NAS) is network-connected storage.
• Users can share files via a network using NAS.

Von Neumann Architecture

• Von Neumann architecture uses a single memory for data and instructions.
• This design is simpler and cheaper.
• However, it can slow down processing since memory can only access one at a time.

Harvard Architecture

• Harvard architecture uses separate memories for data and instructions.
• This approach is faster and more efficient.
• Access to data and instructions is simultaneous.
• This architecture is more expensive than Von Neumann.

Clock Speed

• Clock speed measures the number of instructions a CPU processes per second.

CISC

• Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) uses many complex instructions.
• These instructions can handle multiple operations in a single command.

RISC

• Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) uses highly optimized, simple instructions.
• Instructions generally execute in one clock cycle.

Application Software

• Application software runs within an operating system.
• It enables users to perform specific tasks.
• Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, and web browsers.

Data Transmission Layers

• Application Layer: Facilitates access to network resources.
• Transport Layer: Ensures reliable, error-free data delivery between processes.
• Internet Layer: Routes data packets from source to destination.
• Network Interface Layer: Manages low-level data transmission between devices on the same network.

Utility Software

• Utility software maintains system health and security.
• It can perform various tasks like antivirus scanning, file compression, disk cleanup, defragmentation, and backups.

Emulation

• Emulation is recreating one computer system on another.

Interrupts

• Interrupts temporarily halt current processing.
• They allow handling higher-priority tasks.

USB

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial data transmission standard.
• USB offers high speed and compatibility.
• USB allows multiple devices on a single channel and provides power.

Ethernet

• Ethernet is a networking standard for computer devices.
• Ethernet offers high speed over a substantial range.
• Wired connectivity limits mobility.
• A Network Interface Card (NIC) is needed.

Error Detection

• Parity checking: Checks for even/odd numbers of 1s to identify errors.
• Checksum: A mathematical algorithm to generate a number sent with data.
• Data is recalculated at the receiving end to detect errors and request retransmission if needed.
• Repetition scheme: Data sent multiple times for error correction.
• CRC: Cyclical Redundancy Check uses polynomial division, complex and virtually error free.

Communication Protocols

• TCP: Transmission Control Protocol ensures reliable data transmission. It segments data, orders it, and confirms delivery.

• IP: Internet Protocol handles routing and addressing data across networks.

• UDP: User Datagram Protocol prioritizes speed over reliability, ideal for time-sensitive needs like video and gaming.

Text/Image Representation

• ASCII: Uses 7 bits per character.
• Unicode: Uses variable bits per character.
• Bitmap: Uses pixels with assigned colours to construct images.
• Vector: Uses mathematical equations to create scalable, non-pixel-based images..

Data Transmission Methods

• Simplex: One-way communication.
• Half-duplex: Two-way communication, but not simultaneous.
• Full-duplex: Two-way simultaneous communication.
• Synchronous: Uses a clock signal to synchronize transmission (more efficient but error-sensitive).
• Asynchronous: Data transmitted in packets with start and stop signals. (Less synchronisation needed, more reliable).
• Parallel: Multiple bits transmitted simultaneously (high bandwidth but complex).
• Serial: Bits transmitted one at a time (easier over long distances but requires error handling).

Data Types

• Character: Text representation using ASCII/Unicode.
• Integer: Whole numbers.
• Float: Decimal/fractional numbers.
• Boolean/Binary: True/False.

Registers

• Accumulator: Stores data from memory.
• MAR: Memory Address Register holds the address of memory location.
• MBR: Memory Buffer Register holds data to be written to/read from memory.
• PC: Program Counter points to the current instruction.
• IR: Instruction Register holds current instruction.

Test your knowledge on key concepts such as redundancy, kernel functions, and storage solutions like NAS. Understand the differences between Von Neumann and Harvard architectures as well. This quiz is designed for students studying computer science fundamentals.