Computer Architecture and Virtualization Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does virtualization primarily refer to in computing?

The development of operating systems for computers

The process of categorizing hardware into different classes

The enhancement of protocols for data communication

The creation of a virtual version of physical hardware resources (correct)

Which statement best describes a protocol?

A type of software used to enhance virtual machines

A specific model for designing computer architectures

A rule that governs data transmission standards (correct)

A benchmark for hardware performance

Which of the following is true regarding standards and protocols?

All standards are considered protocols regardless of their purpose

All protocols must be established before a standard can be created

Protocols are developed to determine standards in hardware production

Not all protocols have to be standards, though some may be (correct)

What is the role of the communication component in a computer system?

To enable interconnection between different hardware systems Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer architecture, what does the term 'hardware' encompass?

Only the physical components that can be touched Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer system?

To execute instructions and process data Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer system is primarily designed to perform dedicated functions within larger systems?

Embedded computer Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym API stand for in the context of software development?

Application Programming Interface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the stored program concept?

Programs are stored in a format that the CPU can execute directly Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of virtualization in computer systems?

It allows multiple OS to run on a single hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is a graphical user interface (GUI) primarily used for?

To provide a user-friendly environment for interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a communication protocol?

A set of rules governing data transmission over a network Signup and view all the answers

What role does random access memory (RAM) play in a computer system?

It provides temporary storage for data and programs in use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a modem's role in communication components?

It handles communication between the computer and the communication channel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of protocols in computer systems?

To establish common ground rules for communication between devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements correctly explains virtualization?

Virtualization means creating simulated environments using software. Signup and view all the answers

Which device is an example of an interface hardware in communication systems?

Network interface card (NIC) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a communication channel?

Radio waves Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a standard in computer systems?

It is a document detailing agreed-upon methods and practices. Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol is primarily used for communication between web servers and browsers?

HTTP Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines virtual memory?

A simulated memory management technique utilized by software. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of computers would include a mainframe system?

IBM System z10 EC Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction: Computer Overview

The course is titled "System Software & Computing Concepts" (CT123-3-1-SSCC)
Topics include components of a computer system, hardware, software, communication, computer systems, virtualization, protocols, and standards.
Learning outcomes include describing basic computer system components, identifying different types of computer systems, and describing protocols and standards.

Key Terms

Application programming interface (API): Interface for application programs to interact.
Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and Boolean calculations.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The primary processing unit.
Input-Process-Output (IPO) model: A model illustrating the input, processing, and output stages in a computer system.
Kernel: Core of an operating system.
Channel (I/O): Communication channel.
Communication channel: Path for data transmission.
Control Unit (CU): Controls processing instructions in a CPU.
Distributed computing: Processing conducted across multiple computers.
Embedded computer: Computer system integrated into another device.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): User-friendly graphical interface.
Hardware: Physical components of a computer.
Input: Data entered into the computer.
Interface unit: Connects CPU and other hardware
Kernel: Core of an operating system
Logical interface: Logical connection between two entities
Memory: Short-term storage for CPU calculations.
Modem: Modulates and demodulates signals for communication.
Network Interface Card (NIC): Connects a computer to a network.
Open computing: Accessible and adaptable computer system.
Output: Data produced by the computer.
Port: Connection point for communication.
Primary Storage: Main storage area, often RAM.
Protocol: Set of rules governing communication.
Random Access Memory (RAM): Primary storage.
Read-Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile memory.
Software: Instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Standards: Established rules for compatibility.
Storage: Long-term data storage.
Stored program concept: Storing instructions in memory for execution.
Submit (a job): Ordering the computer to perform a task.
Software: Instructions guiding computer functionality.
Standards: Agreements guaranteeing universal compatibility of data formats and protocols.
Virtual (Virtualization): Creating a simulated equivalent.
Virtual memory: Simulating extra RAM.
Virtual networks: Creating simulated networks.
Von Neumann architecture: A computer architecture with unified memory.
Word: Unit of data in a computer.
Hardware Component: A physical component of a computer.

A Typical Computer Ad

Displays various models of laptops (presumably to show differences in CPU, storage, and general cost-effectiveness.)
Key specifications like processor/GPU core count, RAM (unified memory), storage capacity (SSD storage) are listed.
Questions are raised about the computer's speed and cost to assist in the customer decision-making process.

Importance of Studying Computer Architecture

Users: Understanding system capabilities/limitations for informed decision-making. Improved communication with IT professionals.
Programmers: Designing efficient software for specific needs in application development (e.g., compiled versus scripted languages).
Systems architects/analysts: Specifying computer systems/architectures meeting application requirements, and making informed decisions on system strategy (Cost, Quality, and Time).
System administrators/managers: Installing, configuring, maintaining, and upgrading computer systems, maximizing system availability, ensuring system security.

The Process Model (IPO)

A stand-alone computer system model with Storage, Input, Process, and Output sections
Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, punch cards.
Processing: CPU executing programs.
Output devices: monitor, printer, fax machine.
Storage devices: hard drive, optical media, diskettes, magnetic tape

A Web Browser Application

A diagram illustrating the request process between user (with browser), communications (data transfer), and server.

The Human Body Systems

A model illustrating interacting body systems (nervous, immune, digestive, cardiovascular, integumentary, respiratory, endocrine, musculoskeletal, excretory, reproductive)

IT Computer System Layout

A diagram showing a computer system's network layout, with sections for sales, order entry, support, finance, marketing, and order fulfillment.

Computer Systems

Consist of at least one CPU, memory for programs and data, I/O devices, and long-term storage.

Computer System Components

Hardware: Processes data via instructions, provides input/output, controls components.
Software: Application and system software, providing instructions for hardware tasks.
Data: Representation of facts, essentially the raw information.
Communications: Sharing and processing data between systems.

Hardware Components

Input/output devices
Storage Devices
CPU- Central Processing Unit: ALU (arithmetic/logic unit), CU (control unit), Interface unit
Memory: short-term storage for CPU functions

Personal Computer System

A diagram illustrating the connections between various components of a personal computer. (Keyboard, Monitor, CPU, Memory, Printer, Floppy disk, CD-RW, Hard disk drive, tape, mouse, I/O Interface)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit): Carries out arithmetic and logical operations.
CU (Control Unit): Controls instruction processing, data movement.
Interface unit: Liaison between the CPU and other hardware components.
Bus: Connects various hardware components, facilitating communication.

Memory

Also known as primary storage or random access memory (RAM).
Consists of bits (0s and 1s).
Holds program instructions and data.

Software Components

Applications: Programs designed for specific tasks.
Operating System: Manages computer resources (API, I/O management, Kernel, Memory management, Resource scheduling, Program communication, Security).
Network Module: Handles network communications.
BootStrap/IPL: Initial Program Load, stored in ROM.

Communication Components (Ext)

Hardware: Communication channels (physical connections, e.g. wire cable, phone lines, fiber optic, etc.), Interface hardware (e.g. modem or Network Interface Card (NIC).
Software: Establishing connections and controlling data flow directing it to the proper applications.

Types Of Computer Systems

Examples of computer systems including an IBM System z10 EC Mainframe, HP Laptop Computer, PlayStation, 3DS.

Virtualization

A simulation or representation of something that does not fully exist yet or in physical form. (e.g. Examples: virtual memory, virtual networks, Java Virtual Machine (JVM))

Protocols

Common rules governing communication between computers, I/O devices, and software programs. (e.g. Examples: HTTP for web communication, TCP/IP for internet communication, SATA for storage devices, XML, RSS, SIP)

Standards

Established guidelines ensuring compatibility in data formats and protocols. (E.g. Computer languages: Java, SQL, JavaScript, Display standards: Postscript, MPEG-2, JPEG, GIF, Character set standards: ASCII, Unicode, EBCDIC, Multimedia standards: MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, MP3)

History

Brief overview of events and milestones in the history of computing (e.g. 1642: Blaise Pascal invents a calculating machine, 1801: Joseph Marie Jacquard invents a loom, 1800s: Charles Babbage, Augusta Ada Byron, George Boole).
History of modern computers (e.g., Mark I (1937), ABC (1939), ENIAC (1943-46), Von Neumann architecture (1945), transistors (1947), EDVAC and IAS (1951-52)).
Early computers -- both Babbage's Analytical Engine and ENIAC.

Von Neumann Architecture

A diagram illustrating components of von Neumann architecture: memory unit, control unit, arithmetic logic unit, accumulator, input and output units.

System Software History

Early computers lacked operating systems, with program entry through switches or wires.
Early operating systems, including FORTRAN Monitor System (FMS), IBSYS, and Share Operating System (SOS) in the 1950s and 60s.

Operating Systems Development

Evolution of Operating Systems (OS) (1963: Master Control Program (MCP), 1964: OS/360, Project MAC, CTSS, Multics)

UNIX

Ken Thompson's development of UNIX, followed by Dennis Ritchie's C-language re-write.
Key aspects of UNIX, including hierarchical file system, shell concept, document production/formatting, networked/distributed processing tools.

Graphical User Interface

Doug Engelbart's (1960s) work on windows, mouse interface.
Xerox PARC's (1970s) development of a practical windowing system.
Steve Jobs' (1980s) introduction of the Apple Lisa and Macintosh.

IBM PC

IBM PC (1982): stand-alone, single-user computers, initial use of PC-DOS/MS-DOS; advancements from DOS to later versions (hierarchical directory, file redirection, memory management enhancements that progressed to Windowing systems, starting versions 2.0 to Windows 7.

Quick Review Questions

Differences between primary and secondary storage, roles and uses of each.
Categories of software components and their roles
Definition of virtualization and its role in modern computing
Explanation of protocols, standards & their relationships.

Summary

Overview of the main material learned, including the input-process-output model and the connection to computer system components.
Key components (hardware, software, communication, data) involved in the computer system architecture.
General computer architecture (modern and ancient, large and small).
Introduction to concepts like virtualization, standards, and protocols, emphasizing their continued importance in the text.
Brief history of the computer from an architectural perspective.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in computer architecture, virtualization, and communication protocols. This quiz covers topics such as hardware functions, the role of the CPU, and the importance of standards in computing. Explore the intricacies of GUI, RAM, and modems within computer systems.