Computer Architecture: Attributes Visible to Programmers

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16 Questions

Which architectural attribute refers to the set of operations or commands that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) can execute?

Instruction set

What does the number of bits used to represent various data types specify in a computer system?

The range and precision of values that can be stored

Which architectural attribute encompasses the methods and protocols by which a computer system interacts with input and output devices?

I/O mechanisms

What do attributes of a system visible to the programmer refer to in computer architecture?

Elements directly observable or interactable by the programmer during software development

Which architectural attribute has a direct impact on the logical execution of a program by influencing the processing of instructions, data manipulation, and overall flow of program execution?

Instruction set

What is the primary function of I/O mechanisms in computer architecture?

To facilitate communication with input and output devices

What does computer architecture primarily deal with?

The design choices and features that affect software development and execution

Which attribute refers to the internal components and workings of a computer system that are not directly visible or accessible to the programmer?

Hardware Details Transparent to the Programmer

What do control signals manage within a computer system?

The flow of data and instructions

What does memory technology dictate in a computer system?

The specific types of memory components employed

What do operational units collaborate to do within a computer system?

Execute instructions, process data, and manage the overall functionality based on the specified architecture

What does computer organization primarily involve?

The operational units and their interconnections that realize architectural specifications

What do interfaces between the computer and peripherals encompass?

The protocols and connections facilitating communication between the CPU and external devices

What is not directly visible or accessible to the programmer in a computer system?

The internal components and workings of a computer system

What do control signals within a computer system coordinate and synchronize?

The flow of data and instructions

What do interfaces facilitate between the CPU and external devices in a computer system?

The protocols and connections for communication

Study Notes

Instruction Set Architecture

  • Refers to the set of operations or commands that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) can execute

Data Representation

  • The number of bits used to represent various data types specifies the precision and range of values that can be represented in a computer system

Input/Output (I/O) Architecture

  • Encompasses the methods and protocols by which a computer system interacts with input and output devices
  • Primary function of I/O mechanisms is to manage data exchange between the computer and external devices

Computer Architecture

  • Primarily deals with the internal design and organization of a computer system
  • Involves the study of the internal components, workings, and interfaces of a computer system

System Visibility

  • Attributes of a system visible to the programmer refer to the components and interfaces that are accessible and manageable by the programmer
  • Conversely, the internal components and workings of a computer system that are not directly visible or accessible to the programmer are referred to as the hidden or internal architecture

Control Signals

  • Manage the flow of data and instructions within a computer system
  • Coordinate and synchronize the execution of instructions and data manipulation

Memory Technology

  • Dictates the performance, capacity, and access times of memory within a computer system

Operational Units

  • Collaborate to execute instructions, perform calculations, and manipulate data within a computer system

Computer Organization

  • Primarily involves the design and management of the internal components and interfaces of a computer system

Interfaces

  • Facilitate communication between the CPU and external devices in a computer system
  • Encompass the methods and protocols by which a computer system interacts with peripherals

Explore the key elements of computer architecture that programmers can directly interact with, such as instruction sets, memory organization, and input/output mechanisms. Understand how these attributes impact the logical execution of a program.

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