Computer Architecture Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of a system administrator?

To install, configure, maintain, and upgrade computer systems.

How does the architecture of a computer differ from its organization?

Architecture refers to the visible attributes like instruction sets, while organization deals with the implementation of these features.

Provide an example of an input device and explain its role in the IPO model.

A keyboard, which allows users to input data into the computer system.

What is the significance of back-compatibility in Intel's x86 architecture?

It ensures that programs run on older models of Intel computers can also run on newer models. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a characteristic of memory technology in computer organization.

Memory technology in organization determines how data is accessed and stored efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a web designer play regarding system administration?

A web designer optimizes customer accessibility to web services and manages web server administration. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how organization affects the execution of arithmetic operations in a CPU.

Organization determines whether arithmetic operations like division can be performed directly or through repeated additions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the input function of a magnetic tape in a computer system?

Magnetic tapes are used as input devices for data storage and retrieval. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system?

The CPU processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data flow in a computer system. Signup and view all the answers

Name at least three essential components of computer hardware.

Essential components of computer hardware include the CPU, memory (RAM), and storage devices (HDD or SSD). Signup and view all the answers

What are two common methods of data storage in computers?

Two common methods of data storage are hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of input and output operations in a computer system.

Input operations collect data for processing, while output operations present the results of that processing to the user. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes volatile memory from non-volatile memory?

Volatile memory, like RAM, loses its data when power is turned off, while non-volatile memory, like ROM or flash storage, retains data without power. Signup and view all the answers

How does Moore's Law relate to memory and computing power in modern computers?

Moore's Law states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power and memory capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

The ALU performs arithmetic operations, logical operations, and comparisons of numbers. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Control Unit (CU) contribute to computer operations?

The CU controls the processing of instructions and movement of data within the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between bits and bytes in computer memory?

1 Byte consists of 8 bits, where each bit can hold a value of either 0 or 1. Signup and view all the answers

Why is RAM referred to as primary storage in a computer system?

RAM is called primary storage because it holds both instructions and data for currently executing programs. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the largest program that can be executed in a computer?

The size of the primary memory directly affects the largest program that can be loaded and executed. Signup and view all the answers

How is memory capacity typically measured in computers?

Memory capacity is measured in Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, and Gigabytes. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the CPU play in controlling peripheral devices?

The CPU sends instructions to control peripheral devices and moves data between itself and these components. Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of memory influence the cost of a computer?

A larger memory typically increases the cost of the computer due to higher storage capabilities and performance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CPU Functions and Components

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) executes operations like multiplication, division, and comparison of numbers.
The ALU operates much faster than other computer components, enabling efficient control of external devices such as video terminals and magnetic disks.
The Control Unit (CU) directs the processing of instructions and manages the movement of data within the CPU, sending control signals to other units.

Memory Overview

Memory, also referred to as primary storage or RAM (Random Access Memory), consists of bits that represent values of 0 or 1, with 8 bits constituting one byte.
Holds instructions and data via the stored program concept, utilizing semiconductor storage cells to store bits of information.
Measured in Bytes, Kilobytes (1KB = 1024 Bytes), Megabytes (1MB = 1024 KB), Gigabytes (1GB = 1024 MB), and Terabytes (1TB = 1024 GB).
Affects the largest executable program size, execution speed, and overall computer cost.

System Administrator Responsibilities

Installs, configures, maintains, and upgrades computer systems to maximize availability and optimize performance.
Ensures the security of systems.

Web Designer Role

Enhances customer accessibility to web services while managing web server administration.
Selects suitable data formats and designs efficient web pages.

Architecture vs. Organisation

Computer architecture pertains to attributes visible to programmers, such as instruction sets and addressing techniques.
Organisation involves implementation aspects, including control signals and memory technology.
The ability to perform complex operations, like division or multiplication, in a single instruction indicates better architecture.

Intel and IBM Architectures

Intel X86-based computers share a basic architecture, ensuring compatibility with older models (e.g., Intel486 with Intel386).
IBM System/370 family also maintains architectural compatibility across its models.

Input-Process-Output Model (IPO)

Input devices include keyboards, mice, scanners, magnetic tapes, and CD-ROMs.
The model illustrates how input is processed to produce output.

Historical Development of Computers

1937: Mark I, the first electronic computer built using relays.
1939: ABC, the first fully electronic digital computer utilizing vacuum tubes.
1943-46: ENIAC, the first general-purpose digital computer.
1945: Proposal of the Von Neumann architecture, which remains a standard.
1947: Invention of the transistor, revolutionizing computer hardware.
1951: UNIVAC, the first commercially available computer.

Advances in Computer Technology

Significant improvements in size, cost, and memory capacity over time.
Networking has become essential in modern systems, driving mobile device markets.
Processor capacity is now a key classification instead of memory capacity.
Computing power has seen exponential growth, in line with Moore’s Law.

Summary of Key Concepts

Differentiation between architecture and organization in computer design.
Recognition of basic computer tasks and data processing methods.
Understanding the components of a computer system.
Application of the Input-Process-Output model and its component integration: hardware, software, communication, and data.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts of computer architecture, focusing on the relationship between the CPU, ALU, control unit, memory, and peripheral devices. Understand how instructions and data are moved and the efficiency of various components in executing operations like multiplication, division, and comparison. Test your knowledge on the fundamental components and their roles in computer systems.