Computer Architecture Basics
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Questions and Answers

How is the speed of a processor measured?

  • In gigahertz (GHz) (correct)
  • In terahertz (THz)
  • In megahertz (MHz)
  • In kilohertz (kHz)

    • What was one disadvantage of the first generation of computers?

  • Compact size
  • Manual programming in machine language (correct)
  • High durability due to solid-state components
  • High processing speed

    • What is the relationship between hertz and processing speed?

  • Higher hertz indicates slower processing
  • Higher hertz means faster instruction processing (correct)
  • Lower hertz results in more instructions processed
  • Hertz has no impact on processing speed

    • Which characteristic is associated with first generation computers?

    <p>Very large computers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What one of the following issues made first generation computers fragile?

    <p>Use of vacuum tubes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens as the number of hertz increases?

    <p>The speed of processing instructions increases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option describes the impact of higher hertz on instruction processing?

    <p>Allows faster execution of instructions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the performance of first generation computers compare to later generations?

    <p>They operated at much lower speeds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the Control Unit in a computer system?

    <p>To direct and coordinate operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unit of measurement is not used for processor speed?

    <p>Electrical units (V)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these was NOT a disadvantage of first generation computers?

    <p>Automatic programming capabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which unit is responsible for performing arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations?

    <p>Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of I/O modules in a computer system?

    <p>Move data between the computer and its external environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would happen if a computer system lacked a Control Unit?

    <p>It would have no way to coordinate its operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>Conducting data storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered part of the external environment for a computer system?

    <p>CPU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component ensures that the different parts of a computer system work together effectively?

    <p>Control Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples falls under secondary memory devices?

    <p>Disk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    I/O modules mainly interact with which of the following?

    <p>External devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does communications equipment play in relation to I/O modules?

    <p>It connects the computer to other networks and devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the operating system architecture?

    <p>To provide a platform for applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key component of interrupt handling in operating systems?

    <p>Interrupt vector table</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes system calls in an operating system?

    <p>They provide a communication mechanism for user applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main purposes of the operating system structure?

    <p>To manage concurrent processes and resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does an operating system handle multiple interrupt requests?

    <p>By utilizing an interrupt queuing mechanism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a microkernel architecture?

    <p>Only the most important services are included in the kernel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In microkernel architecture, where are the rest of the OS services found?

    <p>In the system application program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the kernel play in a microkernel operating system?

    <p>It provides only essential services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about microkernel architecture is accurate?

    <p>It minimizes the services within the kernel for efficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does placing services outside the kernel benefit a microkernel system?

    <p>It enhances modularity and maintainability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Operating Systems 1 - TECM 111

    • Course title: Operating Systems 1
    • Course code: TECM 111
    • This course is part of Cloud Academy

    Chapter 1: Introduction to Operating System

    • Chapter outline:
      • Introduction
      • Computer system: overview and organization
      • OS History, objectives, services and interfaces
      • Operating System Structure: Architecture, Interrupt handling, System Call
      • Conclusion

    II. Computer System: Overview

    • Computer: electronic device for storing, retrieving, and processing data
    • Composed of two main parts: hardware and software
    • Hardware: Physical components
    • Software: Set of programs to perform functions

    II. Computer System: Organization

    • Motherboard: Main circuit board, holds components (CPU, RAM) and connectors for other components
    • Processor (CPU): Controls computer operations and processes data
      • Speed measured in Gigahertz (GHz)
      • Higher hertz = faster processing
    • Control Unit: Directs and coordinates computer operations
    • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations
    • Memories: Stores data and programs
      • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory, data lost when computer is shut down
      • ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory, stores startup instructions
      • Cache Memory: High-speed memory, acts as a buffer between RAM and CPU
    • I/O Modules: Moves data between computer and external environment
      • Includes various devices like disks, communications equipment, and terminals
    • System Bus: Circuit paths for transmitting data and signals among computer components
      • Three main types: Data Bus, Address Bus, and Control Bus
    • Adapter Cards: Circuits allowing communication with peripherals (e.g., network card, video card)

    III. OS History, objectives, services and interfaces

    • 3.1 OS History: Computers and operation system evolution
      • First generation (1945-1955):
        • Computers were manual and relied heavily on physical components
        • No operating systems; programmers interacted directly with hardware
      • Second generation (1955-1965):
        • Improvements like Transistors
        • Less fragile and more efficient; batch operating systems, mainframes
      • Third generation (1965-1980):
        • Integrated circuits (ICs)
        • Introduction of Multiprogramming, leading to better resource utilization
        • Increased speed and efficiency
      • Fourth generation (1980-present):
        • Microprocessors: Faster processing, more reliable, and miniaturization
        • Sophisticated operating systems (MS-DOS, Macintosh, Windows, Linux)

    III. OS History, objectives, services and interfaces Continued

    • 3.2 Operating System: Objectives
      • The primary objective of an OS is to allow easy and efficient use of computer software and hardware
      • Achieve this by offering different services and a user interface

    III. OS History, objectives, services and interfaces Continued

    • 3.3 Operating System: Services
      • User/computer interface
      • Resource manager: Manages computer resources,
      • Program development: Facilitates the creation of programs (editors and debuggers)
      • Program execution: Manages execution of programs
      • Memory management: Manages memory allocation and utilization for programs
      • Access to I/O (Input/Output) devices: Enables programs to interact with various devices
      • Controlled access to files (File management): Manages files and directories
      • System access: Provides control and security to the system
      • Error detection and response
      • Accounting: Collecting usage statistics
      • Security: Protecting resources from unauthorized access via authentication

    III. OS History, objectives, services and interfaces Continued

    • 3.4 Operating System: Interfaces
      • User interface: Software layer enabling user interaction, includes command processor and visual components
      • Types of user interfaces:
        • Command-line interface
        • Graphical user interface (GUI)

    IV. Operating System Structure: Architecture, Interrupt handling, System Call

    • 4.1 Operating System Structure: Architecture
      • Monolithic operating system:
        • Simple structure, places all components (file management, memory management, etc.) directly within the kernel
      • Layered operating system:
        • Organizes components into layers, each layer communicating with layers above and below
      • Microkernel operating system:
        • Design where most components operate outside the kernel, with lower privilege level.
    • 4.2 Interrupt handling:
      • External signals notifying the CPU about events, e.g., I/O device needs attention
      • Used to stop current tasks and execute a relevant procedure in the OS
    • 4.3 System calls:
      • Programs instruct the operating system to perform operations on their behalf
      • Methods for requesting services from the operating system kernel.

    V. Conclusion

    • Overview of computer architecture and operating system importance
    • History of operating systems
    • Focus on hardware management in the next chapter

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    Chapter 1: Introduction to Operating Systems PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of computer architecture and the characteristics of various generations of computers. This quiz covers topics such as processor speed measurement, the functionalities of different computer units, and the advantages and disadvantages of early computing systems.

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