Computer Architecture Concepts

Redundancy

• Redundancy is having multiple copies of the same object.
• This ensures system reliability and data integrity.
• Data is always accessible when needed.

Kernel

• The kernel is the core of an operating system.
• It's the main interface between hardware and operating system processes.
• Kernel responsibilities include: memory management, process management, interrupt handling, and device management.

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

• NAS is storage connected to a network.
• Enables users to share files across the network.

Von Neumann Architecture

• Uses the same memory system for data and instructions.
• Cheaper and simpler.
• Bottlenecks speed and efficiency due to only accessing one at a time.

Harvard Architecture

• Uses separate memory for data and instructions.
• Faster and more efficient as both can be accessed simultaneously.
• More expensive.

Clock Speed

• Measures CPU instructions per second.

CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer)

• Uses a large set of complex instructions performing multiple operations.

RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)

• Uses a small, highly optimized set of instructions executed in a single clock cycle.

Application Software

• Runs on the computer within the operating system.
• Helps users perform tasks (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets).

Data Transmission Layers

• Application Layer: Allows access to network resources.
• Transport Layer: Provides reliable process-to-process message delivery and error handling.
• Internet Layer: Moves packets from source to destination.
• Network Interface Layer: Transmits data between devices on the same network.

Utility Software

• Maintains system health and security.
• Examples: antivirus, compression, disk cleanup, defragmentation, backup utilities.

Emulation

• Mimics one computer system on another.

Interrupts

• Pauses processing to execute a more critical task.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

• Serial data transmission.
• High speed and compatibility.
• Can provide power.
• Multiple devices share the same channel.

Ethernet

• Creates computer networks.
• Reliable and high speed.
• Excellent range (over 100 meters).
• Limits mobility (physical connection required).
• Devices need network interface cards (NICs).

Error Detection Methods

Parity Checking

• Checks the number of ones in a binary set.
• Parity bit maintains an even or odd number of ones.

Checksum

• Calculates a number from all transmitted data.
• Recalculates number at the receiving end.
• Mismatch requests data retransmission.

Repetition Scheme

• Sends data multiple times.
• Takes the average of results to determine actual data.
• Effective for noisy connections.

CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)

• Similar to checksums.
• Creates a unique number (CRC).
• Virtually impossible for malicious alterations to go undetected.
• Divides the checksum by a chosen number for the remainder.

Communication Protocols

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

• Internet standard for data exchange.
• Ensures reliable delivery between devices.
• Breaks data into packets and ensures order.
• Establishes connections.

IP (Internetwork Protocol)

• Defines data routing and addressing across networks.
• Uses IP addresses for source and destination.
• Prioritizes routes and certain types of data (e.g., voice).

UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

• Prioritizes speed over reliability for time-sensitive applications (e.g., gaming, video streaming).
• No connection establishment.

Text/Image Representation

ASCII

• Uses 7 bits per character.

Unicode

• Uses variable bits per character.

Bitmap

• Uses pixels with assigned colors.

Vector

• Does not use pixels; can scale without loss of quality.

Data Transmission Modes

Simplex

• One-way communication.

Half Duplex

• Two-way communication, but not simultaneous.

Full Duplex

• Two-way simultaneous communication.

Synchronous

• Uses signals based on an internal clock.
• Generally faster but sensitive to timing errors.

Asynchronous

• Data in packets with start/stop signals.
• Less susceptible to errors.

Parallel Transmission

• Several bits sent simultaneously.
• Requires extensive cabling and synchronization.

Serial Transmission

• One bit sent at a time.
• Less cabling, suitable for longer distances, complex, but theoretically slower.

Data Types

• Character: ASCII/Unicode text
• Integer: Whole number (e.g., 1)
• Float: Fractional number (e.g., 1.45)
• Boolean/Binary: True or False

Registers

• Accumulator: Stores data from memory.
• MAR (Memory Address Register): Stores memory address for data/instructions.
• MBR (Memory Buffer Register): Stores instructions/data to/from memory.
• PC (Program Counter): Holds address of the next instruction to execute.
• IR (Instruction Register): Fetches the next instruction to process.

This quiz covers essential topics in computer architecture, including redundancy, kernel functions, and different types of storage like NAS. Additionally, it delves into architectures such as Von Neumann and Harvard, along with clock speed and instruction sets. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in computing.