Computer Architecture Quiz

Introduction to Computing Sciences (COS 101)

• Course covers basic notions in computer science and computing
• Topics include the development of computers and computing; characteristics of computer systems; organization of a computer system; Von Neumann architecture; history of the internet; and basic software applications
• Designed for learners with little to no computer experience
• Module has no prerequisites
• Students must submit completed lab manuals weekly
• Course materials include Google, YouTube, and free online AI educational platforms

Course Overview

• Introduces learners to basic notions in computer science and computing
• Covers topics such as the development of the history of computers and computing
• Characteristics of computer systems
• Organization of a computer system
• Von Neumann architecture
• History of the internet
• Basic software applications

Unit 0: Module Content

• Definition of a computer
• Data and information
• Methods of data representation
• Data processing

What is a Computer?

• An electronic device designed for storing and processing data, typically in binary form
• Capable of:
  • Taking input data through input units (e.g., keyboard)
  • Storing the input data in mediums (e.g., diskette, hard disk)
  • Processing the data in a central processing unit (CPU)
  • Giving the result (output) on a screen or Visual Display Unit (VDU)

Computer Capabilities

• Input: Data or information received from various sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse, images)
• Output: Processed information presented to the user (e.g., screen display, printed paper, speakers)
• Processing: Manipulation and transformation of data into meaningful information (executed by the CPU)
• Storage: Saving and retaining data for future use (e.g., primary storage - RAM, secondary storage - hard drives)

Data and Information

• Data: Raw facts, figures, or symbols (e.g., numbers, text, images) lacking context or significance
• Information: Processed, structured, or presented data to be meaningful and useful (e.g., net pay, examination results)

Methods of Data Representation

• Common methods: text, numbers, images, and sounds
• Text Representation: Letters, numbers, and characters displayed or stored
• Other representations include numerical, image, sound, and video data

Data Processing

• Manipulation and transformation of data to provide meaningful information
• Steps to collect, organize, analyze, and present data
• Procedures for data processing include:
  • Data collection
  • Data entry and validation
  • Data storage
  • Data cleaning
  • Data analysis
  • Data presentation
  • Decision making

Unit 1: Module Content

• Characteristics of a computer
• Applications of computers
• Computer science disciplines
• Intersection with other disciplines

Characteristics of a Computer

• Processing power (CPU): High-speed processing
• Storage capacity: Vast amounts of data storage
• Accuracy: High degree of accuracy and consistency
• Versatility: Can perform various tasks
• Automation: Automates tasks
• Speed: Fast processing speed
• Multitasking: Ability to run multiple applications simultaneously
• Connectivity: Connected to networks and the internet
• Memory: Both primary (RAM) and secondary (storage) memory
• User interaction: Variety of input/output options
• Scalability: Upgradable to meet changing needs
• Software compatibility: Runs on updatable software
• Digital processing: Works with digital data
• Security: Measures to protect data

Unit 2: Module Content

• Historical development of the computer system
• Generations of computers

Historical Development of the Computer System

• Early counting methods (e.g., fingers, pebbles)
• Development of mechanical and electronic tools for calculations
• The word "computer" originally referred to human calculators

Computer Generations

• First Generation (1940s-1950s): Vacuum tubes, large, slow, and high power consumption
• Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Transistors, making computers smaller, faster, more reliable. Examples include IBM 1401 and UNIVAC 1107
• Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated Circuits (ICs). Examples include IBM System/360
• Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s): Microprocessors. Personal Computers (PCs) with examples such as the Apple II and IBM PC.
• Fifth Generation (1980s-Present): Parallel processing, artificial intelligence, and expert systems. Advancement of graphical user interfaces(GUIs) and the World Wide Web

Unit 3: Module Content

• Computer Operations
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The Storage

Functional Units of a Computer

• Parts of the computer that work together to execute instructions:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Memory Unit
  • Input Unit
  • Output Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Core component responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations
• Consists of Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
• CU manages instruction execution and data flow
• ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations

Memory Unit

• Includes both primary (RAM) and secondary memory (e.g., hard drives, SSDs)
• RAM provides temporary storage for currently used data and instructions
• Secondary memory stores data and programs for long-term use

Input Unit

• Collects data from external sources or user input
• Input devices include keyboards, mice, and touchscreens

Output Unit

• Delivers results to the user or external devices
• Output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers

Unit 4: Module Content

• Classifications of computers
• Computer hardware and software
• Programming languages
• Types of computers:
  • Analog
  • Digital
  • Hybrid

Types of Computers

• Analog Computers: Designed for processing continuous data (e.g., voltage, pressure)
• Digital Computers: Based on the binary number system, handling precise data processing.
• Hybrid Computers: Combine both analog and digital features for optimizing processing in specific tasks

Classification Based on Purpose

• Special-purpose computers: Excel at specific tasks, lacking adaptability
• General-purpose computers: Versatile, handle a wide range of tasks

Computer Hardware and Software

• Hardware: Physical components of a computer system
• Software: Programs that direct the computer on what to do

Unit 5: Module Content

• The Motherboard
• Computer Data Representation Schemes

Computer Motherboard

• Serves as a platform to connect all computer components
• Connects CPU, memory, storage devices, video cards, etc.

Motherboard Components

• Clock Generator: Controls the speed of components
• CPU Socket: Houses the processor
• Memory Socket: For RAM
• ROM BIOS: Startup instructions
• Chipset: Provides support for input/output devices
• Expansion Slots: For adding additional functions (e.g., sound card)

Unit 6: Module Content

• Computer Number System
• Binary, Octal, Decimal, and Hexadecimal Number Systems

Number Systems

• Binary: Uses only 0s and 1s (base-2)
• Octal: Uses digits 0-7 (base-8)
• Decimal: Uses digits 0-9 (base-10)
• Hexadecimal: Uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F (base-16)

Unit 7: Module Content

• File Processing
• Algorithms
• Flowcharts

File Processing

• Files are containers for information (e.g., text, images)
• Operations on Files:
  • Creating a file
  • Opening a file
  • Closing a file
  • Writing to a file
  • Reading from a file
  • Repositioning a file
  • Truncating a file
  • Deleting a file
  • Renaming a file
  • Appending

Algorithms

• Step-by-step procedures for solving specific problems
• Composed of well-defined instructions

Flowcharts

• Graphical representations of algorithms
• Symbols and arrows to depict actions and decision points
• Useful for analyzing processes clearly and understandably
  • Example: Flowchart from an algorithm to add two numbers

Unit 8: Module Content

• The Internet

The Internet

• Worldwide collection of networks for businesses, government offices, etc
• Communication over the internet occurs through servers (computers that manage network resources), and clients (computers accessing the servers' resources)
• Data travels, through communications lines, each device having a unique numeric address (IP address) or its text version (domain name)
• Internet is a global network of computers

Ways to Access the Internet

• Services from Internet providers (ISP): Temporary access
• Online service providers (OSP): Providing extra content and services

Identifying a URL

• Uniform Resource Locator (URL): Unique Address of a web page (example: https://www.example.com)
• Includes the protocol (e.g., http), domain name (e.g., www.example.com), and sometimes the path to a specific page on the website

Advantages of the Internet

• Access to Information, Online Learning, Convenience
• Communication, Entertainment, Business Opportunities, Research and Collaboration, and Access to Services

Disadvantages of the Internet

• Cybersecurity Risks, Information Overload, Online Harassment and Bullying
• Digital Divide, Privacy Concerns, Addiction, Spread of False Information