Computer Architecture

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Define computer organization.

Computer organization is concerned with the way the hardware components operate and how they are connected together to form a computer system.

What does computer organization include?

Computer organization includes hardware details transparent to the programmer, such as control signals and peripherals.

What does computer architecture focus on?

Computer architecture is concerned with the structure and behavior of a computer system as seen by the user.

What does computer architecture include?

Computer architecture includes information, formats, instruction sets, and techniques for addressing memory. Signup and view all the answers

What does computer architecture deal with?

Computer architecture deals with giving operational attributes of the computer or processor, such as physical memory and ISA (Instruction Set Architecture). Signup and view all the answers

What is a stored-program computer and how does it differ from other systems?

A stored-program computer is a computer that stores program instructions in electronically or optically accessible memory, whereas other systems stored program instructions with plugboards or similar mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the architectural characteristics of stored-program computers?

Stored-program computers can have either a von Neumann architecture, where program and data are stored in the same memory, or a Harvard architecture, where program and data have separate memories. Signup and view all the answers

Is the term 'stored-program computer' always used interchangeably with the von Neumann architecture?

No, the term 'stored-program computer' is sometimes used as a synonym for the von Neumann architecture, but it is historically inappropriate to do so. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jack Copeland believe it is historically inappropriate to refer to electronic stored-program digital computers as 'von Neumann machines'?

According to Jack Copeland, it is historically inappropriate because it overlooks the contributions of other early computer designs, such as the Harvard machines. Signup and view all the answers

What do Hennessy and Patterson say about the early Harvard machines?

Hennessy and Patterson acknowledge the early Harvard machines as examples of stored-program computers with a different architectural design than the von Neumann machines. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying