Computer Organization Basics

Computer Organization

• Computer organization describes how computer components are interconnected to work together and execute programs.

Introduction to Computer

• A computer is an electronic device that operates under program control stored in its memory unit.
• A computer processes raw data to produce information as output.
• A computer program is a set of instructions written in computer language to perform a specific task.

Data

• Data is a collection of raw facts, figures, or instructions that typically lack much meaning to the user.
• Digital data is discrete, represented by numbers, alphabets or symbols & is processed by counting.
• Analog data is continuous, represented physically to be processed by measurement.

Computer Characteristics

• Speed: Computers process data rapidly, performing millions of calculations per second.
• Diligence: Continuous operation ensures high performance and reliability.
• Reliability: Consistent results are produced with unchanged input.
• Automation: Computers handle tasks typically requiring a workforce efficiently.
• Versatility: Computers can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Memory: Computers store vast amounts of data in primary and secondary memory.
• Accuracy: Errors in computation are minimal, mainly attributed to incorrect user input.

Computer Software

• Computer software is a collection of programs and related data that provide instructions to the computer on what to do and how to do it.
• System software manages the computer's hardware and application programs (e.g., operating system).
• Application software performs specific tasks (e.g., word processing or internet browsing).

Evolution of Computers

• Early mechanical devices include the abacus (ca. 2700-2300 BCE) and the Antikythera Mechanism (late 2nd/early 1st century BCE).
• Early mechanical calculators (1600s-1800s) include the Pascaline and Leibniz's Stepped Reckoner.
• The Analytical Engine (1830s) was a mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage.
• Electromechanical computers (1930s-1940s) include the Z3 and Harvard Mark I.
• Colossus (1943–1945) was a programmable, digital electronic computer developed by the British to break German ciphers during WWII.

Generations of Computers

• First Generation (1942-1954): Vacuum tube-based computers, such as ENIAC and EDVAC, were large and used for specific, demanding tasks.
• Second Generation (1950s-early 1960s): Transistor-based computers were smaller, faster, less costly and more power efficient.
• Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated circuit (IC)-based computers, further reduced size and increased speed and efficiency.
• Fourth Generation (1970s-present): Microprocessor-based computers led to the personal computer (PC) revolution.
• Fifth Generation (2000s-present and beyond): Modern computers incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced functionalities.

Classification of Computers

• Computers can be classified based on size, functionality, and data handling.
• Size Classification: Includes supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers.
• Functionality Classification: Includes servers, workstations, information appliances, and embedded systems.
• Data Classification: Includes analog, digital, and hybrid computers.

Basic Organization of Computers

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The central processing unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations and controlling other hardware components.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs the arithmetic and logical operations.
• Control Unit (CU): The CU directs the overall operation of the computer by controlling the flow of instructions, memory, logic units, and input/output devices.
• Memory: Stores program instructions, data. This includes primary and secondary memory.
• Input/Output (I/O) devices: Input devices allow users to enter data and instructions into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse). Output devices display results or information to the user (e.g., monitor, printer).

Input Devices

• Input devices allow users to feed data or instructions into a computer system.
• Examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, bar code readers, joysticks, touchpanels, touchpads, OCR, trackballs, and MICR.

Output Devices

• Output devices display, print, or produce results of processed data.
• Examples: Monitors, printers, speakers, headphones, projectors.

Computer Memory

• The smallest unit of memory is a bit (0 or 1).
• A byte is 8 bits; it represents a single character (letter, number or symbol).
• Memory units of a computer include kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB).
• Primary Memory (RAM): This is volatile memory for active data use. It loses data when the power is off.
• Cache Memory: Fast memory that stores data regularly used, increasing processing speed.
• Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Data Storage): Non-volatile long-term storage for data.
• Tertiary Memory: Backup, archival storage.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory stores permanent firmware and instructions.

This quiz covers fundamental concepts of computer organization. It explores the relationship between hardware and software, the nature of data and information, and the importance of computer organization for programmers. It also touches on data processing and characteristics of computers.