Computer Organization INT203

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Questions and Answers

Which advancement was introduced in second generation computers?

Exclusively vacuum tube technology

Use of low-level programming languages

Primitive system software

Complex arithmetic and logic units (correct)

What is one function of system software in second generation computers?

Performing hardware diagnostics

Loading programs (correct)

Only executing simple routines

Managing user interfaces exclusively

What role does a multiplexer play in a second generation computer system?

It simplifies programming language requirements

It increases the CPU's processing speed

It schedules access to memory from the CPU and data channels (correct)

It enhances the storage capacity of peripheral devices

Which peripheral device is NOT commonly associated with second generation computers?

Vacuum tube display (C) Signup and view all the answers

What programming approach became common during the second generation of computers?

High-level programming languages (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer is responsible for managing resources and orchestrating performance?

Control Unit (B) Signup and view all the answers

What function does cache memory primarily serve in a computer system?

Speed up memory access (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics best describes the second generation of computers?

Utilized transistors and were smaller (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT considered a component of a complete computer system?

Input Devices (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) in a CPU?

Execute mathematical and logical operations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is faster but smaller than main memory?

Cache Memory (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies a core in a multicore processor?

An individual processing unit on a processor chip (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer generations, what was the main technology used in the first generation of computers?

Vacuum Tubes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the program counter (PC) in a computer system?

To indicate the address of the next instruction to be fetched (B) Signup and view all the answers

How were the processing speeds of computers expected to change from the first to the sixth generation?

Increase dramatically from 40,000 to over 1,000,000,000 operations per second (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of multicore processors over single-core processors?

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer facilitates communication among the CPU, main memory, and I/O devices?

System Interconnection (A) Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes a multicore processor from a single-core processor?

Possession of multiple cores on the same chip (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes an accumulator in a computer system?

Holds operands and results of arithmetic operations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an operating system in a computer?

To allow interaction between applications and hardware (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant development in computer technology occurred in 1958?

Invention of the integrated circuit (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major consequence of Moore's Law as observed by Gordon Moore?

Doubling of transistors on chips approximately every two years (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which computer architecture is characterized as utilizing complex instruction set computers (CISCs)?

Intel x86 architecture (D) Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes the IBM System/360 announced in 1964?

It was incompatible with older IBM machines (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an embedded system?

A system dedicated to specific tasks within larger devices (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microprocessors was the first to contain all the components of a CPU on a single chip?

Intel 4004 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about microprocessors is true?

The density of elements on processor chips continues to rise. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of ULSI in the context of computer components?

Ultra Large Scale Integration (A) Signup and view all the answers

What defines application processors compared to dedicated processors?

Application processors can execute complex operating systems. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does not apply to embedded operating systems?

They are designed for general-purpose tasks. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processors was introduced as the first 8-bit microprocessor?

Intel 8008 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer architecture is known for being more efficient with fewer instructions?

RISC (A) Signup and view all the answers

One of the primary effects of the advancements in semiconductor technology is:

Development of smaller, more powerful computing devices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer System Components

A complete computer system consists of hardware, operating system, application programs, and end users.
Hardware includes the physical components of a computer.
The operating system allows interaction between software, applications, and hardware.
Application programs are specialized software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers.
End users are either human users or other computers.

Definition of a Computer

A computer is defined as a machine that computes, evolving from devices like the abacus.
It stores data in various forms and interacts with external devices such as monitors and printers.
Key functions include executing programs and data processing.

Basic Functions of a Computer

Data Processing: Involves various forms of data and broad processing requirements.
Data Storage: Includes both short-term and long-term storage solutions.
Data Movement: Involves input-output (I/O) operations and data communications over distances.
Control: The control unit manages resources and executes instructions.

Major Structural Components

CPU (Central Processing Unit): Controls operations and processes data.
Main Memory: Stores data temporarily.
I/O Components: Facilitate data transfer between the computer and external devices.
System Interconnection: Communicates between CPU, main memory, and I/O components.

CPU Structure

Control Unit: Manages CPU operations.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Conducts data processing.
Registers: Provide internal storage within the CPU.
CPU Interconnection: Allows communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers.

Multicore Computer Structure

CPU: Fetches and executes instructions, consisting of ALU, control unit, and registers.
Core: An individual processing unit, comparable to a single CPU.
Processor: Physical silicon component with multiple cores; termed multicore if more than one core is present.

Cache Memory

Memory layers between the processor and main memory to speed up access.
Cache is smaller and faster than main memory and holds frequently used data.
Utilizes multiple cache levels (L1, L2, L3) for performance improvement.

Motherboard Components

Contains CPU, main memory chips, and I/O chips.
Hosts processor chip that includes multiple cores and cache components.

History of Computers

First Generation (1946-1957): Featured vacuum tubes; key inventions include the IAS computer based on the stored program concept by John von Neumann.
Second Generation (1957-1964): Transitioned to transistors, providing smaller size, lower cost, and less heat compared to vacuum tubes; emergence of high-level programming languages.

Evolution of Generations

Speed and Technology through Generations:
- 1st: Vacuum tubes (40,000 ops/sec).
- 2nd: Transistors (200,000 ops/sec).
- 3rd: Small scale integration (1,000,000 ops/sec).
- 4th: Large scale integration (10,000,000 ops/sec).
- 5th: Very large scale integration (100,000,000 ops/sec).
- 6th: Ultra large scale integration (>1,000,000,000 ops/sec).

Significant Advancements

Introduction of complex arithmetic and logical units.
Development of system software for program loading, data movement, and common computations.
Peripheral device configurations such as the IBM 7094, demonstrating independent operation through multiplexors.### Integrated Circuits and Third Generation Computers
1958 marks the invention of the integrated circuit, revolutionizing computer design.
Discrete components included single transistors that were expensive and separately manufactured.
Key third-generation computers: IBM System/360 and PDP-8 (Programmed Data Processor).

Fundamental Computer Elements

Computers consist of gates, memory cells, and interconnections.
Memory cells store data while gates perform data processing and logical functions.
Data movement occurs through pathways connecting components, facilitating communication between memory and gates.

Growth of Transistor Count

Dramatic increase in the number of transistors on integrated circuits over time, exemplified by 39.5 billion transistors on AMD Epyc Rome in 2019.
Moore's Law observed by Gordon Moore in 1965 predicts the doubling of transistors on a chip approximately every 18 months.

IBM System/360

Announced in 1964, it was incompatible with previous IBM machines but established IBM as a leading vendor in computing.
The architecture remains foundational for IBM’s mainframe computers, emphasizing compatibility across models.

Microprocessor Development

Intel's 4004 (1971) was the first chip to integrate all CPU components onto a single chip, marking the birth of microprocessors.
Subsequent notable microprocessors include the 8008 (1972), the first 8-bit microprocessor, and the 8080 (1974), the first general-purpose microprocessor with advanced capabilities.

Evolution of Intel Microprocessors

1970s: Key models included 4004, 8008, and 8080, each progressing in clock speed, bus width, and transistor count.
1980s: Introduction of the 80286, 386, and 486 processors, showcasing increased transistor density and processing power.
1990s: Pentium series introduced with significant advancements in clock speed, memory capacity, and features.

x86 and ARM Architectures

Intel x86 architecture exemplifies complex instruction set computers (CISCs), with decades of design evolution.
ARM architecture, based on reduced instruction set computer (RISC) principles, excels in embedded systems and is widely recognized for efficiency and low power consumption.

Embedded Systems

Billions of embedded systems are produced annually, integrating computing within larger devices.
Real-time constraints enforce timing stipulations for functional operations in many embedded devices.

Embedded Operating Systems

Two approaches for developing embedded operating systems: adapting existing OS or creating a bespoke OS for specific tasks.
Application processors are versatile and capable of running multiple applications, while dedicated processors are optimized for specific tasks.

Designing for Performance

Dramatic reductions in cost are coupled with increases in performance and capacity of computing systems.
Modern laptops often possess computing power rivaling that of earlier mainframe systems.
Common high-performance applications include image processing, 3D rendering, and simulation modeling.
Growing reliance on powerful servers facilitates transaction processing and supports extensive client/server networks, alongside cloud service providers using high-performance servers for demanding applications.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer organization, focusing on the evolution and performance aspects of computer systems. It explores the key components that make up a complete computer system, including hardware, operating systems, and application programs.