Computer Organization vs Architecture

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Questions and Answers

What does computer organization primarily refer to?

The structure and behavior of computer systems

The logical aspect of system implementation

How features are implemented and controlled (correct)

The instruction set and data types

Which of the following is a focus of computer architecture?

Interfaces between computer and peripherals

Memory technology and types

Control signals

The number of bits used and instruction set (correct)

How does the computer family concept relate to different models from the same manufacturer?

They focus solely on memory technologies

They have different architectures but similar organizations

They share the same architecture while differing in organizational aspects (correct)

They are designed to be incompatible with existing software

In the context of computer systems, what is meant by 'structure'?

The way components interrelate within the system Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the concept of computer organization?

Memory addressing techniques and I/O mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Control Unit within the CPU?

To manage data flow between the CPU and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for performing calculations within the CPU?

ALU Signup and view all the answers

What connects the I/O devices to the CPU and main memory?

System Bus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the internal structure of the CPU?

Main Memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of registers within the CPU?

To store intermediate data temporarily Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the CPU is responsible for sequencing logic?

Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

In a computer, what is the function of the external bus?

To link input and output devices to the CPU Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the computer system handles the execution of instructions?

ALU Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Control operations and perform data processing functions Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations within the CPU?

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of a computer?

Data retrieval from the internet Signup and view all the answers

What are the control signals necessary for during program execution?

Unique instructions for each operation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the interconnection mechanism in a computer system?

It facilitates communication between the CPU, main memory, and I/O devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of registers within the CPU?

Temporary storage for immediate data use Signup and view all the answers

In the context of computer functions, what does data movement entail?

Moving data between the computer and external environments Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a program in computational terms?

A sequence of steps where each step executes a computer function Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hardwired control in computer systems?

It is built into the computer hardware. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of the Computer Level Hierarchy is most familiar to users?

User Level Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the System Software Level in the Computer Level Hierarchy?

To control executing processes and protect system resources. Signup and view all the answers

How do Level 2 (Machine Level) instructions function in terms of programming?

They do not need compilers, interpreters, or assemblers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'divide and conquer' approach refer to in complex programming?

Breaking down large problems into smaller, manageable modules. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Control Level within the Computer Level Hierarchy primarily handle?

Decoding and executing instructions while moving data. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach typically provides higher speed but less flexibility in computer control?

Hardwired control Signup and view all the answers

What role do virtual machine layers play in complex computer systems?

They are abstractions that execute specific instructions from lower layers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a microprocessor in a computer system?

To execute program instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RAM is known for faster access compared to standard RAM?

Cache memory Signup and view all the answers

What does an increased rotational speed of a hard disk generally affect?

The speed at which it can deliver data to RAM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the main advantage of a dedicated I/O bus like PCI?

It allows for multiple device connections Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the difference between serial and parallel ports?

Serial ports send data in a series of pulses along fewer data lines. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dot pitch' refer to in computer monitors?

The space between pixels on the screen Signup and view all the answers

What capacity does a standard CD typically hold?

700MB Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about Level 1 (L1) cache compared to Level 2 (L2) cache?

L1 cache is smaller and usually faster than L2 cache. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Organization vs Computer Architecture

Computer organization: How features are implemented, the physical aspect of a computer system
Computer architecture: Focuses on the structure and behaviour of computer systems, the logical aspect of system implementation

Computer Family

Computer manufacturers offer families of computers - same basic architecture, but with differences in organization
Intel x86 family share the same basic architecture
IBM System/370 architecture was first introduced in 1970 and included a number of models that share the same basic architecture. The architecture has survived to this day as the architecture of IBM's mainframe product line.
The newer models retained the same architecture so that the customer's software investment was protected (code compatibility)

Computer Structure

Computers are complex systems with a hierarchical system of interrelated subsystems with different levels.
Each level has a structure (how components are interrelated) and a function (how each component operates as part of the system)
Computer systems are made up of 4 main structural components:
- Central processing unit (CPU)
- Main memory
- I/O
- System interconnection

CPU Structure

Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): Performs the computer's data processing functions
Control unit: Controls CPU operations
Registers: Provides storage internal to the CPU
Interconnection: Mechanism for communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers

Function

There are four main functions of the computer:
- Data processing
- Data storage
- Data movement
- Control

Program

A program is a sequence of steps, each step executes a computer function
A unique code is provided for each step, for example, ADD, MOVE
Hardware interprets the code and issues the control signals

Program Execution

There are two approaches to program execution: hardwired and software
Hardwired: Control signals are built into the computer's hardware, provides high speeds but is inflexible to change
Software: Uses instruction codes and an interpreter, less speed but is easily reprogrammable

Computer Level Hierarchy

There are 6 levels in the computer level hierarchy:
- User Level
- High-Level Language Level
- Assembly Language Level
- System Software Level
- Machine Level
- Control Level
Each virtual machine layer is an abstraction of the level below it.
The machines at each level execute their own instructions, calling upon machines at lower levels to perform tasks as required.
Computer circuits ultimately carry out the work.

Example System

Microprocessor: The "brain" of the system, executes program instructions.
System bus: Moves data within the computer.
Main memory: Stores data and instructions.
Cache: A type of temporary memory that can be accessed faster than RAM.
- L1 cache is the smallest and fastest, L2 cache is larger and slightly slower.
Hard disk: Stores data and programs.
CD drive: Stores data on CD-ROMs and CD-RWs.
Ports: Allow movement of data between the system and external devices.
USB (Universal Serial Bus): An intelligent serial interface that is self-configuring, allows for "plug and play".
PCI (Peripheral Component Interface): Dedicated I/O bus that augments the system bus.
Monitor: Displays information on the screen.
- Has a refresh rate and dot pitch.

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Description

This quiz explores the key differences between computer organization and computer architecture. It delves into the physical aspects of computer systems versus the logical structures and behaviors. Additionally, it covers discussions on computer families and their related architectures, showcasing examples like Intel x86 and IBM System/370.