Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does computer organization primarily refer to?
What does computer organization primarily refer to?
Which of the following is a focus of computer architecture?
Which of the following is a focus of computer architecture?
How does the computer family concept relate to different models from the same manufacturer?
How does the computer family concept relate to different models from the same manufacturer?
In the context of computer systems, what is meant by 'structure'?
In the context of computer systems, what is meant by 'structure'?
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What is included in the concept of computer organization?
What is included in the concept of computer organization?
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What is the primary role of the Control Unit within the CPU?
What is the primary role of the Control Unit within the CPU?
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Which component is responsible for performing calculations within the CPU?
Which component is responsible for performing calculations within the CPU?
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What connects the I/O devices to the CPU and main memory?
What connects the I/O devices to the CPU and main memory?
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Which of the following is NOT a part of the internal structure of the CPU?
Which of the following is NOT a part of the internal structure of the CPU?
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What is the main function of registers within the CPU?
What is the main function of registers within the CPU?
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Which part of the CPU is responsible for sequencing logic?
Which part of the CPU is responsible for sequencing logic?
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In a computer, what is the function of the external bus?
In a computer, what is the function of the external bus?
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Which part of the computer system handles the execution of instructions?
Which part of the computer system handles the execution of instructions?
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What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
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Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations within the CPU?
Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations within the CPU?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of a computer?
Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of a computer?
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What are the control signals necessary for during program execution?
What are the control signals necessary for during program execution?
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Which of the following best describes the interconnection mechanism in a computer system?
Which of the following best describes the interconnection mechanism in a computer system?
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What is the role of registers within the CPU?
What is the role of registers within the CPU?
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In the context of computer functions, what does data movement entail?
In the context of computer functions, what does data movement entail?
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What characterizes a program in computational terms?
What characterizes a program in computational terms?
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What is a characteristic of hardwired control in computer systems?
What is a characteristic of hardwired control in computer systems?
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Which level of the Computer Level Hierarchy is most familiar to users?
Which level of the Computer Level Hierarchy is most familiar to users?
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What is the primary purpose of the System Software Level in the Computer Level Hierarchy?
What is the primary purpose of the System Software Level in the Computer Level Hierarchy?
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How do Level 2 (Machine Level) instructions function in terms of programming?
How do Level 2 (Machine Level) instructions function in terms of programming?
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What does the 'divide and conquer' approach refer to in complex programming?
What does the 'divide and conquer' approach refer to in complex programming?
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What does the Control Level within the Computer Level Hierarchy primarily handle?
What does the Control Level within the Computer Level Hierarchy primarily handle?
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Which approach typically provides higher speed but less flexibility in computer control?
Which approach typically provides higher speed but less flexibility in computer control?
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What role do virtual machine layers play in complex computer systems?
What role do virtual machine layers play in complex computer systems?
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What is the primary function of a microprocessor in a computer system?
What is the primary function of a microprocessor in a computer system?
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Which type of RAM is known for faster access compared to standard RAM?
Which type of RAM is known for faster access compared to standard RAM?
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What does an increased rotational speed of a hard disk generally affect?
What does an increased rotational speed of a hard disk generally affect?
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Which of the following describes the main advantage of a dedicated I/O bus like PCI?
Which of the following describes the main advantage of a dedicated I/O bus like PCI?
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Which statement accurately describes the difference between serial and parallel ports?
Which statement accurately describes the difference between serial and parallel ports?
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What does the term 'dot pitch' refer to in computer monitors?
What does the term 'dot pitch' refer to in computer monitors?
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What capacity does a standard CD typically hold?
What capacity does a standard CD typically hold?
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Which characteristic is true about Level 1 (L1) cache compared to Level 2 (L2) cache?
Which characteristic is true about Level 1 (L1) cache compared to Level 2 (L2) cache?
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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.