Computer Programming Basics Chapter 1
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary restriction regarding the use of ARM-based models according to the provided material?

ARM-based models must not be used, reproduced, or distributed for commercial purposes.

What copyright notice is associated with the materials provided by ARM Limited?

The materials are copyright © ARM Limited (or its affiliates).

What kind of information can be accessed through the publisher's website mentioned in the material?

Information on all Morgan Kaufmann publications can be accessed.

Who is the senior acquisitions editor for the publication as mentioned?

<p>Stephen R. Merken is the senior acquisitions editor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary audience is intended for the content provided in the materials?

<p>The content is intended for educational purposes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the British Library cataloging data indicate about the publication?

<p>A catalogue record for the book is available from the British Library.</p> Signup and view all the answers

To whom is the book dedicated as mentioned in the text?

<p>The book is dedicated to Linda, the author's love.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a compiler in computer programming?

<p>A compiler translates high-level language statements into assembly language instructions that hardware can execute.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two symbols make up the computer's alphabet, and what are they called?

<p>The two symbols are 0 and 1, and they are called binary digits or bits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was it initially challenging for programmers to communicate with computers?

<p>Programmers initially communicated in binary numbers, which was tedious and time-consuming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are instructions in the context of computer hardware?

<p>Instructions are commands represented as collections of bits that the computer understands and obeys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using binary numbers for both instructions and data in computing?

<p>Using binary numbers for both instructions and data simplifies the computing process and forms a foundational concept of computing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three dissimilar classes of computing applications mentioned?

<p>Personal computers (PCs), servers, and supercomputers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of personal computers?

<p>Delivering good performance to single users at low costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do servers differ from personal computers?

<p>Servers handle larger workloads and are accessed via a network.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of applications do servers typically run?

<p>Single complex applications or many small jobs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics of supercomputers.

<p>Supercomputers are designed for the highest performance and handle extremely complex computations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology do servers utilize?

<p>Servers are built from the same basic technology as desktop computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did personal computers play in the evolution of computing technologies?

<p>PCs drove the evolution of many computing technologies over the past 40 years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the design requirements of different computing applications based on?

<p>Distinct performance needs and user access patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are servers typically more expensive than personal computers?

<p>Servers provide higher computing, storage, and input/output capacities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary design focus for processors in embedded systems?

<p>The primary design focus is on handling specific functions efficiently while minimizing cost and power consumption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do embedded computers often have lower tolerance for failure compared to general-purpose computers?

<p>Embedded computers often have lower tolerance for failure because their malfunction can lead to severe consequences, such as crashes in critical systems like aircraft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is dependability achieved in consumer-oriented embedded applications?

<p>Dependability is achieved primarily through simplicity, focusing on executing one function as perfectly as possible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique from server systems is often utilized in large embedded systems to enhance reliability?

<p>Techniques of redundancy are often employed to enhance reliability in large embedded systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'processor cores' in the context of embedded processors?

<p>Processor cores refer to a version of a processor written in a hardware description language that allows integration with application-specific hardware on a single chip.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which era of technology are we currently living, according to the context?

<p>We are currently in the Post-PC Era.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of elaborations in the context of embedded system design discussions?

<p>Elaborations provide additional detail on specific topics of interest that can be skipped by disinterested readers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a music player processor not require high-speed performance?

<p>A music player processor only needs to be fast enough to handle its limited function effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can technological advancements have on the information technology industry?

<p>Technological advancements can lead to generational changes that disrupt and transform the information technology industry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does hardware description language play in embedded processor design?

<p>Hardware description languages like Verilog or VHDL are used to create the processor cores that integrate with application-specific hardware.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a multicore microprocessor?

<p>A multicore microprocessor is a microprocessor that contains multiple processors, or 'cores', integrated into a single circuit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do integrated circuits play in computing?

<p>Integrated circuits are fundamental to modern computing as they encapsulate multiple electronic components in a small package.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding computer terminology important?

<p>Understanding computer terminology is important as it allows for precise communication about functions and capabilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of acronyms used in computer design?

<p>Examples include BIOS, CPU, DIMM, DRAM, PCIe, and SATA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the shift to multicore microprocessors impacted programming performance?

<p>The shift to multicore microprocessors has allowed for improved program performance through parallelism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of evaluating performance and energy in modern computing?

<p>Evaluating performance and energy is crucial for optimizing software and hardware configurations for specific applications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges might one face without understanding modern computer features?

<p>One might face difficulties in improving program performance and distinguishing the best hardware for specific applications.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the first commercial computer introduced?

<p>The first commercial computer was introduced in 1951.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using highlighted definitions in technical texts?

<p>Highlighted definitions help readers easily locate and understand technical terms as they appear.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential benefit do computer designers gain by using acronyms?

<p>Computer designers can communicate complex ideas more succinctly, facilitating easier understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

ARM Technology Restriction

ARM technology used for educational purposes only, not for commercial use.

Translating a Program

The process of transforming a program's instructions into a form the computer can execute.

Cache Memory

A type of memory that provides a fast, temporary storage area for frequently used data.

Cluster

A collection of computers connected together, providing a combined computational power.

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Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A specialized hardware unit, typically found in graphics cards, designed for parallel computation.

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Shared Memory Multiprocessor

A type of computer architecture where multiple processors share the same memory.

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Computer Performance

A measure of how quickly a computer completes a task.

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Personal Computer (PC)

A category of computers designed for individual use, typically featuring a graphical display, keyboard, and mouse. PCs prioritize performance for single users at an affordable cost and often run third-party software.

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Server

Computers designed for running larger programs for multiple users, often simultaneously. Servers are typically accessed via a network and handle substantial workloads.

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Supercomputer

Computers with the highest performance and cost, designed for complex scientific and engineering applications. They are configured as servers and are typically accessed via a network by researchers.

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Hardware

The set of components that constitute a computer, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, hard drive, and input/output devices.

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Software

Instructions and data that a computer uses to perform specific tasks.

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Third-party software

Programs designed to be used by multiple users or organizations, often for specific tasks.

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Software customization

The modification or customization of existing software for a particular purpose.

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Network

A set of interconnected computers that can share resources and communicate with each other.

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Computing technology evolution

The development of new computing technologies, such as processors, memory, and storage.

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Embedded Computer

A specialized processor designed to perform a specific task in a device, often with a focus on cost and power efficiency.

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Processor Core

A specific version of a processor's core, written in a hardware description language (like Verilog or VHDL), allowing it to be integrated with other hardware components on a single chip.

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Redundancy

A method to improve reliability by using multiple components to perform the same function, ensuring that even if one fails, the system continues working.

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Simplicity in Embedded Systems

Focusing on achieving a single function with high accuracy and dependability, typically found in consumer-oriented embedded devices.

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Post-PC Era

A term that describes the shift in computing from traditional desktop computers to more specialized and ubiquitous devices.

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What does a compiler do?

A program that translates instructions written in a high-level language into assembly language, which the computer can understand.

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What is an instruction?

A collection of bits, or binary digits (0 or 1), that represent instructions for the computer to follow.

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What is a bit?

A binary digit, representing a 0 or 1, which makes up the basic building blocks of computer information.

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What is the process of translating a high-level language program to hardware instructions?

The process of converting instructions written in a high-level language into the binary code (0s and 1s) that the computer understands.

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Why do we use numbers for instructions and data in computers?

The use of binary numbers (0s and 1s) to represent instructions and data within a computer system.

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Multicore Microprocessor

A single integrated circuit containing multiple processors (cores).

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Acronym

A word constructed by taking the initial letters of a string of words. For example, RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

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Performance

A key aspect of performance in computing, encompassing how quickly a task is completed.

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Core

The fundamental unit of computation within a CPU.

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Computer Architecture

The process of understanding and analyzing how hardware and software work together to achieve performance.

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Program Execution

A computer's ability to execute a program's instructions.

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