Computer Systems: Hardware and Software

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A computer system is an interconnected combination of ______ and software components.

hardware

Examples of computer storage devices include Hard Disk Drives and ______ State Drives.

Solid

An example of computer application software is ______ Processors.

Word

We can divide a Computer system into the three main parts: Input, Process, and ______.

<p>Output</p>
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Gathering data or instructions describes the ______ function of a computer system.

<p>Input</p>
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Presenting processed data or results describes the ______ function of a computer system.

<p>Output</p>
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Desktops, laptops, and tablets are all examples of ______ Computers designed for individual use.

<p>Personal</p>
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Computers designed to provide services or resources to other computers on a network are called ______.

<p>Servers</p>
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[Blank] are powerful computers used by large organizations for critical applications and massive data processing.

<p>Mainframes</p>
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Specialized computers built into other devices, like smartphones and cars, are known as ______ Systems.

<p>Embedded</p>
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The ______ Processing Cycle is a series of steps that computers use to process data and produce meaningful information.

<p>Information</p>
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Data is entered into a computer system through ______ devices such as keyboards and mice.

<p>input</p>
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The computer processes input data using algorithms and instructions stored in its ______.

<p>memory</p>
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Storage devices like Hard Disk Drives are used for ______-term storage.

<p>long</p>
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[Blank] devices include monitors, printers, and speakers, which present processed information to the user.

<p>Output</p>
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Computer ______ is defined as the end-to-end structure of a computer system.

<p>architecture</p>
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Depending on the method of categorization, the parts of computer architecture can be ______ in several ways.

<p>subdivided</p>
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All elements of computer architecture are linked by the ______ bus, which comprises an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

<p>system</p>
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The ______ Processing Unit, or CPU, is a basic component of computer architecture.

<p>Central</p>
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[Blank] is a type of memory that supplies necessary information straight to the CPU and stores data intermittently.

<p>RAM</p>
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The ______ unit provides external data sources to the computer system and connects it to the external environment.

<p>input</p>
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The output unit delivers the computer's processed results to the ______.

<p>user</p>
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The storage unit contains computer parts employed to store data and is typically separated into primary and ______ storage.

<p>secondary</p>
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[Blank] is a memory type that contains pre-installed instructions, including firmware, and cannot be modified.

<p>ROM</p>
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Secondary or external storage is inaccessible directly to the ______, requiring data to be transferred to main storage before use.

<p>CPU</p>
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The Central Processing Unit includes registers, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and ______ circuits.

<p>control</p>
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[Blank] are high-speed, purpose-built temporary memory devices accessed directly by the CPU during execution.

<p>Registers</p>
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The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) includes the electrical circuitry that performs arithmetic and ______ processes on supplied data.

<p>logical</p>
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The ______ unit is what instructs the computer to execute stored program instructions.

<p>control</p>
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The ______ retrieves the operating system from the disc, stores it in memory, and allows the processor to execute it.

<p>bootloader</p>
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The ______ governs the computer's functionality just above firmware by managing memory usage and regulating devices.

<p>operating system</p>
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[Blank] enable the flow of electrical impulses between various components of a computer's design, transferring information from one system to another.

<p>Buses</p>
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[Blank] are a method for redirecting the processor from the running of the current program so that it can handle an occurrence.

<p>Interrupts</p>
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[Blank] set architecture (ISA) is a bridge between the software and hardware of a computer.

<p>Instruction</p>
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[Blank] instructions move commands from the memory or into the processor registers, or vice versa.

<p>Data transfer</p>
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[Blank] is focuses on the implementation of how instructions will be executed at a lower level. This is influenced by the microprocessor's structural design.

<p>Microarchitecture</p>
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With client-server architecture Multiple clients (remote processors) clients may request and get ______ from just one server system.

<p>services</p>
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[Blank] instruction, multiple data (SIMD) computer systems can process multiple data points concurrently.

<p>Single</p>
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[Blank] architecture integrates numerous processing cores onto only one integrated circuit.

<p>Multicore</p>
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Two notable examples of computer architecture have paved the way for recent advancements in computing. These are Von ______ architecture and Harvard architecture.

<p>Neumann</p>
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The Harvard architecture refers to a computer architecture with distinct data and ______ storage and signal pathways.

<p>instruction</p>
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Flashcards

Computer system

Interconnected hardware and software components performing tasks.

Hardware components

CPU, Memory(RAM), Storage, Input and Output.

Software components

Operating Systems(Windows, macOS, Linux) and Applications.

Input (function)

Gathering data or instructions.

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Processing (function)

Manipulating, calculating, or organizing data.

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Output (function)

Presenting processed data or results.

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Storage (function)

Saving data or instructions for later use.

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Personal computers

Desktops, laptops, and tablets designed for personal use.

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Servers

Computers providing resources to other computers on a network.

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Mainframes

Powerful devices used by large organizations for critical apps.

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Embedded systems

Specialized computers built into other devices.

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Information Processing Cycle

Series of steps to process data into meaningful info.

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Input (IPC Step)

Data entered through devices like keyboards or mice.

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Process (IPC Step)

Manipulating, analyzing, or organizing data.

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Storage in IPC

Data and instructions stored for later use.

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Output (IPC Step)

Presenting information in human-readable form.

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Computer Architecture

End-to-end structure of a computer system.

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Registers

High-speed temporary memory devices accessed directly by the CPU.

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ALU

Performs arithmetic and logical processes.

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Control unit

Collaborates with input/output devices to execute program instructions.

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Bootloader

Retrieves the operating system and loads it into memory.

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Operating System (OS)

Manages memory usage and regulates devices. Provides user interface.

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Buses

Tangible collection of signal lines.

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Interrupts

Method for redirecting the processor to handle an occurrence.

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Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

Bridge between software/hardware.

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Microarchitecture

Focuses on the implementation of how instructions are executed.

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Client-Server Architecture

Clients request services from a central server system.

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SIMD Architecture

Systems process multiple data points concurrently with a single instruction.

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Multicore Architecture

Single processor with multiple processing cores.

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Von Neumann Architecture

Uses a single address space for both instructions and data.

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Harvard Architecture

Uses distinct storage and signal pathways for data and instructions.

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Study Notes

Computer System Overview

  • A computer system combines hardware and software to perform tasks
  • Key components include input, processing, memory, output, and storage

Hardware Components

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes instructions
  • Memory (RAM) provides temporary data storage
  • Storage Devices (HDD, SSD, Flash) offer long-term data retention
  • Input Devices (keyboard, mouse) enable user interaction
  • Output Devices (monitor, printer) display results

Software Components

  • Operating System (Windows, macOS, Linux) manages resources
  • Application Software (Word, Browsers, Games) executes tasks

Parts of a Computer System

  • Input: Receives data
  • Process: Manipulates data
  • Output: Presents results

Functions of a Computer System

  • Input: Gathers data and instructions
  • Processing: Manipulates, calculates, and organizes data
  • Output: Presents processed data or results
  • Storage: Saves data and instructions

Types of Computer Systems

  • PCs: Desktops, laptops, and tablets
  • Servers: Provide network resources
  • Mainframes: Handle critical applications, and massive data processing for large organizations
  • Embedded Systems: Smartphones, cars, and appliances

Information Processing Cycle

  • A series of steps to process data and produce information

Steps in the Information Processing Cycle

  • Input: Data entry via keyboards, mice, scanners, and sensors.
  • Process: Data manipulation using algorithms via the CPU.
  • Storage: Storing processed data and instructions; using RAM for temporary, and storage devices for long-term
  • Output: Presenting processed data in human-readable form via monitors, printers, and speakers

Importance of the Information Processing Cycle

  • Enables computers to receive, process, store, and output data
  • Allows effective user interaction with digital information

Computer Architecture

  • The end-to-end structure of a computer system
  • Determines how components interact to process data

How Computer Architecture Works

  • Enables computing, retaining, and retrieving information
  • Supports data in numbers, and manipulation of data
  • Provides multifaceted functions and support for temporary & permanent storage.

Computer Architecture Components

  • Linked by a system bus (address, data, control)
  • Can be subdivided depending on the method of categorization
  • It has eight key components

Basic Components of Computer Architecture

  • CPU (ALU and Control Unit)
  • Memory (RAM, ROM)
  • Input/Output Devices

Input and Output Units

  • Input Unit: Provides external data, translates it, connects external devices
  • Output Unit: Delivers processed results (music, graphics, video), encompasses displays, printers, speakers

Storage Unit

  • Contains parts for data storage, separated into primary and secondary
  • Primary Storage: Main memory, direct CPU access, stores active information/instructions
    • RAM: Supplies info to the CPU, temporary memory that stores data and instructions intermittently
    • ROM: Pre-installed instructions (firmware) that cannot be modified
  • Secondary Storage: External storage, inaccessible by the CPU, requires data to be transferred to main storage, permanently retains data, i.e. HDD, SSD, CD

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • Includes registers, ALU, and control circuits
  • Interprets and executes assembly language instructions
  • Interacts to deliver output
  • Consists of Registers, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control unit, Bootloader, Operating system (OS), Buses, Interrupts

Register

  • High-speed temporary memory devices
  • Contain data being processed by the CPU: information, commands, addresses, and intermediate results

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

  • Electrical circuitry for arithmetic and logical processes on data
  • Retains data being processed, utilizing registers

Control Unit

  • Works with input and output devices
  • Executes stored program instructions via ALU and registers
  • Arranges data and instruction processing

Bootloader

  • Retrieves OS from disk or network
  • Loads OS into memory for processor execution
  • Found in all computer architectures i.e. desktop, workstation, and embedded devices

Operating System (OS)

  • Governs computer functionality, manages memory and devices
  • Provides user interface, launches apps, and accesses data
  • Provides tools for programs to access computer architecture elements

Buses

  • Signal lines (e.g., USB)
  • Enable electrical impulse flow between components
  • Bus Size: Count of information-transferring signal lines, such as an 8-bit bus transports 8 bits in parallel

Interrupts

  • Redirect the processor to handle an occurrence (malfunction or I/O completion)
  • Initiated every time a key is pressed or a mouse button is clicked

Types of Computer Architecture

  • Instruction set architecture (ISA)
  • Microarchitecture
  • Client-server architecture
  • Single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) architecture
  • Multicore architecture

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

  • Bridge between software and hardware
  • Is a programmer's viewpoint on a machine
  • Converts high-level language to binary (0 and 1)
  • Includes Arithmetic/logic, data transfer, and branch/jump instructions.

Microarchitecture

  • Focuses on lower-level implementation
  • Influenced by microprocessor design
  • Technique in which the instruction set architecture incorporates a processor

Client-Server Architecture

  • Multiple clients request services from a central server

Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) Architecture

  • Processes multiple data points concurrently
  • Processors receive the same command, operate on separate data packets
  • Used in supercomputers

Multicore Architecture

  • Single physical processor with multiple processor logic
  • Integrates processing cores onto one circuit to improve performance by allowing multitasking

Examples of Computer Architecture

  • Von Neumann architecture
  • Harvard architecture

Von Neumann Architecture

  • The Princeton architecture, 1945 by John von Neumann for EDVAC
  • Five components: processor, control unit, memory, additional storage, and I/O

Harvard Architecture

  • Distinct storage and pathways to data and instructions, and uses caches
  • Separation to program instructions and data use the very same memory and pathways
  • Common in X86 and ARM systems

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