IT1910 Computer System Architecture Basics

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of data in a computer system?

To represent facts and observations for processing (correct)

To provide storage for the operating system

To serve as an interface between hardware and software

To execute commands from the software

Which component of a computer system is primarily responsible for processing instructions?

Operating System

Secondary Storage

Microprocessor (correct)

Primary Storage

What type of storage is RAM categorized as?

Non-volatile storage

Temporary volatile storage (correct)

Permanent storage

External storage

Which of the following is considered application software?

Google Chrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of software within a computer system?

To provide the necessary instructions for hardware execution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about secondary storage is correct?

It permanently stores files and applications. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the kernel play in a computer system?

It contains essential operating system processing functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which hardware component is specifically designed for long-term data storage?

Flash Drive Signup and view all the answers

What type of server specifically manages all printers and print tasks?

Print server Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes mainframes?

Powerful systems supporting many concurrent users Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by Moore's Law in the semiconductor industry?

The doubling of transistor count every 18–24 months Signup and view all the answers

What does the function 'Data movement' refer to in a computer system?

Placing data from one memory location to another Signup and view all the answers

Which function involves the basic arithmetic and logical calculations in a computer?

Basic arithmetic and logical calculations Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does data sorting deal with in computer operations?

Arranging data according to specific criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of server farms?

They host organizational databases and support business processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT typically associated with the basic roles of a computer system?

Advanced machine learning Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Solid State Drives (SSDs) from traditional hard drives?

They are non-volatile storage media using flash memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an input device?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

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

To represent data on paper. Signup and view all the answers

Which communication channel is NOT typically used for data transportation between computer systems?

Liquid crystal Signup and view all the answers

Microcomputers are primarily designed for which use case?

Educational and entertainment applications. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'architecture' in computer systems refer to?

The design and structure of hardware components. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer is generally intended for multiuser environments?

Minicomputer Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of computer architecture is concerned with the flow of data?

Input-process-storage-output flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of abstraction in computer architecture?

To simplify complex systems through modeling Signup and view all the answers

How does computer hierarchy assist in managing complexity?

By structuring systems in a pyramid format with ordered relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using decomposition in system design?

To handle each chunk of the system separately and efficiently Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes architecture complexity?

It arises due to advances in technology creating more sophisticated systems Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of decomposition allow in teamwork?

To prioritize and allocate different chunks of work to separate teams Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a computer hierarchy?

It has a predetermined ordering from high to low Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method to address architecture complexity?

Incorporation of random elements Signup and view all the answers

In what way does abstraction contribute to the design of computer systems?

By providing a means to represent complex systems at different levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Computer Systems

Computer Definition: A device designed to compute and process data through user input.
System Definition: A collection of elements working together as a cohesive unit, defining procedures and processes.
Computer System: Encompasses hardware and software elements that process raw data into meaningful information.

Elements of a Computer System

Data: Fundamental representation of facts, exists in forms such as numbers, text, images, and sounds, all simplified to numerical formats for processing.
Software: Includes system and application programs; system software (e.g., operating systems like Windows 10) governs hardware instructions, while application software (e.g., Google Chrome) executes specific user-directed functions.
Hardware: The physical components enabling data processing and I/O operations, including:
- Microprocessor: Central component processing data and executing instructions.
- Primary Storage: Temporary storage (e.g., RAM) for active tasks, mainly volatile.
- Secondary Storage: Long-term storage for files and applications, includes:
  - HDD: Non-volatile, relies on spinning disks for data.
  - Flash Drive: Portable non-volatile storage using flash memory.
  - SSD: Fast non-volatile storage using solid-state technology.
Input Devices: Allow user data entry, such as keyboards and mice.
Output Devices: Present processed data, including monitors and printers.
Communication: Facilitates data transport between systems using various media, such as copper wires, fiber optics, and wireless signals (IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Computer Architecture

Definition: The structured design of computer hardware, algorithms, and data flow processes, divided into two classifications: form and function.

Design by Form

Microcomputers: Small, inexpensive systems for single-user applications (e.g., PCs, PDAs).
Minicomputers: Multiuser systems serving specific applications (e.g., print servers).
Mainframes: Large-scale systems serving multiple users and applications, crucial for organizational databases and business processes.

Design by Function

Essential Operations:
- Input/Output: Data entry and output from the system.
- Arithmetic: Basic calculations and logical comparisons.
- Data Transformation: Converting data from one form to another.
- Data Sorting: Arranging data based on specific criteria.
- Data Searching: Finding data that meets certain conditions.
- Data Storage/Retrieval: Managing data in non-volatile storage.
- Data Movement: Transferring data between memory locations.
Moore’s Law: States that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every 18-24 months, driving technological advancement in computing architecture.

Architecture Complexity and Solutions

Complexity: Increasing sophistication of computer systems makes design more challenging.

Solutions

Abstraction: Different levels of representation for system components, creating idealized models (e.g., Input-Process-Output model).
Computer Hierarchy: Organizational structure from high to low, typically visualized as a pyramid.
Decomposition: Breaking down systems into manageable parts, allowing parallel work on separate tasks for efficiency and prioritization.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of computer systems in this IT1910 quiz. Understand the definition of a computer, how systems work, and the essential elements that comprise a computer system. Test your knowledge on data representation and processing methods.