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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between computer organization and computer architecture?
Computer organization is hardware that helps us understand how a computer works, while computer architecture is software that helps us understand how to design a computer.
What is an ISA?
Instruction Set Architecture
What is the importance of the principle of equivalence of hardware and software?
Any task done by software can be done by hardware and vice versa.
Name the three basic components of every computer.
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To what power of 10 does the prefix giga- refer? What is the approximate equivalent power of 2?
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To what power of 10 does the prefix micro- refer? What is the approximate equivalent power of 2?
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What unit is typically used to measure the speed of a computer clock?
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Name two types of computer memory.
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Computer chips having multiple processing units on a single chip are ______________ architectures.
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__________ allow movement of data to and from devices external to the computer.
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The first general-purpose programmable electronic computer was the ______________.
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The level of the computer hierarchy that is composed of gates and wires is the ______.
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The level of the computer hierarchy where an operating system functions is the ______.
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The level with which we interact when we write programs in languages such as C, Pascal, Lisp, and Java is known as what?
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The computer component that makes sure that instructions are decoded and executed properly is the ___________.
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What does the von Neumann bottleneck describe?
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Study Notes
Computer Organization vs. Architecture
- Computer organization pertains to hardware, detailing how a computer operates.
- Computer architecture relates to software, focusing on designing computers and affecting program execution.
Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
- ISA serves as the interface between software and hardware, facilitating communication with the machine.
Equivalence of Hardware and Software
- Any task performed by software can be replicated by hardware, highlighting the flexibility in system design.
Basic Components of a Computer
- Processor (CPU) interprets and executes programs.
- Memory stores data and programs.
- Mechanism for data transfer to and from external devices.
Prefix Giga
- Giga corresponds to 10^9 (billion) and is approximately equivalent to 2^30.
Prefix Micro
- Micro indicates 10^-6 (millionth) with an approximate power of 2 equivalent to 2^-20.
Measuring Computer Clock Speed
- The speed of a computer clock is generally measured in gigahertz.
Types of Computer Memory
- Two primary types of computer memory are RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory).
Multicore Architecture
- Computer chips that integrate multiple processing units are referred to as multicore architectures.
Data Movement in Computers
- Ports enable the transfer of data to and from external devices connected to the computer.
First General-Purpose Programmable Computer
- The ENIAC holds the distinction of being the first general-purpose programmable electronic computer.
Digital Logic Level
- The digital logic level within the computer hierarchy is composed of gates and wires.
Operating System Functionality
- The operating system operates at a specific level within the computer hierarchy.
High-Level Computer Language
- Programming in languages like C, Pascal, Lisp, and Java falls under high-level computer language interactions.
Control Unit
- The control unit ensures that instructions are properly decoded and executed within the computer.
von Neumann Bottleneck
- The von Neumann bottleneck refers to the limitation imposed by the single processor-memory pathway in the architecture.
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