1.1. What, in general terms, is the distinction between
computer organization and computer architecture?
Answer:
·
Computer architecture refers to
those attributes of a system visible to a programmer or, put another way, those
attributes that have a direct impact on the logical execution of a program.
·
Computer organization refers to the
operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural
specifications.
·
Examples of architecture attributes include the instruction
set, the number of bit to represent various data types (e.g.., numbers, and
characters), I/O mechanisms, and technique for addressing memory.
·
Examples of organization attributes include those hardware
details transparent to the programmer, such as control signals, interfaces
between the computer and peripherals, and the memory technology used.
1.2. What, in general terms, is the distinction between
computer structure and computer function?
Answer:
Structure is how devices are interrelated,
while function is the individual characteristics of each one.
·
Structure:
The way in which the components are interrelated
·
Function:
The operation of each individual component as part of the structure.
1.3. What are the four main functions of a computer?
Answer:
·
Data processing
·
Data storage
·
Data movement
·
Control
1.4. List and briefly define the main structural
components of a computer.
Answer:
·
Central
processing unit (CPU): Controls the operation of the
computer
and performs its data processing
functions, often simply referred to as processor.
·
Main
memory: Stores data.
·
I/O:
Moves data between the computer and its external environment.
·
System
interconnection: Some mechanism that provides for
communication among CPU, main memory, and I/O. A common example of system
interconnection is by means of a system bus, consisting of a number of
conducting wires to which all the other components attach.
1.5. List and briefly define the main structural
components of a processor.
Answer:
Control
unit: manage the processor components and hence the computer itself,
ALU: make logical and arithmetic operations, being
thus the processor “brain”,
Registers:
temporally storage for data while processor operations,
Internal
bus: interconnect control unit, ALU and registers inside processor.
·
Control unit: Controls the
operation of the CPU and hence the computer.
·
Arithmetic and logic
unit (ALU): Performs the computer’s data processing functions.
·
Registers: Provides storage
internal to the CPU.
·
CPU interconnection: Some mechanism that
provides for communication among the control unit, ALU, and registers.
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