COMP204 Tutorial 1 Model Solutions Aug 2024
Basic Concepts and Computer Evolution
1. What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer organization
and computer architecture?
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 architectural
attributes include the instruction set, the number of bits used to represent various data
types (e.g., numbers, characters), I/O mechanisms, and techniques for addressing
memory. Organizational attributes include those hardware details transparent to the
programmer, such as control signals; interfaces between the computer and
peripherals; and the memory technology used.
2. What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer structure and
computer function?
Computer structure refers to the way in which the components of a computer are
interrelated. Computer function refers to the operation of each individual component
as part of the structure.
3. What are the four main functions of a computer?
Data processing; data storage; data movement; and control.
4. List and briefly define the main structural components of a computer.
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.
5. List and briefly define the main structural components of a 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
COMP204 Tutorial 1 Model Solutions Aug 2024
Basic Concepts and Computer Evolution
6. Explain Moore’s law.
Moore observed that the number of transistors that could be put on a single chip was
doubling every year and correctly predicted that this pace would continue into the near
future.
7. List and explain the key characteristics of a computer family.
Similar or identical instruction set: In many cases, the same set of machine instructions
is supported on all members of the family. Thus, a program that executes on one
machine will also execute on any other. Similar or identical operating system: The
same basic operating system is available for all family members. Increasing speed:
The rate of instruction execution increases in going from lower to higher family
members. Increasing Number of I/O ports: In going from lower to higher family
members. Increasing memory size: In going from lower to higher family members.
Increasing cost: In going from lower to higher family members.
8. Explain the different between a single-core computer and a multi-core
computer
A single-core computer has a single processor or CPU, whereas, a multi-core
computer has multiple processors/CPUs or one processor that contains multiple
CPUs called cores.
9. Define cache memories and explain their function in multi-core computers
Caches are multiple layers of memory L1, L2, L3, etc. between processor and main
memory. They are used to speedup memory access.
10. Explain the history of computers through the main technologies that
characterize each generation/era.
The first generation of computers were manufactured with vacuum tubes, in the
second generation, computers were made with transistors and the integrated circuits
were utilized to build computers in the third generation. After the third generation,
there is less general agreement on defining generations of computers. Therefore,
late generations of computers were defined based on integrated circuit technologies
such as LSI, VLSI, ULSI, semiconductor memory and microprocessors.
