Computer architecture chapter 1

6. To what power of 10 does the prefix micro- refer? What is the (approximate) equivalent power of 2?

-6, -20

5. To what power of 10 does the prefix giga- refer? What is the (approximate) equivalent power of 2?

9, 30

4. Name the three basic components of every computer.

1. A processor to interpret and execute programs 2. A memory to store both data and programs 3. A mechanism for transferring data to and from the outside world

15. What was the significance of the punched card?

A perennial problem facing machine designers has been how to get data into the machine. Babbage designed the Analytical Engine to use a type of punched card for input and programming. Using cards to control the behavior of a machine did not originate with Babbage, but with one of his friends, Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752-1834). In 1801, Jacquard invented a programmable weaving loom that could produce intricate patterns in cloth. Jacquard gave Babbage a tapestry that had been woven on this loom using more than 10,000 punched cards. To Babbage, it seemed only natural that if a loom could be controlled by cards, then his Analytical Engine could be as well. Ada expressed her delight with this idea, writing, "[T]he Analytical Engine weaves algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard loom weaves flowers and leaves." The punched card proved to be the most enduring means of providing input to a computer system.

14. Who is known as the father of computing, and why?

Charles Babbage (1791-1871)

7. What unit is typically used to measure the speed of a computer clock?

Clock frequencies are measured in cycles per second, or hertz. If computer system clocks generate millions of pulses per second, we say that they operate in the megahertz (MHz) range. Most computers today operate in the gigahertz (GHz) range

1. What is the difference between computer organization and computer architecture?

Computer organization addresses issues such as control signals (how the computer is controlled), signaling methods, and memory types. It encompasses all physical aspects of computer systems. It helps us to answer the question: How does a computer work? The study of computer architecture, on the other hand, focuses on the structure and behavior of the computer system and refers to the logical and abstract aspects of system implementation as seen by the programmer. Computer architecture includes many elements such as instruction sets and formats, operation codes, data types, the number and types of registers, addressing modes, main memory access methods, and various I/O mechanisms. The architecture of a system directly affects the logical execution of programs. Studying computer architecture helps us to answer the question: How do I design a computer?

10. What is the mission of the IEEE?

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the professions of electronic and computer engineering.

12. ANSI is the acronym used by which organization?

Many countries, including the European Community, have commissioned umbrella organizations to represent their interests in various international groups. The group representing the United States is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

9. Name two types of computer memory.

Random access memory (RAM) and Read only memory (ROM)

11. What is the full name of the organization that uses the initials ISO? Is ISO an acronym?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the entity that coordinates worldwide standards development, including the activities of ANSI with BSI, among others. ISO is not an acronym, but derives from the Greek word, isos, meaning "equal."

13. What is the name of the Swiss organization that devotes itself to matters concerning telephony, telecommunications, and data communications?

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

8. What are the distinguishing features of tablet computers?

The mini USB port provides access to internal storage and the removable SD card. Nearly all tablets provide Wi-Fi connection to the Internet, with some supporting 2G, 3G and 4G cellular protocols. Battery life can be as much as 14 hours and most have cameras.

3. What is the importance of the Principle of Equivalence of Hardware and Software?

There are times when a simple embedded system gives us much better performance than a complicated computer program, and there are times when a program is the preferred approach. The Principle of Equivalence of Hardware and Software tells us that we have a choice. Our knowledge of computer organization and architecture will help us to make the best choice.

2. What is an ISA?

instruction set architecture (ISA). The ISA is the agreed-upon interface between all the software that runs on the machine and the hardware that executes it. The ISA allows you to talk to the machine.