Chapter 1: Introduction

1.4 List and briefly define the main structural components of a computer.

CPU: Controls the operation of the computer and performs its data processing functions. Main memory: Stores data. I/O: Moves data between the computer and its external environment. System interconnection: Some mechanism (e.g. a system bus) that provides for communication among CPU, main memory, and I/O.

1.1 What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer organisation and computer architecture?

Computer architecture refers to the attributes visible to the programmer and which affect the logical execution of a program. Computer organisation refers to the hardware units that realise the architecture: the instruction set, the number of bits used to represent data types, addressing memory, etc.

1.5 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.

1.3 What are the four main functions of a computer?

Data processing Data storage Data movement Control

1.2 What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer structure and computer function?

Structure: The way in which the components are interrelated. Function: The operation of each individual component as part of the structure.