IT knowledge

chapter 4 computer architecture

4.1 What are the differences among sequential access, direct access, and random access?

Answer :
• Sequential access: Memory is organized into units of data, called records. Access must be made in a specific linear sequence.
• Direct access: Individual blocks or records have a unique address based on physical location. Access is accomplished by direct access to reach a general vicinity plus sequential searching, counting, or waiting to reach the final location.
• Random access: Each addressable location in memory has a unique, physically wired-in addressing mechanism. The time to access a given location is independent of the sequence of prior accesses and is constant.

4.2 What is the general relationship among access time, memory cost, and capacity?

Answer : Faster access time, greater cost per bit; greater capacity, smaller cost per bit; greater
capacity, slower access time.

4.8 What is the distinction between spatial locality and temporal locality?

Spatial locality refers to the tendency of execution to involve a number of memory locations that are clustered.
Temporal locality refers to the tendency for a processor to access memory locations that have been used recently.

chapter 2 computer architecture

The Structure of a Computer. The main structuralelements associated with a computer system are as follows: Central Processing Unit (CPU) - data processing and control. ... Input and Output (I/O) devices - moves data between the computer and its external environment.

1.5. List and briefly define the main structural components of a processor.

: The four main components of the computer are:
• CPU (Central processing unit):It is the main part of the computer; it performs all the operations of the computer. It is the heart of the computer. It is usually named by the processor.
• Main memory:This part of the computer is used for the storage of data.
• I/O devices: These devices are used for sending and receiving the data from computer to another device. These are referred as the channel between the computer system and the external world. And also the other peripheral communication lines.
• System Interconnection: Lines that connect several components to enable them to perform heir specific operations or some mechanism that is used for the communication between CPU, main memory and the I/O devices.

List and briefly define the main structural components of a computer

:The main structural components of a computer are given bellow :
• 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.

What are the four main functions of a computer

The four main functions of a computer are given bellow :
• Data processing
• Data storage
• Data movement
• Control

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

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

. What, in general terms, is the distinction between computer organization and computer architecture

Answer : Computer organization is how devices is implemented. Computer architecture is those attributes visible to the programmer.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