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Tutorial 1

The document provides information about computer systems and organization. It defines key concepts like IPOS cycle, differences between ROM and RAM, differences between data and information, components of the CPU and how they interact with memory, how data is represented and programs are executed in binary, factors that influence processing speed like clock speed, bus width and RAM, how data is searched in memory by address, how larger bus lines improve performance, differences between CISC and RISC technologies, and examples of coding systems used in software development and data processing.

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Pang Sze Wen
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117 views

Tutorial 1

The document provides information about computer systems and organization. It defines key concepts like IPOS cycle, differences between ROM and RAM, differences between data and information, components of the CPU and how they interact with memory, how data is represented and programs are executed in binary, factors that influence processing speed like clock speed, bus width and RAM, how data is searched in memory by address, how larger bus lines improve performance, differences between CISC and RISC technologies, and examples of coding systems used in software development and data processing.

Uploaded by

Pang Sze Wen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WIX1003 – COMPUTER SYSTEMS & ORGANIZATION

TUTORIAL 1

1. Briefly explain basic computer function and relate it to IPOS cycle.


The basic computer functions are input, processing, output and storage. The IPOS
cycle starts with input process where input data is basically taken from user’s
input devices such as keyboard and mouse. Computer instructions in the form of
binary is then sent to the CPU for arithmetic and logical operation. After the raw
data is processed into information, the computer either output the results which
humans can understand or store the information for future use.

2. What is the difference between ROM and RAM?


ROM (Read only memory) RAM (Random access memory)
Non-volatile memory Volatile memory
Fix Not fix
Data is still stored even the power is cut Data will be erased once the power is cut
Data and instruction can be read but Data and instruction can be read and
cannot be altered altered
Used for permanent storage Used for temporary storage

3. Differentiate between data and information in computer context. Give one


example for each answer.
Data is an individual unit that contains raw materials which needs to be processed
and do not carry any specific meaning. Data is a collection of numbers, characters
and symbols that have to be processed, interpreted, analyzed and organized to
transform into information. Example of data is student test score. Information is a
group of processed data that collectively carries logical meaning and can be
understand by human. Example of information is student test report.

4. List the component inside the central processing unit. How they work together
and interact with computer memory?
Control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU). Memory stores program instructions
and data for processing. The control unit fetches program instructions from the
main memory, then decodes and executes them. Data is passed to the arithmetic
logic unit to perform mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and also performs logical functions by comparing the
numbers, letters or special characters. After the instruction and data is processed,
the information obtained is sent to memory for storage and ready to be released as
an output unit.
5. Explain how data is represented and how program is executed in computer.
Data is represented in the form of binary numbers made up of only two possible
digits, 0 and 1. The program instruction in the form of binary numbers is loaded
into the CPU which is built to respond to this pattern by running a fetch-execute
cycle. The CPU executes the first instruction encoded and carries on to the next
instruction. When CPU receives an instruction, the instruction is placed in
memory. After that, the CPU decodes the instruction and inform the related
device to take action. Then, control is transferred to related device then the task is
executed. Control returns to CPU and the cycle repeats.

6. List the unit to measure the computer processing speed and briefly explain the
factor that can influence the speed.
Unit of computer processing:
1. Clock speed - Megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz).
2. Number of instructions per second
3. Million instruction per second (MIPS)
4. Complex mathematic operation – one million operation floating point per
second (Megaflop)

Factors that can influence the computer processing speed:


1. Bus line size where a larger bus width can provide more power to the
computer thus increasing the performance of the computer.
2. Microprocessor speed. Microprocessor determine how much information can
be receive at a time, and how quickly information can be processed on
computer.
3. The amount of RAM in a computer. More RAM allows the computer to use
bigger, more powerful programs and those programs can access bigger data
files.
4. Cache, a small temporary memory block used to accelerate data transfer by
reducing the average time to access data from the main memory. The greater
the amount of cache memory, the higher the computer’s speed.
5. Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) requires simpler but more
instruction to complete a task. RISC has fewer instructions needed to be
processed thus allowing the CPU to run and execute the simple instructions
way faster.
6. Parallel processing. Use more than one processor simultaneously can increase
computer processing speed.

7. Picture a process on how data is searched in computer memory.


Each location inside memory has its own unique address. The address can never
be changed but the content can be changed. Memory location can hold one
instruction or one data. User can search data by input the address of the data. The
CPU accesses memory according to the location address to find the required data,
then stores the pieces of data it will need to access later in the form of cache and
maintains certain special instructions in the register.
8. What is meant by bus line and how the larger bus line is able to influence the
processing performance of a computer?
Bus line is a transmission path which transfer data in the form of electric signal to
every device which are attached to it. Only devices addressed by the signal pay
attention to them, the others discard the signals. The larger the bus line, the CPU
can transfer more data simultaneously which results in higher processing speed of
CPU and higher performance of computer.

9. What is the difference between CISC and RISC technology?


CISC RISC
Complex instructions (require more Simple instructions (demand less
decoding) decoding)
Uses simple commands that can be Performs numerous operations in a
divided into several instructions single instruction
More number of addressing modes Simple addressing modes
More data types in hardware Fewer data types in hardware
Highly pipelined Less pipelined or none
Emphasizes efficiency in instruction Emphasizes efficiency in cycles (simple
per program (complex instructions that instructions taking about one clock
take up multiple clocks for execution) cycle)
Needs less RAM Needs more RAM
Execution time is very high Execution time is very less
Requires external memory for Does not require external memory for
calculations calculations

10. What is meant by coding system? Give examples of their usage.


Coding system is a system of signals used to represent letters or numbers in
transmitting messages. Coding system is used in categorizing, processing
transactions, and develop apps, websites and software.

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