Chapter 3- Computer Systems

Question 1

What is Von-Neumann Architecture?

Answer 1

A Von Neumann-based computer is a computer that:

• Uses a single processor.
• Uses one memory for both instructions and data. A von Neumann computer cannot distinguish between data and instructions in a memory location! It ‘knows’ only because of the location of a particular bit pattern in RAM.
• Executes programs by doing one instruction after the next in a serial manner using a fetch-decode-execute cycle.

Question 2

What is Arithmetic and Logic Unit?

Answer 2

• Arithmetic part performs calculations on the data.

- Logic part deals with logic and comparisons (e.g. Is one value greater than another)

Question 3

What is the purpose Arithmetic and Logic Unit?

Answer 3

• Arithmetic part performs calculations on the data.

- Logic part deals with logic and comparisons (e.g. Is one value greater than another)

Question 4

What is the purpose of the control unit?

Answer 4

• Controls and monitors the hardware (e.g. Printer)
• Controls the input and output of data so that the signals go to the right place at the right time
• Controls the flow of data in the CPU

Question 5

What is the purpose of the clock?

Answer 5

Determine the rate at which things are moved around the computer. Kind of like the heart beat of a computer.