zyBooks M1 - Introduction

Question 1

Server

Answer 1

computer used for running larger programs for multiple users, often simultaneously, and typically accessed only via network

Question 2

Supercomputer

Answer 2

class of computers with the highest performance and cost; configured as servers and typically cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Question 3

Embedded Computer

Answer 3

Computer inside another device used for running one predetermined application or collection of software (Thermostat)

Question 4

Processor Cores (CPU Cores)

Answer 4

individual processing units within a central processing unit (CPU) that can execute tasks independently.

Each core is capable of performing its own set of instructions, allowing multiples tasks to be processed simultaneously.

Question 5

Cloud Computing

Answer 5

large collections of servers that provide services over the Internet; some providers rent (dynamically) servers as a utility. (AWS, Azure, etc)

Question 6

Software as a Services (SaaS)

Answer 6

Delivers software and data as a service over the Internet.

Usually via a thin program such as a browser that runs on local client devices.
(Ex. Web search, social networking)

Question 7

Moore’s Law

Answer 7

integrated circuit resources double every 18-24 months.

Question 8

A major productivity technique for hardware and software is to use _____________ , to characterize the design at different _____________. Keeping ___________ lower details hidden to offer a simpler model at _____________ levels.

Answer 8

abstractions
levels
lower
higher

Question 9

Performance via PIPELINING

Answer 9

analogy: before fire engines, a “bucket brigade” would respond to a fire, human chain to carry water instead of individuals running back and forth.

Moves multiple operations through hardware units that each do a piece of an operation.

Question 10

Hierarchy of Memories

Answer 10

A way of addressing the conflicting demand of fast, large, and cheap memory.
Top of Pyramid: Fast and expensive memory, bottom (big and cheap).

Question 11

System Software

Answer 11

software the provides services that are commonly useful, including operation systems, loaders, and assemblers.

Question 12

Operating System

Answer 12

supervising program that manages resources of a computer for the benefit of the program that runs on that computer.

Question 13

Assembler

Answer 13

translates symbolic version of instructions into binary version

Question 14

Assembly language

Answer 14

A symbolic representation of machine instructions.

Question 15

Machine Language

Answer 15

A binary representation of machine instructions

Question 16

Name the 5 classic components of a computer

Answer 16

Input, Output
Memory
Datapath
Control

Question 17

Describe how (Input,Output,Memory,Datapath,Control) work together

Answer 17

Input -> writes on memory -> input data sent to datapath -> datapath processes -> datapath sends to memory -> ouput reads data from memory

Control determines operations of the components.

Question 18

bit map

Answer 18

matrix of bits (image)

Question 19

raster refresh buffer (frame buffer)

Answer 19

stores the bit map

Question 20

Integrated Circuit

Answer 20

also called a chip
contains dozens to millions of transistors

Question 21

CPU (processor) (name its components)

Answer 21

contains datapath and control

and which adds numbers, tests numbers, signals I/o devices to activate, and so on.

Question 22

Datapath

Answer 22

performs arithmetic operations (component of processor)

Question 23

Control

Answer 23

commands the datapath, memory, and I/O according to program instructions (component of processor)

Question 24

cache

Answer 24

A small memory that keeps a copy of data for larger memory (built from SRAM)

Question 25

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

Answer 25

Large memory where most data is stored.

Question 26

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

Answer 26

A faster memory technology than DRA, but suing more area to store a bit

Question 27

Instruction Set Architecture (architecture)

Answer 27

Abstract interface between the hardware and the lowest-level software that encompasses all the information necessary to write a machine language program.

Question 28

Application Binary Interface (ABI)

Answer 28

portion of the instruction set plus the operating system interfaces used by application programmers.

Question 29

Volatile Memory (what is it and provide an example)

Answer 29

Storage, such as DRAM, that retains data only if its receiving power.

Question 30

Nonvolatile memory (what is it and provide an example)

Answer 30

Memory that retains data in the absence of power source. Store programs between runs. (A DVD is non volatile)

Question 31

Main Memory (primary memory)

Answer 31

memory used to hold programs while they are running; typically consists of DRAM in today’s computers.

Question 32

Secondary Memory

Answer 32

Nonvolatile memory used to store programs between runs. (flash memory , magnetic disks in servers)

Question 33

Magnetic Disk (Hard Disk)

Answer 33

Nonvolatile memory. Composed of rotating platters coated with a magnetic recording material. (5 to 20 milliseconds in 2012)

Question 34

Flash Memory

Answer 34

Nonvolatile memory. Cheaper and slower than DRAM but more expensive per bit and faster than magnetic disks. (5 to 50 microseconds in 2012)

Question 35

Local Arena Network (LAN)

Answer 35

Network designed to carry data within a geographically confined area, typically within a single building.

Question 36

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Answer 36

network extended over hundreds of kilometers that can span a continent