Chapter 1 - Introduction
1.1 Organization and Architecture
1.2 Structure and Function
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.1. What, in general terms, is the distinction between
computer organization and computer architecture?
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.
Examples of architectural attributes include the instruction set, the number
of bits used to represent various data types (e.g., numbers, characters), I/O
mechanisms, and techniques for addressing memory. Organizational
attributes include those hardware details transparent to the programmer,
such as control signals; interfaces between the computer and peripherals;
and the memory technology used.
1.2. What, in general terms, is the distinction between
computer structure and computer function?
Computer structure refers to the way in which the components of a
computer are interrelated. Computer function refers to the operation
of each individual component as part of the structure.
1.3. What are the four main functions of a computer?
Data processing; data storage; data movement; and control.
1.4 List and briefly define the main structural
components of a computer.
• 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.
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
SHORT ANSWER
1. __________ refers to those attributes of a system visible to a programmer.
Computer architecture
2. _________ refers to the operational units and their interconnections that realize the
architectural specifications.
Computer organization
3. Control signals, interfaces between the computer and peripherals, and the memory
technology used are all examples of _________ attributes.
Organizational
4. The instruction set, the number of bits used to represent various data types, I/O
mechanisms and techniques for addressing memory are all examples of _________ attributes.
Architectural
5. The __________ architecture is the architecture of IBM’s mainframe product line.
System/370
6. _________ is the way in which the components are interrelated.
Structure
7. _________ is the operation of each individual component as part of the structure.
Function
8. The basic functions that a computer can perform are: data processing, data
movement, control, and _________.
data storage
9. When data are received from or delivered to a device that is directly connected to
the computer, the process is known as __________.
input/output (I/O)
10. The four main structural components of the computer are: main memory, I/O,
system interconnection, and __________.
central processing unit (CPU)
11. Often referred to as processor the ________ controls the operation of
the computer and performs its data processing functions.
central processing unit (CPU)
12. A common example of system interconnection is by means of a
________, consisting of a number of conducting wires to which all the other
components attach
system bus
13. The major structural components of the CPU are: control unit, register,
CPU interconnection, and __________.
arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
14. The _________ controls the operation of the CPU and hence the
computer.
control unit
