Computer Architecture, Systems, and Software Components

Posted on Dec 2, 2024 in Computers

Processor Speed

MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second): A unit of measurement for computer speed.
System Clock: An electrical pulse synchronizes processing. 1 MHz = 1 million cycles per second. Higher frequency means faster processing.
BUS-Width: The amount of data the CPU can transmit at any time to main memory and input/output devices.

Data and Memory

Data:

  • Input Data
  • Output Results
  • Internal Values (Processing Information/Program Instructions)

RAM (Random Access Memory): User’s working memory (SRAM, DRAM, EDO, SDRAM).

  • Infocentre: Focused on information.
  • Volatile: Information is lost at shutdown.

Cache Memory (SDRAM): A small, high-speed auxiliary memory between main memory and the CPU. ROM (Read-Only Memory): Contains system startup programs and optimization tools (PROM, EPROM, EEPROM). FLASH Memory (EEPROM): Non-volatile solid-state memory, works with RAM and disk drives.

  • Non-volatile storage.
  • Consumes less energy, conserves battery life.
  • Compact size.
  • High speed.
  • Unlike EPROMs (bit-by-bit operations), flash memory is recorded and erased in blocks.

Peripherals

Input Peripherals: Keyboard, mouse, target readers, digital card, scanner, joystick, voice recognizer, sensor, digital camera.
Output Peripherals: Monitor, printer, plotter, microfiche/microfilm engraving, voice synthesizer, generator.
Input and Output Peripherals: Modem.
Secondary Memory Storage:

  • Volume: Storage medium (e.g., Disk).
  • Unit: Device placed in the volume.
  • Controller: Circuit board linking the unit and motherboard.

Data Access Methods:

  • Sequential Access: Tape, used for backups.
  • Random Access: Disks, floppy disks, pen drives, for files, databases, programs.

Technology Used:

  • Magnetic Technology: Uses magnetic properties of materials.
  • Optical Technology: Uses laser beams to alter the volume surface.

System Components

Expansion Slot: A motherboard slot for circuit cards (controllers) to add peripherals.
CHIPSET: Circuitry controlling device access to the BUS.
Hyper-Threading Technology: Precursor to multi-core processors.
RISC Machines: Computers with CPUs designed for single-chip integration of frequently used instructions.

Software

Programs: Ordered and parameterized instruction sets to solve problems.
Instruction: A command for the CPU to perform an operation.
Languages: Computer systems with a defined syntax.

Operating System

  • Facilitates user communication, provides a user interface.
  • Loads programs into main memory for execution.
  • Manages information storage.
  • Coordinates hardware and application software.

Application Software

Programming software for user programs.

Systems

System: Interrelated elements with a common purpose, governed by decision and control (decisional apex).
Open Systems: Strong time-space relationships with the surrounding environment.
Economic Management System (SGE): A company as an open, informational, and physical-decomposable subsystem.
Informational System (IS): Human, material, financial, technological, regulatory, and methodological resources organized to provide information for organizational roles.
Automated Informational System (AIS): An IS component formalizing processes through ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): Central data repository with software for each functional unit. Integrated ERP includes:

  • Resource planning.
  • Supply chain management.
  • Demand chain management.
  • Knowledge management.
  • Etc.