Describe computer architecture

Computer architecture is a term that describes the structure and behavior of a computer
system. It’s essentially the blueprint that defines the relationship between different parts of a
computer system, including the hardware and software.

Here’s a brief overview:

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): This is the abstract model of a computer, also known as the
programmer’s view. It defines the machine code that a processor reads and acts upon as well as
the word size, memory address modes, processor registers, and data types.
• Microarchitecture: Also known as computer organization, this layer describes how a particular
processor will implement the ISA. It includes the data paths, data processing and storage
elements, as well as how they should be interconnected.
• System Design: This includes all hardware components within a computer, such as the central
processing unit (CPU), memory, input/output (I/O) devices, and the interconnections between
them.
Two common types of computer architecture are:
• Von Neumann Architecture: It uses the same memory and data paths for both program and
data storage, meaning instructions and data share the same memory. It’s known for its
simplicity and is used in most computers today.
• Harvard Architecture: It separates the storage and signal pathways for instructions and data,
allowing for potentially more efficient data throughput.

To determine your PC model using the System Information tool, you can follow these steps:
• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.

• In the System Information window, look for the System Summary section.

• You will find the System Model listed there. This entry will provide you with the model
number of your PC.

To determine your PC model using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu.
• Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the console.
• Type the following command and press Enter: (wmic csproduct get name)
• The command will return the model number of your computer.

Determine PC model via Powershell

To determine your PC model using PowerShell, you can follow these steps:
• Open the Start menu.
• Search for PowerShell and click the top result to open the console.
• Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-CimInstance-ClassName Win32_ComputerSystem
• This command will display information about your computer system, including the model
number.

Basic types of computer operations are Input, Output, Storage, Processing and Control.
Illustrating computer system operations

The operations of a computer system can be broadly categorized into five basic functions:

• Inputting: This is the process where data is entered into the computer system through input
devices like keyboards, mice, scanners, etc.
• Processing: Once the input is provided, the computer processes the data using its central
processing unit (CPU).
• Outputting: After processing, the output is generated. This can be in the form of a display on
the screen, printed paper, sound, etc.
• Storing: Computers can store data both temporarily and permanently, using storage devices
like RAM, hard drives, and SSDs.
• Controlling: The computer system requires continuous monitoring and control to ensure
correct operations. This is managed by the operating system and other control units.

Describe the data processing cycle

The data processing cycle is a series of steps that convert raw data into meaningful information.

It typically involves the following stages:

• Collection: Gathering raw data from various sources.

• Preparation: Sorting and organizing the data, and removing any irrelevant or erroneous data.
• Input: Entering data into the system to be processed.
• Processing: Transforming input data into output data using various methods.
• Output: Presenting the processed data in a usable format, such as reports or visualizations.
• Storage: Saving the processed information for future use or further processing12.
Articulate interconnection standards

Interconnection standards refer to the protocols and specifications designed to ensure that different
computing systems can connect and communicate effectively. These standards cover various aspects of
connectivity, from physical layer implementations to complex network structures and data exchange
protocols.

A brief overview of some key interconnection standards are:

• Ethernet: A family of networking technologies used for local area networks (LANs), providing services
at the physical and data link layers of the OSI model.

• PCI Express (PCIe): A high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware
devices to a computer.

• USB (Universal Serial Bus): An industry standard for cables, connectors, and protocols for connection,
communication, and power supply between computers and devices.

• Fibre Channel: A high-speed data transfer protocol providing in-order, lossless delivery of raw block
data, primarily used to connect computer data storage.

• InfiniBand: A high-performance, multi-purpose network architecture that features very high

throughput and very low latency, used in high-performance computing (HPC).

• Thunderbolt: A hardware interface developed by Intel that allows the connection of external
peripherals to a computer.

These standards are crucial for the efficient communication among all processors within a system,
whether it’s for a single processor, memory module, or a group of processors. They support high
bandwidth and low latency to provide fast and efficient performance.

Design the interconnection structure of Processors, Memory and I/O Modules

Designing an interconnection structure that efficiently connects processors, memory and I/O
modules is crucial for the performance of a computer system.

Here’s a simplified design that takes into account the need for communication and data
exchange between these components:

Processors:
• Central Processing Units (CPUs): Serve as the main computational engines.
• Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): Handle graphics and parallel processing tasks.

Memory:
• Primary Memory (RAM): Offers fast access for active processes.
• Secondary Memory (Storage): Provides larger, persistent storage.

I/O Modules:
• Input Devices: Keyboards, mice, scanners, etc.
• Output Devices: Monitors, printers, speakers, etc.
• Storage Controllers: Manage data flow to and from storage devices.

Other Interconnection Structure:

• Bus System: A shared communication pathway that all components can use to transfer data.

• Crossbar Switch: Allows direct communication between each processor and memory module,
reducing contention.

• Multistage Network: Uses multiple stages of switches to connect a large number of

components with fewer pathways.

• Hypercube: Connects components in a multi-dimensional cube structure, allowing for scalable

and efficient communication.

Explaining the elements of a bus structure

A bus structure is a system that facilitates data transfer among various components of a computer.

The elements of a bus structure typically include:

• Data Lines: These are the pathways through which data is transferred between the system’s
components. The number of data lines is often referred to as the data bus width, it determines how
many bits can be transferred simultaneously, affecting the system’s performance.

• Address Lines: These lines carry the address information that specifies the source or destination of the
data on the data bus. The width of the address bus determines the system’s memory addressing
capacity.

• Control Lines: These lines carry control signals that manage the use and access of the data and address
lines. Control signals include commands and timing information, specifying operations like memory
read/write and I/O operations1.

Each line in the bus structure has a specific role, and together, they enable the integrated components
to communicate effectively within the system.