Topic 2 - Computer Organization

2.1 Computer Organization

Computer Architecture

2.1.1. Outline the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and the functions of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU) and the registers within the CPU.
2.1.2. Describe primary memory.

    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this web site, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student should be able to:
    • reproduce a block diagram showing the relationship between the elements of the CPU
    • understand the fetch / decode / execute / store cycle
    • State the function of the MAR(memory address register) and MDR(memory data register)
    • Distinguish between RAM and ROM

2.1.3. Explain the use of cache memory.
2.1.4. Explain the machine instruction cycle.

    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this website, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student should be able to:
    • explain the effect of cache memory in speeding up the system as well as being able to explain how it is used
    • explain the role of data bus and address bus
    • understand the concept of virtual memory

Secondary Memory

2.1.5. Identify the need for persistent storage.
    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this website, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student should be able to:
    • understand the concept of persistent storage

Operating systems and application systems

2.1.6. Describe the main functions of an operating system.
2.1.7. Outline the use of a range of application software.
2.1.8. Identify common features of applications.
    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this website, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student will:
    • understand and explain the main functions of an operating system
    • state the using of different application software

Binary representation

2.1.9. Define the terms: bit, byte, binary, denary/decimal, hexadecimal.
2.1.10. Outline the way in which data is represented in the computer.
    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this website, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student will:
    • define the terms: bit, byte, binary, denary/decimal, hexadecimal.
    • state the different types of data used in a computational envorinment

Simple Logic Gates

2.1.11. Define the Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR.
2.1.12. Construct truth tables using the above operators.
2.1.13. Construct a logic diagram using AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR gates.

    Class Activities
  1. The reading of the information provided by the resources in this website, is the first activity on this section. Then, the student will:
    • construct the truth tables for the diferents operators considered assessment statement
    • construct a digital circuit by using logic gates