LESSON 3: KEY COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

LESSON 3: KEY COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Instructor: Alexa O. Moradillo

INTRODUCTION

  • Definition of Computer Systems:

    • Computer systems consist of:

    • Hardware

    • Software

    • Data

    • Together these components work to perform tasks.

  • Focus of the Lesson:

    • Exploring the key components of computer organization and architecture.

SUBTOPICS

  • Computer Organization and Computer Architecture

  • Function and Structure

  • Functional View of the Computer

  • Top-Level View of Computer Function and Interconnection

COMPETENCY REFLECTION

  • Pre-Competency Activity:

    • Reflect on the term 'computer system.'

    • Consider the key components that come to mind (e.g., hardware, software, peopleware, data).

    • Self-assess confidence in explaining these components and their interactions.

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE VS. COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

  • Definition:

    • The attributes of a system visible to the programmer.

  • Focus:

    • What the system can do (e.g., availability of a multiply instruction).

  • Architectural attributes include:

    • Instruction set

    • Number of bits used for data representation (e.g., characters, numbers)

    • Input/Output (I/O) mechanisms

    • Techniques for addressing memory

  • Impact:

    • Directly affects how programs are executed.

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

  • Instruction Sets:

    • Sets like x86 or ARM.

  • ARM Architecture:

    • ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) is a prevalent architecture in smartphones and tablets.

  • Memory Configuration:

    • Arrangement such as cache, RAM, and hard disks.

  • Data Format:

    • Methods of storing numbers and letters.

COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

  • Definition:

    • The operational units and connections implementing architectural design.

  • Organizational attributes include:

    • Hardware specifics transparent to programmers (e.g., control signals, interfaces).

  • Focus:

    • How hardware operates to fulfill architectural design.

    • Addresses performance of instructions.

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

  • Control Unit Operations:

    • Sending signals to activate various parts of the computer.

  • Cache Management:

    • Structure and management of cache memory.

  • CPU Pipelines:

    • Multiprocessing capabilities via pipelines, allowing simultaneous instruction processing.

COMPARISON: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE VS. ORGANIZATION

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

Focuses on hardware component connections forming a computer system.

Focuses on the structural and behavioral aspects viewed by the user.

Acts as a bridge between hardware and software.

Deals with the components' connections within the system.

Helps in understanding system functionality.

Explains arrangement and interconnections of system units.

Used by programmers for instructions, addressing modes, and registers.

Executes design based on architecture.

Involves high-level design aspects.

Considers lower-level design aspects.

Concentrates on logic design (instruction sets, addressing modes).

Concerns physical computer components.

KEY DIFFERENCES

  • Architecture:

    • Focuses on system capabilities (e.g., existence of specific instructions).

  • Organization:

    • Focuses on methods employed to act on those capabilities (e.g., specific multiplication methods).

COMPUTER FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE

COMPUTER STRUCTURE

  • Definition:

    • The interrelation of components and physical layout of a computer system.

  • Examples of components include:

    • CPU

    • Memory

    • Input devices

    • Output devices

    • Storage devices

  • Conceptual Representation:

    • Structures can be visualized as a “list of computer parts” (nouns).

POSSIBLE COMPUTER OPERATIONS BASED ON STRUCTURE

Operations Include:

  • Storage

  • Movement

  • Control

  • Processing

TYPES OF COMPUTER OPERATIONS

OUTPUT OPERATION

  • Functionality:

    • The computer can operate as a data movement device—transferring data from one peripheral to another.

  • Data Flow:

    • Data moves from storage or processing through the control unit to output devices (e.g., display, printer).

  • Control Unit Role:

    • Directs flow of data where necessary.

  • Example:

    • Saving a document — data transitions from storage/processing to an output device like a monitor or printer.

INPUT OPERATION

  • Functionality:

    • The computer can serve as a data storage device—from external environments into computer storage (read) and output back (write).

  • Data Flow:

    • Data enters through input devices, passes through control, and moves to processing or storage.

  • Control Role:

    • Manages incoming data location.

  • Example:

    • Typing on a keyboard sends data to control for processing or storage.

INTERNAL OPERATION

  • Functionality:

    • Internal data processing operates between storage and processing, facilitated by the control unit.

  • Data Flow:

    • Data shifts internally within the computer’s storage (e.g., memory or hard drive) and processing (CPU).

  • Example:

    • When opening a file, data reads from storage into processing for editing, then saves back to storage.

COMPLETE PROCESSING CYCLE

  • Functionality:

    • Encompasses a full data operation loop through all components—Movement, Control, Processing, and Storage.

  • Data Flow Representation:

    • Input (movement) → Control → Processing → Storage → Movement (output).

  • Example:

    • Typing and saving a document sequence illustrating input, processing, storage, and output flows.

SUMMARY DIAGRAM

DATA FLOW DIRECTION, OPERATION TYPE, AND EXAMPLES

DATA FLOW DIRECTION

OPERATION TYPE

SIMPLE EXPLANATION

EXAMPLE

From Storage/Processing → Control → Movement

Output Operation

Data is transmitted outside the computer to external devices.

Displaying results on a monitor or printing.

From Movement → Control → Storage/Processing

Input Operation

Data is received into the computer from outside sources.

Typing on a keyboard or uploading a file.

Between Storage ↔ Processing (via Control)

Internal Operation

Data transfers internally between memory and CPU.

Opening/saving a file during editing.

Movement → Control → Processing → Storage → Movement

Complete Processing Cycle

Data traverses the full operational route.

Typing, saving, displaying a document.

COMPUTER FUNCTION

  • Definition:

    • Refers to the specific operations of each component as part of the computer structure.

  • Example Functions:

    • Inputting data, processing information, storing files, and outputting results.

  • Conceptual Representation:

    • Viewed as the “actions” or verbs pertaining to computer operations.

CHECKPOINT ACTIVITY

  • Activity Purpose:

    • Reinforce learning on the four core operations within computer systems.

CLOSURE ACTIVITIES

  • Practical Application:

    • List five common computer activities demonstrating each operation type: output, input, internal, and complete processing.

    • Written responses should be presented on yellow paper.

    • Note: Adherence to submission deadlines is critical with no accepted exceptions.