Fundamentals of Computer Science Test Answers
Fundamentals of Computer Science Test Answers
Ans) The I/O (input/output) subsystem is the part of an operating system that manages all
input and output operations between the computer and its peripheral devices. It typically
includes the following components:
1. I/O controllers: These manage communication between the computer and the
peripheral devices.
2. Device drivers: These are software programs that allow the operating system to interact
with specific hardware devices. They translate the generic commands of the operating
system into specific actions that the hardware device can understand.
3. I/O scheduler: This component determines the order in which I/O requests are
processed and helps optimize the overall performance of the I/O subsystem.
4. Buffer cache: This is a temporary storage area where data can be held while waiting to
be transferred to or from a peripheral device.
5. File system: This is responsible for organizing and managing files on disk, including
allocating disk space to files, tracking the location of files on disk, and providing access
to files.
Overall, the I/O subsystem is responsible for abstracting the underlying hardware and providing
a consistent and efficient interface for accessing peripheral devices.
Quest 2) Discuss and compare the modules of computation (combinational machine, finite state
automata, Turing machine, von-Neumann's machine) ?
Ans) The modules of computation are abstract models that capture the essential features of
how a computer performs computation. They are:
6. Combinational Machine: A combinational machine is a model of computation that is
based on the combination of inputs to produce outputs. It operates on a set of inputs
and produces a set of outputs, with no memory or state.
7. Finite State Automata: A finite state automata (FSA) is a model of computation that
consists of a set of states, input symbols, transition functions, and a start state. An FSA
processes a sequence of input symbols and transitions from one state to another based
on the transition function.
8. Turing Machine: A Turing machine is a theoretical model of computation that consists of
a tape and a read-write head. The tape contains a sequence of symbols and the head
can move left or right, read or write symbols on the tape, and transition to a new state
based on the current state and symbol read. Turing machines are capable of performing
any computable function.
9. Von Neumann Machine: A Von Neumann machine is a model of computation based on
the architecture of the first electronic computers. It consists of a central processing unit
(CPU), memory, and input/output devices, and operates on the stored-program
principle. The CPU reads instructions from memory, performs arithmetic and logical
operations, and stores the results in memory.
In summary, combinational machines are the simplest models of computation and do not have
memory or state. Finite state automata are more complex, allowing for the processing of
sequences of inputs and transitions based on the current state. Turing machines are even more
powerful, capable of performing any computable function, while Von Neumann machines are a
physical realization of the abstract models of computation.
Quest 3) Discuss the networks, and the ISO/OSI and the TCP/IP stack organization?
Ans) Networks are systems that allow multiple devices to communicate with each other and
exchange information. There are two common models used to describe and organize the
functions of a network:
10. ISO/OSI (International Organization for Standardization/Open Systems Interconnection)
Model: The ISO/OSI model is a seven-layer reference model for computer networking.
Each layer provides a specific set of services and is responsible for a different aspect of
network communication. The seven layers are:
Physical Layer: Deals with the physical connections and transmission of bits between
devices
Data Link Layer: Deals with error detection and correction of data being transmitted
Network Layer: Deals with routing and forwarding of data packets between networks
Transport Layer: Deals with the reliable transmission of data between applications
Session Layer: Deals with setting up, managing, and ending communication sessions
between applications
Presentation Layer: Deals with the formatting and encryption of data
Application Layer: Deals with the communication between applications and the network
11. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) Stack: The TCP/IP stack is a
four-layer reference model for computer networking that is widely used for the internet
and other networks. The four layers are:
Network Access Layer: Deals with the physical connections and transmission of bits
between devices
Internet Layer: Deals with routing and forwarding of data packets between networks
Transport Layer: Deals with the reliable transmission of data between applications
Application Layer: Deals with the communication between applications and the network
In summary, both the ISO/OSI and TCP/IP models provide a way to describe and organize the
functions of a network, with the ISO/OSI model being more comprehensive and the TCP/IP
stack being more focused on the specific requirements of the internet.
Quest 4) Describe the Turing machine and its theoretical importance and discuss Church
Turing thesis and the universal Turing machine?
Ans) THE FIRST PART OF THE ANSWER IS IN THE NOTEBOOK.
The Church Turing thesis, also known as the Church-Turing hypothesis, states that anything that
can be computed by an algorithm can be computed by a Turing machine. This thesis asserts
that the Turing machine is a universal model of computation that can perform any computation
that is computationally feasible.
A Universal Turing machine is a Turing machine that can simulate the behavior of any other
Turing machine. This means that a Universal Turing machine can perform any computation that
is possible on a Turing machine, making it a universal model of computation.
Quest 5) Discuss cache organization and advantages in detail for primary memory subsystem
and motivate its general effectiveness to improve performances ?
Ans) Cache is a type of small, fast memory that acts as a buffer between the CPU and main
memory. The purpose of cache is to store frequently accessed data so that the CPU can access
it quickly and efficiently.
Cache organization refers to the way in which data is stored and accessed in the cache memory.
The two main types of cache organization are direct mapping and associative mapping. In direct
mapping, each block of main memory can be stored in only one specific location in cache, while
in associative mapping, any block of main memory can be stored in any location in cache.
There are several advantages to using cache memory in the primary memory subsystem:
12. Speed: Cache memory is much faster than main memory, which allows the CPU to
access data more quickly and efficiently. This results in a significant improvement in
system performance.
13. Reduced Latency: Cache memory reduces the latency between the CPU and main
memory, as the CPU can access the data it needs from the cache instead of having to
wait for it to be fetched from main memory.
14. Increased Bandwidth: Cache memory increases the bandwidth between the CPU and
main memory, as the CPU can access multiple pieces of data from the cache in parallel.
15. Improved Utilization: Cache memory improves the utilization of main memory, as the
CPU can access frequently used data from the cache instead of having to fetch it from
main memory each time.
In summary, cache is a type of small, fast memory that acts as a buffer between the CPU and
main memory. The advantages of using cache memory in the primary memory subsystem
include increased speed, reduced latency, increased bandwidth, and improved utilization of
main memory. These advantages result in a significant improvement in system performance.
Quest 6) Discuss the CISC and RISC approaches in detail and compare them, pointing out the
advantages and disadvantages ?
Ans 6) CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)
are two approaches to computer architecture that are used to design the instruction set of a
processor.
CISC processors have a large number of instructions, many of which are complex and perform
multiple operations in a single instruction. This results in a more flexible instruction set that can
perform a wider range of operations, but requires more transistors to implement and may
result in longer instruction execution times.
RISC processors, on the other hand, have a smaller, simpler instruction set that consists of basic
operations. The instruction set is designed to be regular, with each instruction having the same
number of operands and the same length. This results in a more efficient instruction set that
can be executed more quickly, but may not be as flexible as CISC processors.
18. Faster instruction execution: RISC processors have a simpler, more regular instruction
set that can be executed more quickly than CISC processors, resulting in improved
performance.
19. Lower power consumption: RISC processors have a smaller instruction set and fewer
transistors, which results in lower power consumption and improved energy efficiency.
20. Easier to design: RISC processors have a simpler, more regular instruction set, making
them easier to design and improve.
Disadvantages of CISC processors include:
21. Longer instruction execution times: CISC processors have a more complex instruction set
that can result in longer instruction execution times, reducing performance.
22. Higher power consumption: CISC processors have a larger instruction set and more
transistors, which results in higher power consumption and reduced energy efficiency.
Disadvantages of RISC processors include:
23. Less flexible instruction set: RISC processors have a smaller, simpler instruction set that
may not be as flexible as CISC processors for certain applications.
24. More instructions required: RISC processors have a simpler instruction set that requires
more instructions to perform a task, resulting in larger and less efficient code.
Quest 7) Discuss pipelining hazards and how they affect program execution ?
Ans) Pipelining is a technique used in computer architecture to improve the performance of a
processor by breaking down the execution of instructions into a series of stages. In a pipelined
processor, each stage of the pipeline performs a specific task, and the stages are connected
such that the output of one stage is the input to the next stage.
Pipelining hazards occur when the pipeline encounters a situation where it cannot continue to
execute instructions correctly. These hazards can cause incorrect results, slow down the
pipeline, or even cause the pipeline to stall.
There are three main types of pipelining hazards:
25. Structural Hazards: Structural hazards occur when two or more instructions try to use
the same functional unit of the processor at the same time. For example, if two
instructions require the use of the same register file or ALU, the pipeline must be stalled
until one of the instructions has completed.
26. Data Hazards: Data hazards occur when an instruction depends on the result of a
previous instruction that has not yet been written to the register file. For example, if an
instruction tries to read a register before the previous instruction has written to it, the
pipeline must be stalled until the previous instruction has completed.
27. Control Hazards: Control hazards occur when a branch instruction changes the flow of
the program and the pipeline must wait until the branch target is known before
continuing. This can result in a pipeline stall, as the pipeline may need to wait for
multiple cycles to determine the branch target.
To address these hazards, various techniques are used to resolve them, such as forwarding,
branch prediction, and hazard detection and resolution. Forwarding allows data to bypass
intermediate stages of the pipeline and reach its destination quickly, reducing the stall time.
Branch prediction tries to predict the outcome of a branch instruction before it is resolved,
allowing the pipeline to continue executing instructions even if the branch instruction causes a
stall. Hazard detection and resolution involves monitoring the pipeline for hazards and taking
corrective action to resolve them.
Quest 8) Discuss symmetric multiprocessor systems and clusters, then compare the two
approaches?
Ans) A Symmetric Multiprocessor (SMP) system is a type of computer architecture where
multiple processors share a common memory space and work together to execute tasks. In an
SMP system, each processor has equal access to the shared memory and can run any task that
is assigned to it. The operating system schedules tasks to the processors and manages the
communication between them.
A Cluster is a group of independent computers that are connected together to form a single,
high-performance system. Clusters are often used in high-performance computing applications
where a single computer may not have the processing power to handle the task at hand. In a
cluster, each computer is referred to as a node, and nodes communicate with each other
through a high-speed network. The operating system runs on one of the nodes and is
responsible for managing the communication between nodes and for dividing tasks between
them.
Both SMP systems and clusters have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Quest 9) Discuss the advantages of multiprogramming to improve the utilization of batch and
interactive systems?
Ans) Multiprogramming is a technique that allows multiple programs to be run simultaneously
on a computer. In a multiprogramming system, the operating system keeps multiple tasks in
memory at the same time and switches between them to keep the CPU busy. The main
advantage of multiprogramming is that it improves the utilization of both batch and interactive
systems by keeping the CPU busy and executing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Quest 10) Briefly describe and compare all CPU architectural improvements that allow
exploiting parallelism to increase execution performance and efficiency?
Ans) There are several CPU architectural improvements that allow exploiting parallelism to
increase execution performance and efficiency. Some of the most commonly used techniques
are:
38. Pipelining: Pipelining allows multiple instructions to be processed in parallel, by dividing
the instruction execution into multiple stages and executing each stage in parallel for
different instructions. Pipelining is effective in increasing performance, as long as there
are no dependencies between the instructions being executed.
39. Superscalar Processing: Superscalar processing is an extension of pipelining that allows
multiple instructions to be executed in parallel, by processing more than one instruction
per clock cycle. Superscalar processors have multiple execution units and can execute
multiple instructions simultaneously.
40. Multicore Processing: Multicore processing involves having multiple processing cores on
a single chip. Each core operates independently, allowing multiple tasks to be executed
in parallel. This improves performance and efficiency by allowing multiple tasks to be
processed simultaneously.
41. SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) Processing: SIMD processing allows multiple
data elements to be processed simultaneously using the same instruction. This is
achieved by using a specialized processor or hardware unit, and can result in significant
performance improvements for certain types of applications.
42. Thread-level Parallelism: Thread-level parallelism involves executing multiple threads in
parallel, where each thread represents a separate task. This can be achieved through
hardware support, such as hardware multithreading, or software support, such as
multithreading in the operating system.