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Unit1 Computer Basics

The document outlines the fundamentals of computers, classifying them into four types: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers, each with distinct characteristics and applications. It details the five functional units of a computer, types of memory including cache memory, and factors affecting computer performance such as processor speed and memory hierarchy. Additionally, it discusses multicore and multiprocessor systems, multicomputers, and the four generations of computer development.

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2 views5 pages

Unit1 Computer Basics

The document outlines the fundamentals of computers, classifying them into four types: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers, each with distinct characteristics and applications. It details the five functional units of a computer, types of memory including cache memory, and factors affecting computer performance such as processor speed and memory hierarchy. Additionally, it discusses multicore and multiprocessor systems, multicomputers, and the four generations of computer development.

Uploaded by

samv0294
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Unit 1: Fundamentals of Computers (Detailed Answers)

Q1: Classify Computers (4 Types) in Detail

Computers can be classified based on architecture and processing style. The four major classifications are:

1. Supercomputers

- The fastest and most powerful type.

- Used for scientific applications such as climate modeling, molecular simulations, nuclear research.

- Can perform billions of instructions per second.

- Example: IBM Summit, Japan's Fugaku.

2. Mainframe Computers

- Large computers used in enterprise-level applications like banking, insurance, and government.

- Designed for high-volume, high-speed data processing.

- Support thousands of users simultaneously.

- Example: IBM Z Series.

3. Minicomputers (Mid-range Computers)

- Smaller and less powerful than mainframes.

- Used in small organizations and laboratories.

- Support multiple users simultaneously.

- Example: PDP-11, VAX.

4. Microcomputers (Personal Computers)

- Designed for individual use.

- Common types include desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones.


- Example: Dell PCs, Apple MacBooks.

Q2: 5 Functional Units of a Computer with Block Diagram

A computer consists of the following five functional units:

1. Input Unit

- Accepts data and instructions from the user.

- Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.

2. Memory Unit

- Stores data, instructions, and intermediate/final results.

- Includes:

- Primary Memory: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile)

- Secondary Memory: HDD, SSD

3. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

- Performs all arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and logical (AND, OR, NOT) operations.

4. Control Unit (CU)

- Coordinates all components.

- Fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and controls execution.

5. Output Unit

- Presents results to the user.

- Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers

Q3: Types of Memory + Cache Memory


1. Primary Memory

- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary, volatile memory used during execution.

- ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile, stores firmware like BIOS.

2. Secondary Memory

- Long-term storage.

- Types: Hard Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), Optical Discs (CD/DVD).

3. Cache Memory

- Small, fast memory between CPU and RAM.

- Stores frequently used data.

- Levels:

- L1: Closest to CPU, fastest, smallest.

- L2: Larger, slower.

- L3: Shared among CPU cores.

Q4: Two Factors Affecting Computer Performance

1. Processor Speed (Clock Speed)

- Measured in GHz.

- Higher clock speed = more instructions per second.

2. Memory Hierarchy

- Speed of memory access (cache vs RAM vs disk) affects performance.

- Systems with more RAM and larger/faster cache perform better.

Q5: What is Pipelining?

- Pipelining is a technique where multiple instruction stages are processed simultaneously.


- Similar to an assembly line.

- Common stages: Fetch -> Decode -> Execute -> Memory -> Write-back

- Increases instruction throughput.

- Used in most modern CPUs for faster execution.

Q6: Dual-core, Quad-core, and Octa-core Processors

- Dual-core: Two processing units (cores) in one CPU. Can handle two threads in parallel.

- Quad-core: Four cores. Better multitasking.

- Octa-core: Eight cores. Often split into performance and efficiency clusters (used in phones).

- More cores = better performance for multi-threaded applications.

Q7: Multicore Processor vs Multiprocessor

| Feature | Multicore Processor | Multiprocessor System |

|----------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Definition | Multiple cores on a single chip | Multiple CPUs in one system |

| Communication | Shared memory & cache | Use system bus/network |

| Cost | Lower | Higher |

| Used in | PCs, Laptops, Smartphones | Servers, High-end Systems |

Q8: What is a Multicomputer?

- A multicomputer is a distributed system where independent computers (nodes) are connected through a

network.

- Each has its own memory and processor.

- Communicate via message passing.

- Example: Cluster computing, distributed systems (e.g., Hadoop).

Q9: Four Generations of Computer Development


1. First Generation (1940-1956)

- Used vacuum tubes

- Very large and power-hungry

- Machine language

- Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC

2. Second Generation (1956-1963)

- Used transistors

- Smaller, more reliable

- Assembly language

- Example: IBM 1401

3. Third Generation (1964-1971)

- Used Integrated Circuits (ICs)

- Faster, smaller, cheaper

- High-level languages emerged

- Example: IBM System/360

4. Fourth Generation (1971-Present)

- Based on microprocessors

- Personal computers, smartphones

- GUI, internet, multimedia

- Example: Intel 8085, Apple M1

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