Abstraction
Why Abstractions Matter in Computing (Advantages) in computing systems, give examples ?
Examples: Using ATM machine , Using a smartphone camera , Using Netflix App on smart TV
Abstraction hides the complex details to make things easier to use as it improves technology and computing by providing simplification, efficiency, and accessibility
What`s Operating Systems?
Types of system software that regulate interaction between software and hardware.
Explain the von Neumann Architecture?
Computer Hardware consist of 4 separate units:
1. Input Unit : Transfer data and instructions from the outside world into the computer. Examples include the keyboard, mouse, and microphone.
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer. It processes data and controls the execution of program instructions. It consists of two main components:
3. Main Memory: Stores both data and program instructions needed by the CPU during processing. In the traditional Von Neumann model, data and instructions share the same memory.
4. Output Unit: Present the results of processing to the user. Examples include a monitor displaying information, a printer printing documents, and speakers playing sound.
5. Bus: A collection of communication pathways that connects the computer's components and allows data, instructions, and control signals to travel between them.
Which storage Device is the easiest in data recovery compared to others?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Give 2 examples on embedded systems and their use?
-The pacemaker is an embedded system to monitor/regulate heart health.
-The Hearing aids … is an embedded system used to amplify specific sound frequencies.
What`s Device drivers?
Software component acts as a translator between the operating system and peripheral hardware such as a printer or graphics card? they let OS talk to hardware devices
Compare between CPU components ( CU and ALU ) in terms of Full name and task?
CU (Control Unit): Directs and coordinates the activities of the computer's components to ensure that instructions are executed correctly.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction, and logical operations, such as comparing two values.
How data stored and organized on HDD?
Has sectors, tracks, and clusters to organize stored files.
Explain abstraction in data in computing systems?
Numbers-->convert to Binary
Text & Characters-->Use Standard codes ( ASCII and Unicode)
Colors-->RGB model
Audio--> Sampling rates and bit depth
Video-->Codecs
Classify each process to the correct state (Running or Waiting or Ready) :
-Typing in Word
-Music Plays while typing
-Browser need to download a game
-Typing in Word--> Running
-Music Plays while typing-->Ready
-Browser need to download a game --> Waiting
Which of the following is wrongly explaining the von Neumann bottleneck? and how to solve this problem?
a. The CPU can only access either data or instructions one at a time
b. Both data and instructions use the same memory and bus system
c. It improves CPU performance
d. It slows down CPU performance
Wrong statement--> It improves CPU performance
solution --> Add cache memory which is a small and super speed memory used to reduce the Von Neumann bottleneck by giving the CPU faster access to data.
Differentiate between [Seek time , Latency and Access Time ] in HDD?
Seek Time: the time taken for the read/write head in HDD to reach a specified track.
Latency :the time it takes for the specified sector to be in position under the read/write head
Access time : the total time taken to reach the cluster
Access time = Seek time + Latency
How does the RGB color model represent images in a computer?
The RGB model represents images using combinations of three primary colors of light: Red, Green, and Blue. Every pixel on the screen is made of mixture of these three color channels, with intensity values ranging from 0 to 255 for each channel.
if all 0`s --> Black
if all 1`s --> White
Explain how multiprogramming improves efficiency in your computer
It Kept multiple programs in memory at the same time and CPU rapidly switches between them. by giving each process a short period of time called (Time Slice), this helps the CPU use its time efficiently and reduces idle moments.
Compare between the function of the Program Counter (PC) and the Instruction Register (IR) in the fetch–execute cycle?
-Program Counter (PC): Holds the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched and executed.
- Instruction Register (IR): Temporarily holds the current instruction that has just been fetched from memory while it is being decoded and executed
Compare between the primary storage devices (RAM , ROM and Cache)?
RAM : Random Access Memory
main memory holds active data and programs currently in use by the CPU , Volatile (data lost when powered off) and Fast.
ROM : Read-Only Memory
Stores permanent startup instructions (like BIOS/firmware), Non-volatile (retains data permanently) and Slow
Which layer of a computing system manages hardware resources and translates electrical signals into binary while typing on keyboard?
The Hardware Layer translates keypresses into electrical impulses, while the Operating System layer manages the hardware resources to process and convert to binary signals to be displayed as the characters on screen through application layer
Which one is a program? Which one is software? and why?
Calculator , Windows11, Android, Spotify , Google chrome, Unix , IOS , Word , WhatsApp
Program-->it is a set of instructions a computer follows to perform one task.
( calculator , Spotify, Google Chrome, Word , WhatsApp)
Software-->It includes many programs, also data + resources that make the computer useful.
(Windows11 - Android - IOS )
Given below are the Steps to 4 phases of ( Fetch .. Execute Cycle ) Classify
A. The Program Counter (PC) holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.
B. The result is written back to a register or main memory for future use.
C. The Control Unit (CU) interprets the instruction, determines the operation, and sends control signals to the CPU components.
D. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs the required operation
E. The instruction is temporarily stored in the Instruction Register (IR)
F. The CPU sends the address from the PC to memory, and the instruction is brought back via the data bus.
Fetch --> A - E - F
Decode --> C
Execute--> D
Store--> B
Compare between the secondary Storage devices. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD) and Optical Devices in terms of :
[Structure - Speed - Durability - Cost - Portability - Power Consume ]
HDD : Magnetic spinning platters with moving read/write heads, Bits are aligned as North-South (0) or South-North (1)
slow: access time due to mechanical seek time/latency
Low durability vulnerable to physical shocks due to moving parts, Cheap, Bulky, heavier (less portable)
High power consumption and Easy in recovery
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SSD : Integrated circuits as flash memory chips with no moving part, Trapped electrons inside as: On (1) or Off (0) states
Fast bec. No access time and No mechanical parts
High durability, highly resistant to drops and physical shocks but Expensive
Lightweight and compact (highly portable), Low power consumption and Difficult in recovery