Computer Architecture CSCI 242 C
cypress college
Computer organization (CO) - CORRECT ANSWER-the structure and behavior of a
computer system as seen by the user
microarchitecture - CORRECT ANSWER-The organization of the processor, including
the major functional units, their interconnection, and control.
CAO/COA - CORRECT ANSWER-a way to design computer systems
Instruction set architecture (ISA) - CORRECT ANSWER-A basic set of commands
(opcodes) that the processor can execute.
Computer architecture - CORRECT ANSWER-The internal, logical structure and
organization of the computer hardware.
first-sixth generation of computers - CORRECT ANSWER-First Generation (1940s-
1950s):
Main technology: Vacuum tubes
Characteristics: Large, unreliable, consumed a lot of power, generated significant heat,
and were expensive to operate and maintain.
Example computers: ENIAC, UNIVAC I
Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
Main technology: Transistors
Characteristics: Smaller, more reliable, consumed less power, generated less heat, and
were cheaper than first-generation computers.
Example computers: IBM 1401, IBM 7090
Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
Main technology: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Characteristics: Smaller, faster, more reliable, and cheaper than second-generation
computers. Allowed for the development of smaller and more powerful computers.
Example computers: IBM System/360, DEC PDP-11
Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s):
Main technology: Microprocessors
Characteristics: Marked by the advent of microprocessors, which led to the
miniaturization of computers and significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and
cost-effectiveness.
Example computers: IBM PC, Apple II
, Fifth Generation (1980s-present):
Main technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Parallel Processing
Characteristics: Characterized by the development of AI and parallel processing
capabilities. Emphasis on natural language processing, expert systems, and
knowledge-based systems.
Example computers: Connection Machine, IBM Watson
Sixth Generation (present and beyond):
Main technology: Advanced AI, Quantum Computing
Characteristics: Expected to see advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in
areas like machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. Quantum computing
also holds promise for solving complex problems exponentially faster than classical
computers.
Neuromorphic computing - CORRECT ANSWER-a method of computer engineering in
which elements of a computer are modeled after systems in the human brain and
nervous system
Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) - CORRECT ANSWER-Electronic circuits that
are programmed to perform a specific function.
digital signal processors (DSPs) - CORRECT ANSWER-Deal with streaming signals
such as audio or video
Used to be embedded in devices like modems
Encoding/decoding speech and video (codecs)
Support for encryption and security
Edge computing - CORRECT ANSWER-moving processing and data storage away
from a centralized location to the "edges" of a network
Distributed computing - CORRECT ANSWER-processes and manages algorithms
across many machines in a computing environment
Photonic computing - CORRECT ANSWER-processes and manages algorithms across
many machines in a computing environment
vacuum tube - CORRECT ANSWER-A sealed glass tube from which most of the air has
been evacuated
transistor - CORRECT ANSWER-A small electronic device used in a circuit as an
amplifier or switch.
integrated circuit - CORRECT ANSWER-A group of tiny transistors and electric wires
built on a silicon wafer, or chip.
microprocessor - CORRECT ANSWER-The central processing unit that is generally
made from a single integrated circuit.
cypress college
Computer organization (CO) - CORRECT ANSWER-the structure and behavior of a
computer system as seen by the user
microarchitecture - CORRECT ANSWER-The organization of the processor, including
the major functional units, their interconnection, and control.
CAO/COA - CORRECT ANSWER-a way to design computer systems
Instruction set architecture (ISA) - CORRECT ANSWER-A basic set of commands
(opcodes) that the processor can execute.
Computer architecture - CORRECT ANSWER-The internal, logical structure and
organization of the computer hardware.
first-sixth generation of computers - CORRECT ANSWER-First Generation (1940s-
1950s):
Main technology: Vacuum tubes
Characteristics: Large, unreliable, consumed a lot of power, generated significant heat,
and were expensive to operate and maintain.
Example computers: ENIAC, UNIVAC I
Second Generation (1950s-1960s):
Main technology: Transistors
Characteristics: Smaller, more reliable, consumed less power, generated less heat, and
were cheaper than first-generation computers.
Example computers: IBM 1401, IBM 7090
Third Generation (1960s-1970s):
Main technology: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Characteristics: Smaller, faster, more reliable, and cheaper than second-generation
computers. Allowed for the development of smaller and more powerful computers.
Example computers: IBM System/360, DEC PDP-11
Fourth Generation (1970s-1980s):
Main technology: Microprocessors
Characteristics: Marked by the advent of microprocessors, which led to the
miniaturization of computers and significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and
cost-effectiveness.
Example computers: IBM PC, Apple II
, Fifth Generation (1980s-present):
Main technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Parallel Processing
Characteristics: Characterized by the development of AI and parallel processing
capabilities. Emphasis on natural language processing, expert systems, and
knowledge-based systems.
Example computers: Connection Machine, IBM Watson
Sixth Generation (present and beyond):
Main technology: Advanced AI, Quantum Computing
Characteristics: Expected to see advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in
areas like machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. Quantum computing
also holds promise for solving complex problems exponentially faster than classical
computers.
Neuromorphic computing - CORRECT ANSWER-a method of computer engineering in
which elements of a computer are modeled after systems in the human brain and
nervous system
Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) - CORRECT ANSWER-Electronic circuits that
are programmed to perform a specific function.
digital signal processors (DSPs) - CORRECT ANSWER-Deal with streaming signals
such as audio or video
Used to be embedded in devices like modems
Encoding/decoding speech and video (codecs)
Support for encryption and security
Edge computing - CORRECT ANSWER-moving processing and data storage away
from a centralized location to the "edges" of a network
Distributed computing - CORRECT ANSWER-processes and manages algorithms
across many machines in a computing environment
Photonic computing - CORRECT ANSWER-processes and manages algorithms across
many machines in a computing environment
vacuum tube - CORRECT ANSWER-A sealed glass tube from which most of the air has
been evacuated
transistor - CORRECT ANSWER-A small electronic device used in a circuit as an
amplifier or switch.
integrated circuit - CORRECT ANSWER-A group of tiny transistors and electric wires
built on a silicon wafer, or chip.
microprocessor - CORRECT ANSWER-The central processing unit that is generally
made from a single integrated circuit.
