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
