I list in this post what the IB expects from you to know concerning the Computer Architecture. You must be able to State, Define, Expain and Compare the different aspects listed below.
Click here for the notes I have printed for you. You can find the presentation for SL and HL in .pdf format.
Click here for the relevant Exercises 1 to deliver.
1.
Outline the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and the functions of the arithmetic logic unit
(ALU) and the control unit (CU) and the registers within the CPU.
You should be able to reproduce a block diagram showing the relationship between the elements of the CPU, input and output and storage. The memory address register (MAR) and memory data register (MDR) are the only ones that need to be included.
2.
Distinguish between random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and their use in primary memory.
3.
You should be able to explain the effect of cache memory in speeding up the system as well as being able to explain how it is used.
For High Level the notes contain some sections about the resources to be managed in a Computer System
4.
Identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system. Resources include: primary
memory, processor speed, bandwidth, soundprocessor, graphics processor, cache.
5.
Identify the limitations of a range of resources in a specified computer system. For example, single processor
computers may not be able to render 3D graphics effectively.
6.
Describe the possible problems resulting from the limitations in the resources in a computer system. For example, user time wasted if the primary memory is too small or processor speed inadequate. Multi-access and multiprogramming environments should be considered as well as single-user systems.
Click here for the notes I have printed for you. You can find the presentation for SL and HL in .pdf format.
Click here for the relevant Exercises 1 to deliver.
1.
Outline the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and the functions of the arithmetic logic unit
(ALU) and the control unit (CU) and the registers within the CPU.
You should be able to reproduce a block diagram showing the relationship between the elements of the CPU, input and output and storage. The memory address register (MAR) and memory data register (MDR) are the only ones that need to be included.
2.
Distinguish between random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and their use in primary memory.
3.
You should be able to explain the effect of cache memory in speeding up the system as well as being able to explain how it is used.
For High Level the notes contain some sections about the resources to be managed in a Computer System
4.
Identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system. Resources include: primary
memory, processor speed, bandwidth, soundprocessor, graphics processor, cache.
5.
Identify the limitations of a range of resources in a specified computer system. For example, single processor
computers may not be able to render 3D graphics effectively.
6.
Describe the possible problems resulting from the limitations in the resources in a computer system. For example, user time wasted if the primary memory is too small or processor speed inadequate. Multi-access and multiprogramming environments should be considered as well as single-user systems.