Launching into Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Architecture and the Functionality

Unit 2

Object-oriented Information Systems
This unit explores the fundamental functionality, building blocks, and the computer's evolution. The primary computer architecture is founded on the von Neumann model, which includes an input, process, output, and memory. The processor is the central element and receives inputs, processes them, and produces outputs. In addition, the computer has a memory where the inputs, outputs and other processing elements are stored for the short or long term so that the data can be used later. Finally, there is also a "bus" or "electrical wiring network" through which all components can be connected to transfer data.
Figure: Process of CPU (own representation based on Brookshear & Brylow, 2019: 112)

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Outcomes

  • Summary of the learning outcomes

This unit aims to:

  • Appreciate the evolution of computer and computing technologies due to innovations
  • Describe the critical functional issues of computer structure components
  • Identify and demonstrate the basic characteristics, functions and features of each element of a computer system
  • Demonstrate the theories and nature of data representation for computers

  • Reflection

What exactly have I learnt and how?

By working through the question from Seminar 1, I have understood the operation and structure of the central processing unit. I can also distinguish computer types according to size, power, purpose, data type and functionality. In addition, I can point out the difference between the register unit and memory.

  • Notes

Notes from the elaboration of the unit, various meetings, and feedback from team members and tutors

Feedback from a student on the elaboration of the seminar 1 questions
Hello Gianluca,
You have a very nice representation of CPU in your post. One thing caught my attention however: I would like to think of registers as a group of small units rather than a whole unit. Because its fragmented structure is important in the way how the control unit uses them. What do you think? But still, this is a very good sketch that I would like to have come up with myself!
- Reply to the student from Gianluca Cannone:
Hi,
You are right! If I describe the register more in detail, I would mention it. It was essential to explain what the whole unit does, basically, in my opinion.

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