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Topic 2—Computer organization (6 hours)

JSR Note: ***This topic requires two testing session.***

2.1 Computer organization (6 hours)

(As "pre-reading" prep for this topic do take a look at the "How Comptuers Work" pages of this website.)


Computer architecture

2.1.1 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.

2.1.2 Describe primary memory.

2.1.3 Explain the use of cache memory.

2.1.4 Explain the machine instruction cycle.


Secondary memory

2.1.5 Identify the need for persistent storage.


Operating systems and application systems

2.1.6 Describe the main functions of an operating system.

2.1.7 Outline the use of a range of application software.

2.1.8 Identify common features of applications.


Binary representation

2.1.9 Define the terms: bit, byte, binary, denary/decimal, hexadecimal.

2.1.10 Outline the way in which data is represented in the computer.


Simple logic gates

2.1.11 Define the Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR.

2.1.12 Construct truth tables using the above operators.
(Order note: could/should do logic diagrams before truth table exercises.)

2.1.13 Construct a logic diagram using AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR gates.

 

Possible (though intense!) Review Videos with Crash Course Computer Science

Or, as a pre-2.1.10 intro, do # 5 as a "set-up" (though no need to understand much) for the importance of # 3, which you can look at afterward.

So first: Crash Course CS # 5 - How Computers Calculate - the ALU:

 

And now go back and look at # 3 - Boolean Logic & Logic Gates:

 

Then, more for review and more "Wow factor", carry-Ann on with:

Registers and RAM: Crash Course Computer Science #6

and even

The Central Processing Unit (CPU): Crash Course Computer Science #7