[2.0] Systems Architecture

[MULTIPLE ANSWER]
A computer is any device that can:

• communicate directly with other computers via electromagnetic signals without external hardware

• perform computational functions such as subtraction, addition, etc.

• store and retrieve information through intelligent neural processes

• accept numeric inputs

• communicate results

Answer explanation

A computer is an automated device for performing computational tasks. It accepts input data from the external world, performs one or more computations on the data, and then returns the result to the external world.

These are devices that perform communication using moving parts (e.g. gears, levers). They would perform complex calculations using repetitive mathematical operations.

Ex. Analytical Engine ni Charles Babbage

• Mechanical Computing

• Electronic Computing

• Optical Computing

These are devices that rely on the movement of electrons to perform computations. The functions that can be performed are determined by the mathematical relationship among components along with the electric flow within an electronic circuit.

• Mechanical Computing

• Electronic Computing

• Optical Computing

These are devices that rely on the the movement of photons to perform computations. Data can be represented as pulses of light and stored directly (storing an image in a hologram) or indirectly (in reflective materials like a DVD surface)

• Mechanical Computing

• Electronic Computing

• Optical Computing

[MULTIPLE ANSWERS]
What were the limitations of mechanical computing?

• complex design and construction

• operating speed limited by speed of moving parts

• only operate in specific environmental conditions

• consumed excessive amounts of electrical energy

• wear, breakdown, and maintenance of mechanical parts

In electronic computing, numbers are stored as ____________

• voltage levels

• light pulses

• magnetic charges

• electric signals

Answer explanation

Each bit (0 or 1) is stored as a tiny magnetic charge on the storage medium.

How do electromechanical devices turn input from input devices (ex. keyboards, mouse, etc.) to something usable?

• interpret user input through biological sensors that mimic neural networks

• rely on electromagnetic waves to directly transmit data to the processing unit

• use advanced AI algorithms to predict the intended actions based on the input

• convert physical movement into electric signals (0 or 1) that can be processed by the system and vice versa

[TRUE OF FALSE]
Electronic Computers are faster to build than Mechanical Systems.

• FALSE

• TRUE

• DEPENDS ON THE COMPUTER MODEL

Compared to electrical signals, optical computing signals can carry _______ data. Additionally, optical storage media can store _______ data in the same physical space compared to magnetic or electrical media.

• less;more

• less;less

• more;less

• more;more

Answer explanation

in other words

1.) optical computing signals carry more data

2.) optical storage can hold more data per unit of physical space (dvds, cds, discs,etc.)

[MULTIPLE ANSWERS]
Which of the following characteristics distinguish computers from other automated computing devices?

HINT: 3 answers only

• A general-purpose processor capable of performing computation, comparison, data movement

• Dependence on pre-programmed mechanical sequences for all tasks

• Enough storage capacity to hold large number of program instructions and data

• Capacity to process a wide range of input types and provide versatile outputs

• Flexible communication capability

Answer explanation

• - Internal Communication (data cable, system bus, everything in the motherboard)

• - Processing

• - Storage

• - External Communication