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### Exercise- Questions and Answers Based on the Text

The document outlines the definition and components of a system, differentiating between natural and artificial systems with examples. It discusses the objectives of computer systems, the components of the Von Neumann architecture, and how it operates through a calculator example. Additionally, it highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture and describes various types of computing systems and their interactions with the environment.

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Saadat Zaidi
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4 views

### Exercise- Questions and Answers Based on the Text

The document outlines the definition and components of a system, differentiating between natural and artificial systems with examples. It discusses the objectives of computer systems, the components of the Von Neumann architecture, and how it operates through a calculator example. Additionally, it highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture and describes various types of computing systems and their interactions with the environment.

Uploaded by

Saadat Zaidi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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### Exercise: Questions and Answers Based on the Text

#### 1. What is a system, and what are its basic components?


- **Answer**: A system is an organized set of components coordinated to perform a designated
function. According to the text (Section 1.1), its basic components include:
- **Objectives**: The purpose or goal the system aims to achieve (e.g., a computer processes
data to provide useful information).
- **Components**: The building blocks that contribute to the system’s functionality (e.g.,
engine, wheels, and brakes in a car).
- **Environment**: External factors that interact with the system (e.g., power supply or network
for a computer).
- **Communication**: Interaction among components to achieve the system’s objectives (e.g.,
CPU fetching data from memory).

#### 2. Differentiate between natural and artificial systems with examples.


- **Answer**:
- **Natural Systems** (Section 1.2.1): Exist in nature and operate independently of human
intervention, governed by natural laws. Examples include:
- Physical Systems: Galaxies or atoms (e.g., hydrogen gas formed by electrons, protons, and
neutrons).
- Chemical Systems: Water (H₂O) formed by hydrogen and oxygen bonding.
- Biological Systems: The human body with subsystems like the circulatory system.
- **Artificial Systems** (Section 1.2.2): Created by humans to fulfill specific needs. Examples
include:
- Knowledge Systems: Databases like MySQL for managing data.
- Engineering Systems: A bridge or a metro train system in Lahore.
- Social Systems: Academic institutions like Punjab University.

#### 3. What are the main objectives of a computer system?


- **Answer**: From Section 1.4.1, the main objective of a computer system is to:
- Perform computations, process data, and execute tasks efficiently. For example, a personal
computer’s objective is to run software applications like word processors, web browsers, and
games through computational processes.

#### 4. List and describe the components of a computer system based on the Von Neumann
architecture.
- **Answer**: From Section 1.5.1, the Von Neumann architecture includes:
- **Memory**: Stores both data and program instructions (e.g., RAM holding a game’s code
and scores).
- **Central Processing Unit (CPU)**: Executes commands, consisting of:
- **Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)**: Performs mathematical and logical operations (e.g., adding
2 + 2).
- **Control Unit (CU)**: Manages CPU operations and ensures proper execution (e.g.,
supervising the addition process).
- **Input Devices**: Allow data entry (e.g., keyboard or mouse).
- **Output Devices**: Display results (e.g., monitor or printer).
- **System Bus**: Facilitates communication between components, including the data bus,
address bus, and control bus.

#### 5. Explain how the Von Neumann architecture works using the example of a calculator
adding two numbers.
- **Answer**: From Section 1.5.2, the process involves four stages:
- **Fetching**: The CPU retrieves the addition instruction from memory. The Program Counter
(PC) points to the instruction’s address, and it’s loaded into the Instruction Register (IR).
- **Decoding**: The Control Unit (CU) interprets the instruction (e.g., “add 2 and 2”) to
determine the required action.
- **Execution**: The ALU performs the addition (2 + 2 = 4), while the CU manages data flow.
- **Storing**: The result (4) is stored in memory or sent to an output device (e.g., displayed on
the calculator screen).

#### 6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture?
- **Answer**: From Section 1.5.4:
- **Advantages**:
- **Simplified Design**: Combines instructions and data in a single memory area.
- **Flexibility**: Programs can be easily modified by updating memory contents.
- **Disadvantages**:
- **Von Neumann Bottleneck**: Single memory access limits the CPU’s speed in retrieving
instructions and data.
- **Security Risks**: Storing data and instructions together allows one program to potentially
alter another’s instructions.

#### 7. Describe the types of computing systems mentioned in the text.


- **Answer**: From Section 1.6, computing systems include:
- **Computers**: Hardware and software designed for data processing (e.g., a PC with CPU,
RAM, and an operating system).
- **Software**: Instructions for hardware, divided into:
- **System Software**: Manages resources (e.g., Windows, macOS).
- **Application Software**: Performs specific user tasks (e.g., web browsers).
- **Networks**: Connect computers for communication (e.g., the Internet).
- **The Internet**: A global network enabling data exchange and browsing.

#### 8. How does a computer interact with its environment?


- **Answer**: From Section 1.4.5:
- **User Input**: Typing on a keyboard prompts the computer to process and display text.
- **Network Communication**: Sending/receiving data over the Internet (e.g., browsing
websites).
- **Power Supply**: Relies on electricity to function.
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