Computer System Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide

COMPUTER SYSTEM
ARCHITECTURE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Lo1...................................................................................................................................................2
P1 identify the main subsystems of a computer and explain how they are organized and
connected.....................................................................................................................................2
P2 Explain the purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and include details on its
operation......................................................................................................................................7
Lo2...................................................................................................................................................8
P3 Describe a range of different operating systems including the purpose, use and hardware
requirements of each....................................................................................................................8
P4 Discuss the key features associated with the architecture of an operating system...............11
Lo3.................................................................................................................................................13
P5 Explain the relationships between hardware and network addresses including their use with
regards to networking devices and components........................................................................13
P6 Setup, configure and document appropriate hardware and software systems to establish
computer based network connectivity.......................................................................................16
Lo4.................................................................................................................................................17
P7 Use information gathering methods to assess troubleshoot and document solutions to a
number of different technical hardware, software and networking issues................................17
P8 Conduct and document a range of maintenance activities with regards to computer
hardware and software...............................................................................................................19
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................24
References......................................................................................................................................25

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Subsystems of a computer................................................................................................2
Figure 2: Von Neumann Architecture.............................................................................................3
Figure 3: Memory hierarchy............................................................................................................5
Figure 4: System Bus;......................................................................................................................5
Figure 5: Screen shot of Screenlets of Ubuntu................................................................................9
Figure 6: Screenshot of window 10...............................................................................................10
Figure 7: Operating Systems Architecture....................................................................................11
Figure 8: MAC address..................................................................................................................14
Figure 9: IP address (command prompt).......................................................................................15
Figure 10: Setting Up a Computer network...................................................................................16
Figure 11: File explorer in Start menu...........................................................................................19
Figure 12: Local Disk (C :)............................................................................................................20
Figure 13: Optimizing drive..........................................................................................................20
Figure 14: Selection of the drive for optimization.........................................................................21
Figure 15: fragmentation Percentage.............................................................................................21
Figure 16: Defragmentation process..............................................................................................22
Figure 17: Browser’s history clean-up..........................................................................................23

Introduction
Computer architecture is the method and rules through which function, organization and
implementation of computer system is explained. This report discusses about computer
subsystems that forms the overall computer system. The report discusses about Central
Processing Unit and Operating System that are the major computer components. Every computer
or networking device has one logical and physical, address, this report discusses about their
relation and comparison. At last, the report discusses regarding the maintenance task that a user
must perform in regular basis for proper maintenance of the overall computer system and its
elements.
1

Lo1
P1 identify the main subsystems of a computer and explain how they are organized and
connected
A computer system must effectively function considering it four main parts or subsystem.
Subsystem is referred to a device or unit which is a part of larger system like that of a computer.
In case any part malfunctions it may result in discontinuity of the services or hampering the
functionality of the other devices.
A computer system can be broadly divided into four subsystem or categories: the CPU, main
memory, system bus and input/ output subsystem (Comer, 2017).
Figure 1: Subsystems of a computer
Central processing Unit: The CPU is often referred as the computer’s brain. This is responsible
for processing various complex functions within a computer. The chip of CPU collects various
instructions from software applications and system board. A CPU is capable of processing data
less than a millisecond. This electronics circuit in the computer fetches input command or
instructions from memory unit, then performs various arithmetic and logic operations
accordingly and ultimately stores the processed data back in the memory.
Components of CPU
From the Von Neumann Architecture it can be stated that the main component of the CPU is the
ALU and control Unit.
2

Figure 2: Von Neumann Architecture
Control Unit: This Unit is an internal CPU part which operates mostly to co-ordinates
instructions and the flow of data between the Processor along with other computer components.
CU has the main function to direct the operations of CPU by sending both control and timing
signals.
Arithmetic Logic Unit: ALU is referred to the internal electronic circuitry within the CPU that
performs every arithmetic and logical operations. ALU receives three kind of inputs.
 Control signal from CU
 Data that is to be operated
 Information of Status from previous operations.
Operation of all the instructions led to output, this output result contains data which is stored in
memory and the information of the status is stored in CPU’s internal registers.
Working of a CPU: Every CPUs despite of its type or origin tends to performs the basic
instruction cycle which has three Steps: Fetch, decode and execute (Harris and Harris, 2015)
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