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Computer Organization And Architecture Question Paper

Computer Organization And Architecture

Course:Bachelor Of Science In Information Technology

Institution: Kca University question papers

Exam Year:2011

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2010/2011
FIRST YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 1106: COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE
DATE: APRIL 2011 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer question ONE and any other TWO questions
QUESTION ONE. (COMPULSORY)
(a) Define and explain the following
i. Memory
ii. Cache
iii. Computer program
iv. Machine language
v. Registers [5 Marks]
(b) Distinguish between
i. RISC and CISC
ii. Random and sequential access
iii. System software and utility software
iv. Analogue and digital computers
v. Byte and bits [10 Marks]
(c) Describe how the magnetic disk is organized internally clearly illustrating your answer using
diagrams [4 Marks]
2
(d) Data within a computer goes through several processes including input, storage, output, processing.
Explain each process giving examples of devices used in each. [5 Marks]
(e) By the use of an illustration, describe the organization of computer in a computer system clearly
explaining the function of each [6 Marks]
QUESTION TWO
(a) Describe the technological advancement in
i. First Generation computers
ii. Third Generation computers
[6 Marks]
(b) Describe the characteristics of optical and magnetic disks clearly explaining the technologies
implemented in each. [4 Marks]
(c) Explain the meaning of the following terns as used in the computer systems:
i. EEPROM [2 Marks]
ii. Vacuum tubes [2 Marks]
iii. IBG [2 Marks]
(d) Differentiate between SRAM and DRAM and with reasons state which one is suitable for making
cache memory [4 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
(a) Convert the binary number, 110010101001111
(i) Octal [2 Marks]
(ii) Decimal [2 Marks]
(iii) Hexadecimal [2 Marks]
(b) Explain the following terms and state how they affect system performance.
i) Bus width [2 Marks]
ii) Word size [2 Marks]
(c) Briefly explain the boot-up process and state how you can troubleshoot if the process was not
successful. [4 Marks]
3
(d) With the help of a well labelled diagram, explain Von Neumann computer architecture
[6 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
By explaining each of the following terms distinguish between:
(a) (i) Smart card and a card with a magnetic stripe. [2 Marks]
(ii) MICR and OMR. [2 Marks]
(iii) Laser printers and Dot-matrix printers. [2 Marks]
(iv) Multiprogramming and Parallel Processing. [2 Marks]
(v) Real time processing and On-line processing. [2 Marks]
(b) (i) What do you understand by a Computer Network? Give two reasons why we network. [1 Mark]
(ii) With the help of well illustrated diagrams, explain what you understand by:
A. Star Topology
B. Linear- Bus Topology
C. Token-Ring Topology [9 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
(a) A LAN (Local Area Network) is often installed by a business to achieve either or both of the following
objectives:
i) Sharing of peripherals
ii) Sharing of data
By reference to a typical business explain each of the objectives. [4 Marks]
(b) Outline TWO possible problems of sharing data within a network. [2 Marks]
(c) A magnetic tape has a maximum length of 2400 feet and its data recording density is 160000 bytes
per inch. The tape travels at 1260 feet per minute.
Required:
(i) What is the storage capacity of this tape? [3 Marks]
(ii) What is the data transfer rate of this tape [3 Marks]
(d) What is a file password? [2 Marks]
(e) Define the terms Hardware and Software. [2 Marks]
(f) Explain the meaning of the following terms within the context of computer systems
4
i) Virtual storage [2 Marks]
ii) Co-Processor [2 Marks]

Computer Organization And Architecture Question Paper

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