Question 1 (CO1)

a) Based on my understanding, computer architecture and organization is operational structure

design of a computer system and how it is implemented.

b) Difference between RAM and ROM.

Ram – i. Volatile memory
ii. The memory available for the operating system, programs and processes to use when
the computer is running
Rom – i. Non-volatile memory
ii. The memory that comes with your computer that is pre-written to hold the instructions
for booting-up the computer.

c) i) HDD is hard disk drive. An HDD uses magnetism to store data on a rotating platter. A
read/write head floats above the spinning platter reading and writing data. The faster the platter
spins, the faster an HDD can perform. The major advantage of an HDD is that it is capable of
storing lots of data cheaply. HDD are cheaper than SSD.
Meanwhile, SSD stand for Solid State Drive. SSD can be thought of as a more powerful and
modern USB stick. SSD stores the information in microchips. A typical SSD uses what is called
NAND-based flash memory. This is a non-volatile type of memory. An SSD does not have a
mechanical arm to read and write data, it instead relies on an embedded processor (or “brain”)
called a controller to perform a bunch of operations related to reading and writing data.
Difference between HDD and SSD.
 HDD
- More power draw, averages 6 – 7
watts and therefore uses more battery
- Cheaper
- Write speed range can be anywhere
from 50 – 120MB / s
- Magnet can erase data from HDD
SSD
- Less power draw, averages 2 – 3
watts, resulting in 30+ minute battery
boost
- Expensive
- Write speed is generally above 200
MB/s and up to 550 MB/s for cutting
edge drives
- An SSD is safe from any effects of
magnetism

ii) I would prefer to upgrade my computer with SSD vs RAM because

SSD would make the access time faster than HDD, which is nearly 100 times faster and this
mean programs can run more quickly. It also make your computer boots faster and multitasking
will be easier with no lag. SSD also make games load faster. Moreover SDD has no moving
parts. It uses flash memory to store data, which provide betters better performance and
reliability. SDD also uses less power than HDD so this means lower energy bill and in laptop it
can help increase battery life. After that, SSD generates less heat, so the lifespan and reliability
are increased. Then, less fan noise because since SSD has no moving part like HDD, the fan
doesn’t have to work as hard as with HDD.
And then I would upgrade the RAM because it will improve the performance of my computer.
Bigger RAM means bigger digital countertop to work on and the faster programs will run.
Multitasking will be better, time required to process data and transfers information to other
components will be faster. Moreover bigger RAM will enhance programs that use intense
graphic use and memory-laden programs and will support color at higher resolutions and give the
power to enhance 3D rendering.
Question 2 (CO2)

a) i) (3462.125)8 = (?)2
421 421 421 421

3 4 6 2
011100110010
421 421 421

1 2 5
001010101

= (11100110001.001010101)2

ii) (61238)10 = (?)16

32768 16384 8192 4096 2048 1024 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

= 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 10 110

8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 84 2 1
 1110 1111 0011 0110

8+4+2 8+4+2+1 2+1 4+2

14 15 3 6

= (EF36)16

iii) (1011111.1010110)2 = (?)16

8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1

=
0101 1111 (add additional zero)
5 15 (F)

8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1

=
1010 1100 (add additional zero)
10(A) 12(C)

= (5F.AC)16

iv) (3ACE.4BAD) 16 = (?)2

8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1

= 3 A C E
0011 1010 1100 1110
 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1

= 4 B A D
0100 1011 1010 1101

= (11101011001110.010101110101101)2

v) (11101011001011)2 = (?)10
8192 4096 2048 1024 512 256 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

=
1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 00 1011
= 8192 + 4096 + 2048 + 512 + 128 + 64 + 8 + 2 + 1
= ( 15051 )10

b) a )Use 8-bit notation to write (-12) in signed magnitude representation and 2’s complement
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1

=
0 0 0 0 1100
Replace 0 in 128 place to 1 ( sign magnitude for negative)
-12 = 10001100
2’s complement = 00001100
1’s complement = 11110011
11

2’s complement = 11110011

+ 1
11110100
= 11110100
c) i) (-13) + (7) using ones’ complement addition

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
-13 in binary =
sign magnitide
11 1 11 1 01
1s complement = 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
7 in binary =
sign magnitude
0 0 0 0 0 111

11110010
+ 00000111
= 11111001

ii) (-10) + (-8) using twos’ complement addition

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
-10 in binary =
1 1 1 110 1 0

1s complement = 11110101
2s complement = 11110101
+ 1
11110110

- 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
-8 in binary =
111 110 0 0
1s complement = 11110111
2s complement = 11110111
+ 1
11111000

-10 + -8 = 11110110
+ 11111000
11111110

(d) Assembly language code

1st add 2nd add 3rd Add

Load C Mov Y,B Sub Y,C,D

Sub D Add Y,B Add Z,A,B
Stor Y Mov T,D Div Y,Y,Z
Load A Sub T,C
Add B Div Y,T
Div Y
Stor Y