2.1.2 Computing Hardware

BA2 distinguish between different Computer Hardware by defining a range of examples

STARTER:

Create a new folder inside your GCSE COMPUTING folder called 2.1.2 Computing Hardware - this is the start of a new topic...

TASK:

Create a guide to the following components of a computer. You should choose YOU as your own Target Audience. These can be made in any way that you like!

• The Central Processing Unit
• Binary Logic
• Memory
• Input/Output devices
• Secondary Storage

 

It is your job to make sure that you can remember these terms and their association with Computing Hardware, so illustrate these terms in any way you deem necessary...

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BA2 outline the basics of a CPU and it's purpose using the LittleMan Computer Simulator

STARTER:

 

Fetch/Decode/Execute

TASK:

Use the Fetch Decode Execute model found here: O:\ICT\GCSE Computing to build your individual understanding of the CPU's function

The aim is to visually show the interaction between the different parts of the CPU and the movement along buses.

 

KEYWORDS: Fetch, Decode, Execute, CPU, Buses (Teach ICT)

The Little Man Computer (LMC) was created by Dr. Stuart Madnick. The LMC models a simple von Neumann architecture computer, so it has all of the basic features of a modern computer. The LMC can be programmed in machine or assembly code, and the following simulator will allow you to run your programs.

DEFINITIONS:

Machine code or machine language is a set of instructions executed directly by a computer's central processing unit (CPU). Each instruction performs a very specific task, such as a load, a jump, or an ALU operation on a unit of data in a CPU register or memory. Every program directly executed by a CPU is made up of a series of such instructions.

 

An assembly language is a low-level programming language for a computer, or other programmable device, in which there is a very strong (generally one-to-one) correspondence between the language and the architecture's machine code instructions.

Use the Little Man Computer Simulator and work through the set tasks 1-6.

EXT:

In pairs or small groups, work as part of a team to produce your own useful program in this simulator. Use the resources above. You may want to sketch out before you begin!!

EVIDENCE:

Once you have devised your simple program, evidence it approporately, explaining:

• What it should do
• What it does do
• How you could go about fixing it

Include screenshots and a definition of what the CPU does