UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2016/2017
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DIT 104 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE
DATE: AUGUST, 2017 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE [30 MARKS] – COMPULSORY
a) Define the following terms and acronyms 9Marks
i. ALU
ii. bus
iii. bit
iv. register
v. RAM
vi. write
vii. PCI
viii. logic gate
ix. clock cycle
b) Describe four characteristics of each of the following 6Marks
i. Fourth generation computers
ii. Supercomputers
iii. the Notebook
c) Give the function of the following parts of a computer 4Marks
i. Processor
ii. Memory
iii. Input/Output
iv. Bus
d) Differenciate between the organisation and architecture of a computer 1Mark
e) Using a well labelled diagram show the organisation of the basic computer 4Marks
f) List and describe the function of the three parts that make up a microprocessor 6Marks
QUESTION TWO [20 MARKS]
a) Give the following acronyms in full 4Marks
i. EEPROM
ii. DRAM
iii. CD-R
iv. ROM
b) Arrange the main memory(RAM,ROM), cache and secondary memory in the proper hierarchy.
Hence explain the memory hierarchy 4Marks
c) Explain the terms access time and hit rate 4Marks
d) Give and explain three main differences between ROM and RAM memories 6Marks
QUESTION THREE [20 MARKS]
a) Convert the following decimal numbers into binary and hexadecimal numbers. Show all your
working. 4Marks
b) Give the symbols of the XOR and NOT gates 2Marks
c) Briefly discuss the control bus features. Give examples of control lines 2Marks
d) Perform the following calculation using the two’s complement notation; -12 + 19 3Marks
e) Explain the term overflow 1mk
f) List two input devices and two output devices and their functions 4Marks
g) Outline the characteristics of the magnetic hard-disk, its operation and advantages 4Marks
3Marks
i. Explain the term sign extension
ii. Give the 16bit sign-magnitude representation for the 8-bit quantity 1000111.
QUESTION FOUR [20 MARKS]
a) Programming languages have evolved over time 4Marks
i. Give the difference between machine language and assembly language
ii. Give two advantages of fourth generation programming languages
b) Troubleshooting is an important task in computer maintenance. Give two symptoms of a faulty;
6Marks
i. microprocessor
ii. hard-disk drive
iii. display
c) Give three components of a motherboard and their functions 3Marks
d) Define arbitration as used in bus systems. Give one arbitration method 2Marks
e) Outline the two main types of software used in computers today. Give examples 3Marks
f) Give two advantages of optical discs 2Marks
QUESTION FIVE [20 MARKS]
a) Describe the difference between main memory and external memory. Give examples 4Marks
b) List four tips for preventative maintenance of a computer system 4Marks
c) Describe the construction and operation of the following devices 8Marks
i. VDT
ii. track-ball
iii. keyboard
iv. mouse
d) Discuss the construction and operation of 4Marks
i. magnetic disc
ii. optical disc
