Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Computers

1.2. Organization of Memory

On Intel's 8051 family, program storage and data are physically separate. Both data and programs can be stored in internal or external memory devices. To identify external memory locations accessed during instruction execution, the microprocessor generates pulses on the ALE (Address Latch Enable) line and controls the PSEN (Program Store Enable) output state.

1.2.1. Program Memory

In 8051-based systems, the selection of program memory (internal and external) is determined by the hardware designer. The microprocessor accesses external memory only if the EA (External Access Enable) pin is connected to ground. If EA is high (connected to Vcc), the microprocessor uses its internal memory for low addresses and external memory... Continue reading "8051 Microcontroller: Memory Organization and ALU" »

Digital Sound Features

Sample Rate: The number of samples per second taken from a continuous analog signal to make a discrete digital signal. For example, CD-quality digital audio uses 44,100 Hz.

Channels: The number of audio channels in a sound recording. Mono = 1, Stereo = 2, 5.1 = 5 channels.

Sample Size: Indicates the number of bits of information in each sample. CD-quality audio uses 16 bits.

Formula: Size = Frequency x Sample Size x Number of Channels x Time (in seconds).

Audio Formats

WAV: A digital audio format without compression. It supports mono and stereo files, and its extension is .wav. It is seldom used on the internet. Microsoft and all programs recognize it.

MIDI: A protocol for communication between digital musical instruments and... Continue reading "Digital Sound and Video: Formats, Properties, and Tools" »

Data

Data is the collection of facts considered in isolation. It describes an organization and carries meaning, but generally is not useful by itself.

Information

Information is data that has been manipulated and is useful to someone. Information must have value; otherwise, it would be considered just data. Information tells people something that confirms what they knew or suspected. (What, who, and when?)

Why? Because telecommunication networks transmit data, the networks do not identify meanings (information). The objective of networking is to take data from one place to another.

Data Types

• Analog: Continuous
• Digital: Discrete

Symbols limited by their use and origin:

• Alphanumeric
• Graphic
• Image
• Audio
• Video
• Multimedia

Model of a Basic Communication System

Components:... Continue reading "Data, Information, and Network Communication Essentials" »

Application Architecture Network

Telematics applications are the core of this field. The design of protocols and computer networks revolves around supporting these applications. Unlike telecommunications networks designed for voice communication, telematics networks prioritize data and information exchange over long distances.

These applications are primarily software-based. As mentioned previously, internet applications are distributed across end systems or hosts, forming a distributed system.

The distribution method determines the architecture and characteristics of applications within computer networks and distributed systems. One example is the client/server architecture.

Client/Server Architecture

In this model, a host acts as a server, running... Continue reading "Telematics and Application Protocols" »

Chapter 1: Local Area Network (LAN) Fundamentals

A local area network (LAN) includes the components, both software and hardware, that enable microcomputers, PCs, and peripherals within a limited geographical area to communicate with each other. LANs also facilitate the distribution and sharing of all system resources between different units.

Key Characteristics of a Local Area Network

• Limited geographical area
• High transmission speed (from 1 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s)
• Low error rate
• Entire network is owned and managed by the user

These LANs can be interconnected in various ways using repeaters, bridges, gateways, routers, or switches.

Local Area Network Objectives

• Allow secure communication at a reasonable cost
• Be structured in levels, allowing changes by level

Functions of an Assembler

The fundamental task of an assembler is to translate a program in assembly language to code for machine language. In essence, the assembler must perform the following tasks:

• Convert the code (opcode or mnemonic: e.g., LDA, STX) to the equivalent code in machine language.
• Convert symbolic operands (tags or variables) into the addresses of the operands.
• Build the machine language instructions in the appropriate format.
• Convert the constants defined in the program into their true representation.
• Write the "listing" in assembly language to machine language code.
• Process the assembly guidelines. The guidelines are instructions or commands directed to the assembler, which it processes and executes as it encounters them in the assembly

DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a service created by the IETF in 1993 that operates at the network level. It provides a rapid mechanism for network configuration. UDP is the protocol used by clients to automatically obtain IP addresses.

Configuration Options

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Default Gateway
• DNS Server
• Domain Name
• DNS Suffix Name
• Node Type (Windows)
• Renewal Time
• Reconnection Time

WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) is a Microsoft service that resolves NetBIOS names to IP addresses. MAC addresses are a sequence of 6 groups of hexadecimal digits that uniquely identify a network interface. The first 3 digits control the manufacturer.

Lease: When an IP address is assigned to a client, the lease indicates... Continue reading "Understanding DHCP: Configuration, Protocols, and Advantages" »

Software Classification

We can classify software into three types:

• Operating Systems: Manage computer resources.
• Programming Languages: Used to build applications (e.g., Java, C++, Assembly).
• Applications and Programs: Perform specific operations.

Programming Languages

What are Programming Languages?

Programming languages are established systems of communication understood by both programmers and machines, used to develop programs. They are constantly evolving, with many based on English, but increasingly visual and intuitive.

Word Processors

What is a Word Processor?

Word processors offer more than just writing; they allow for the inclusion of photos and drawings, text justification and formatting, spell checking, and integration with other applications.... Continue reading "Software Types, Computer Uses, and IT in Special Education" »

Operating Systems

What are operating systems? This question can be answered at several levels.

Firstly, an operating system is a program, or a set of programs. Operating systems vary in size from very small to very large, but all are pieces of software. In the past, almost all operating systems were written in a low-level language. Currently, many operating systems are partly or completely written in a high-level language.

Secondly, an operating system is, by virtue of its name, a system. It is a collection of parts working together towards some common goals. The goals or objectives of an operating system may be regarded as the manager of these resources.

Thirdly, a computer may be regarded as a set of devices, or resources, which provide a number... Continue reading "Understanding Operating Systems: Definition and Functions" »

TCP/IP Protocol Suite Characteristics

• Based on open and free protocols and standards.
• Provides software and hardware independence.
• Uses a common addressing scheme allowing any TCP/IP device to locate another anywhere on the network.
• Includes high-level, standardized protocols supporting widely available and consistent user services.
• Acts as a de facto standard for networking.
• Allows the interconnection of networks with diverse features and technologies.

Internet Protocol Family Fundamentals

The Internet protocol family, commonly known as TCP/IP, is a set of network protocols fundamental to the Internet, enabling data transmission between computer networks. Examples include HTTP, ARP, Telnet, and POP.

Understanding Routers and Their Function

Routers are... Continue reading "Core Networking Concepts: TCP/IP, Routers, and DNS" »