Computer architecture refers to various aspects of computer system designs which can affect compatibility, performance, and interfacing. Some issues related to computer architecture can be processor word size, memory bus size, or protocol implementation.
Questions tagged [computer-architecture]
250 questions
32
votes
5 answers
How can computers calculate exponential math without overflow errors?
Studying some RSA encrypt/decrypt methods, I found this article: An Example of the RSA Algorithm
It requires this to decrpyt this message
The total result of is so big, for a 64-bit/32-bit machine, I don't believe it can hold such a big value in…
TheOneTeam
- 5,297
- 7
- 36
- 46
22
votes
9 answers
What is the maximum amount of ram a 64bit machine can theoretically address?
I'm reading through my computer architecture book and I see that in an x86, 32bit CPU, the program counter is 32 bit.
So, the number of bytes it can address is 2^32 bytes, or 4GB. So it makes sense to me that most 32 bit machines limit the amount…
KingNestor
- 331
12
votes
7 answers
Why is it not recommended to shut down a computer "brutally" (power switch)?
It is now in the general knowledge that one should not shut down a computer using its power switch. But why is that exactly? Is it a myth that stuck from past architectures?
Is it solely to prevent corruption of data that's being written at the time…
Mister Mystère
- 287
9
votes
3 answers
Alternatives to the 0 and 1 bit style/structure
I've looked everywhere for this answer or even at least a question like this one (even tom's hardware didn't have anything 'explicitly' related to this).
My question is simple:
Is there or are there any alternatives to the current way data is…
Joe
- 191
6
votes
5 answers
Are Modern Computers based on Von Neumann Model?
I read in the Foundation of Computer Science(by Behrouz A. Forouzan) textbook that a Von Neumann model's program must execute sequentially and the modern computer executes code in the order that's most efficient. But it did not say the Von Neumann…
RexYuan
- 197
- 1
- 1
- 9
4
votes
2 answers
Is the size of a memory address and size of the address bus related?
My questions are about the relation between the size of an actual/physical address and the size of the address bus.
If I understand correctly, the actual/physical address size is
determined during designing the computer architecture.
Must the size…
Tim
- 17,287
3
votes
2 answers
Harvard Architecture : How does it improve speed?
I don't understand the difference between Von Neumann and Harvard architectures. Let's say you have these two instructions :
MOV ax, [address2]
MOV bx, ax
In Harvard architecture, the processor must wait two cycles before executing the second…
Ulysse
- 31
- 2
3
votes
1 answer
Harvard vs. Von Neumann architecture
Our teacher told us, that Harvard architecture is the most evolved and produced architecture today and towards future. But I think because of massive overhead of x86 and Von Neumann based ARM systems that actually Von Neumann is the most used…
user32569
- 799
2
votes
4 answers
Is there a difference between an I/O port and a physical port?
AFAIK, the following definitions apply:
I/O ports are memory adresses used as an interface to communicate with external devices e.g. a printer.
A physical port (i.e. connector) is the physical interface that you plug the device in.
As you can see…
user1534664
- 197
2
votes
1 answer
Do any chip architectures feature instruction primitives for complex numbers?
Just curious if there are any computer chips with builtin operations for manipulating Complex numbers, or if one must roll their own using Real ops for now.
mcandre
- 3,036
1
vote
1 answer
Why so many modes are in CPU?
In microprocessor, there are a number of modes like user mode,supervisor mode and so on depending on the architecture of the computer. Why they have created so many modes(why they have assigned so many privileges)
Jatin Khurana
- 129
1
vote
3 answers
ON/OFF Toggle Switch for a HDD
I've got two hard drives running two different OS. I need both of them, but want to run them on separate drives without dealing with the struggle of switching the cables every time.I suppose cutting the power of the HDD that's not in use should do…
hcrudolph
- 21
1
vote
1 answer
Why is it possible for me to install either 32 or 64-bit linux on my PC?
Possible Duplicate:
Can a 32 bit OS run in a 64 bit processor?
I am buying a PC and installing Linux on it. Apparently, I can install either 32 or 64-bit Ubuntu on it. Why is that?
I thought that the architecture of the operating system depended…
David Faux
- 4,829
1
vote
1 answer
What does R stand for in Von Neumann Architecture?
I would like some examples of modern day equipment that would equate with the 'R' in Von Neumann architecture.
I am referring to Section 2.6 on page 3 of the PDF version of the "First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC".
absurdrefusal
- 107
1
vote
2 answers
When referring to the field of supercomputing, what exactly is a "compute/computing node"?
Is it a processor? A computer?
It seems that wherever I look, the term is very vaguely defined... perhaps it means many things in different contexts?
Dark Templar
- 2,599