Overview

(For Non-MS CS students, and for entering CS students in the Refresher quarter.) This course, designed for non-computer science majors, provides an overview of basic computer hardware concepts and operating systems software. The following topics are covered: basic computer concepts; data representation; elements of computer architecture and operation; processor and process management; multiprogramming; memory management; and file management. Future trends in computer hardware and operating systems will be discussed.

Prerequisites

• CS2020
• Or consent of instructor

Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of computer data representation and manipulation. Perform simple hand calculations involving elementary operations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of logic function implementation through the use of truth tables, Boolean algebra, and standard notation to design simple combinational circuits using logic gate networks.
• Understand the operation of a basic microprocessor to include CPU and memory design, implementation, and enhancements.
• Understand the basic operation of the various peripherals on the market today.
• Understand the basic functions of an operating system.
• Identify the fetch-decode-execute cycle and the concept of instruction set architecture.
• Understand the implementation of pipelining.
• Understand the critical role cache memory and virtual memory play today, as well as their implementation.
• Identify the differences between the major computing systems and operating systems in use today.