This week, we dig deeper into the computer including details rather than the general understanding of how it basically works. I started to learn the specific components of the CPU and the binary system suited for a computer. 

Functions of CPU, CU, ALU, Register, and Bus

CPU is the most essential part of a computer, which makes up the programs, which is a sequence of stored instruction. It is prone to be an analogy of the human brain. Our brain would set up the order of different issues like I should do my homework first and then I would play basketball. CPU is consist of CU, ALU, register, Display, CPU Bus and CPU Clock. CU means the control unit, which basically makes all the decisions in a computer by sending signals to different parts of the CPU, like control the timing, the instructions that the process of operations. I think it is similar to the cerebral cortex, which is the specific part of the brain the cope with controlling.  ALU means Arithmetic Logic Unit, which takes charge of the calculations and logic functions in the CPU. It is similar to the rationality in our mind as there is always a voice in our mind to direct us to be rational.  The register provides temporary memory storage locations with the CPU. It is as if synapsis of nerve cell. If there isn’t constant enhance exert between the synapsis, then the memory it forms for the human being is just temporary and fades as time goes by. The display is a part that responds to the signals from CU by plotting instructions on the display grid. CPU Bus is the transportation between other components in the CPU. CPU Clock keeps a record of total work times of all other components.

How does a computer/CPU work & Inside Your Computer 

In class, Mr. Pete shows us a video In Side Your Computer to learn more about the computer. I learned about exactly how does a computer work and the critical components of a computer are the peripherals (including the mouse), the input/output subsystem (which controls what and how much information comes in and out), and the central processing unit (the brains), as well as human-written programs and memory. After watching that video, I think firstly, there will be input like data to instructions that go into a computer. The processor would deal with those input by the set of the order made by CPU, the calculation of ALU as well as the temporary memory formed by the register. Then, it would become the processed information as the output. 

Binary number system

Binary number system has the base 2 and the numbers in this system are formed with two digits 1 and 0. It’s similar to the counting in any other number system. Beginning with a single digit, counting proceeds through each symbol, in increasing order. Binary counting follows the same procedure, except that only the two symbols 0 and 1 are available. Thus, after a digit reaches 1 in binary, an increment resets it to 0 but also causes an increment of the next digit to the left. In the binary system, each digit represents an increasing power of 2, with the rightmost digit representing 20, the next representing 21, then 22, and so on. The equivalent decimal representation of a binary number is the sum of the powers of 2 which each digit represents. 

Converting binary to and from decimal 

Here are the steps

1.Write down the binary number and list the powers of 2 from right to left

2. Write the digits of the binary number below their corresponding powers of two.

3. Connect the digits in the binary number with their corresponding powers of two.

4. Write down the final value of each power of two.

5. Add the final values

Roleplaying activities

In our roleplaying activities, each person takes care of one part of the CPU. Student A is acting as the ALU & Register (Memory) Student C is acting as the CU. Student B would be the CPU Bus that transfer the information of CU to ALU as well as the results of the calculation of ALU to display. Student D is acting as the Display.  In our group, Jerry is the CU which gives the order to other components what to do, which is the math equation to Lisa, as is shown in the picture. Then, Lisa would tell the order Jerry to give to Kevin who is the ALU and Kevin would calculate the answer of the equation given by Jerry. 

Then, Lisa would record the answer and tell me the results

At last, I plot the result of the equation into the diagram on the paper.  

I think this activity is really interesting that let us know the specific steps of how a computer works and knew the function of different parts of the CPU. However, I knew that the real performance of the CPU would be much faster and properer that what we perform. I still want to plaint how amazing the computer is to perform such data within one second. 

ASCII and UNICODE research

We also did some research on ASCII and UNICODE. Then we talked about it and made some comparison between them during the class. 

ASCII means American Standard Code for Information Interchange, is a character encoding standard for electronic communication. ASCII codes represent text in computers, telecommunications equipment, and other devices. Unicode means a computing industry standard for the consistent encoding, representation, and handling of text expressed in most of the world’s writing systems. It has characters covering 150 modern and historic scripts, as well as multiple symbol sets and emoji. In my words, ASCII and UNICODE are both standards for codes, while they have different applications.  ASCII is more scientific and is pure codes, whereas, UNICODE is closer to our daily life that related to writing, pictures, emoji.  I can’t believe that emoji is actually a kind of code and all the pictures could be packed into code. 

I am quite shocked after learning this unit. I used to think that computer is some robotic things but after I learn how it works, I think it’s just like a human being. CPU could be our brain. Input is what we learn every day. The output is the knowledge that we comprehend after working with it. All the things about CS that seems to be separated from human’s life are actually the form of what we live. Moreover, I think Binary System is just like solving problems using another set of thinking. It’s refreshing.