COMPUTER SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

As we know all computer systems perform the functions of inputting, storing, processing, controlling, and outputting. Now we'll get acquainted with the computer system units that per-form these functions. But to begin with let's examine computer systems from the perspective of the system designer, or archi¬tect.
It should be noted that computers and their accessory equip¬ment are designed by a computer system architect, who usually has a strong engineering background. As contrasted with the analyst, who uses a computer to solve specific problems, the computer system architect usually designs computer that can be used for many different applications in many different business. For example, the product lines of major computer manufactur¬ers such as IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation and many others are the result of the efforts of teams of computer system architects.
Unless you are studying engineering, you don't need to be¬come a computer system architect. However, it is important that as a potential user, applications programmer or systems analyst you understand the functions of the major units of a computer system and how they work together.
Types of computers
The two basic types of computers are analog and digital. Analog computers simulate physical systems. They operate on the basis of an analogy to the process that is being studied. For example, a voltage may be used to represent other physical quan¬tities such as speed, temperature, or pressure. The response of an analog computer is based upon the measurement of signals that vary continuously with time. Hence, analog computers are used in applications that require continuous measurement and control.
Digital computers, as contrasted with analog computers, deal with discrete rather than continuous quantities. They count rather than measure. They use numbers instead of analogous physical quantities to simulate on-going, or real-time processes. Because they are discrete events, commercial transactions are in a natural form for digital computation. This is one reason that digital computers are so widely used in business data processing.
Machines that combine both analog and digital capabilities are called hybrid computers. Many business, scientific, and in¬dustrial computer applications rely on the combination of ana¬log and digital devices. The use of combination analog devices will co ntinue to increase with the growth in applications of mi¬croprocessors and microcomputers. An example of this growth is the trend toward installing control systems in household ap¬pliances such as microwave ovens and sewing machines. In the future we will have complete indoor climate control systems and robots to do our housecleaning. Analog sensors will provide in¬puts to the control centres of these systems, which will be small digital computers.
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1. Who designs computers and their accessory equipment? 2. What is the role of an analyst? 3. Is it necessary for a user to become a computer system architect? 4. What functions do computer systems perform? 5. What types of computers do you know? 6. What is the principle of operation of analog comput¬ers? 7. How do digital computers differ from analog comput¬ers? 8. Where are digital and analog computers used? 9. What are hybrid computers? 10. Where do they find application?
Найдите в тексте английские эквиваленты следующих словосочетаний:
Функции ввода, хранения, обработки, управления и вывода информации; познакомиться; системные блоки; для начала; вс устройства; разработчик ком¬пьютерной системы; хорошая компьютерная подготовка; различные сферы применения; корпорация цифрового оборудования; прикладной программист; системный раз¬работчик; главные устройства компьютерной системы; моделировать физические величины; измерение сигналов; в отличие от; иметь дело скорее с дискретными, чем не¬прерывными величинами; в режиме реального времени;

1. Computers and their accessory equipment are designed by a computer system architect.
- Computer systems and their accompanying equipment are planned and created by professionals known as computer system architects. These individuals typically have a strong background in engineering.

2. The role of an analyst is to use computers to solve specific problems.
- Unlike computer system architects who design computer systems, analysts utilize computers to solve particular issues. They apply their skills and knowledge to find solutions to specific problems using computer technology.

3. It is not necessary for a user to become a computer system architect.
- Users, such as potential users, applications programmers, or systems analysts, do not need to become computer system architects. However, it is essential for them to have an understanding of how the major units of a computer system operate and how they work together.

4. Computer systems perform the functions of inputting, storing, processing, controlling, and outputting information.
- The main functions of computer systems include taking in data through input devices, storing information in memory or storage devices, processing data through the central processing unit (CPU), controlling the flow of operations, and producing results or outputting information.

5. The types of computers include analog and digital computers.
- Analog computers simulate physical systems and operate based on analogy to the processes being studied. Digital computers handle discrete quantities and use numbers instead of physical quantities to simulate ongoing processes.

6. The principle of operation of analog computers is based on continuous variation with time.
- Analog computers rely on signals that change continuously over time to generate responses. They are used for applications that involve continuous measurement and control, such as in scientific or engineering fields.

7. Digital computers differ from analog computers as they deal with discrete quantities and count rather than measure.
- Unlike analog computers, digital computers use discrete quantities and numbers instead of continuous measurements. This makes them suitable for commercial transactions and processing discrete events efficiently.

8. Digital and analog computers find applications in various fields.
- Digital computers are widely used in business data processing due to their ability to handle discrete events effectively. Analog computers are used in applications requiring continuous measurement and control, such as scientific or industrial fields.

9. Hybrid computers combine both analog and digital capabilities.
- Hybrid computers are machines that incorporate both analog and digital components. They are commonly used in business, scientific, and industrial applications where the combination of analog and digital devices is required.

10. Hybrid computers find applications in control systems, such as household appliances or indoor climate control.
- Hybrid computers are used in various applications, including control systems for household appliances like microwave ovens and sewing machines. As we progress, we may see complete indoor climate control systems and robots that utilize small digital computers as control centers, with analog sensors providing inputs.

English equivalents of the word combinations:
- Functions of inputting, storing, processing, controlling, and outputting information;
- Get acquainted with;
- Computer system units;
- To begin with;
- Accessory equipment;
- Computer system architect;
- Strong computer background;
- Various applications fields;
- Digital Equipment Corporation;
- Applications programmer;
- Systems analyst;
- Major units of a computer system;
- Simulate physical quantities;
- Measurement of signals;
- In contrast to;
- Deal with discrete rather than continuous quantities;
- In real-time mode.