- When storing a 32-bit floating point number, 24 bits are allocated to the mantissa and 8 to the exponent. What is the effect on the precision and the range of the numbers available if the allocation is changed to a 16-bit exponent and a 16-bit mantissa? (2)
-
In floating point notation what defines(i) the range(ii) the precision or accuracyof the numbers stored (1)
Category Archives: 1. Computer Systems
Description of the representation of negative numbers using two’s complement using examples of up to 8 bit numbers
-
Convert this 8-bit two’s complement binary number into a decimal.11010011
- Represent the decimal number − 73 using 8 bit two’s complement.
Conversion from binary to decimal and vice versa
- Write the binary number 1000100111 as a positive integer. (1)
- What is the number 385 represented as a binary number?(1)
Representation of positive numbers in binary including place values and range up to and including 32 bits
A device records air pressure as a 16 bit positive integer. Calculate the range of numbers that this device can store.
The last few posts
The last few posts were comparisons of networks. You should make sure that you have looked up the note and are able to explain “Why?”
These were taken from a PDF file, I am not sure of the origin of it. Please let me know if it was you and I will edit the posts and add credit.
Bus Network
Advantages
- Mechanism to bypass a failed node so failure of one node will only affect that node.
- Easy to add to.
Disadvantages
- A communication from one node is seen by all the other nodes.
- A channel failure will cause the whole network to fail.
Star Network
Advantages
- Easy to extend the network.
- A failure of one node will only affect that node (unless central node)
- A channel failure will only affect the outer node on that channel.
Disadvantages
- The whole network depends on the proper functioning of the central node.
- Cabling cost is high because each node has its own channel
Mesh Network
Advantage
- Data can be redirected when some channels are busy or failed.
- Very robust network.
- The failure of one node will only affect that node
- Channel failure will have no effect as alternative channels are available
Disadvantage
- Extra cabling makes this an expensive
- Complex cabling leads to higher maintenance of the network.
Ring Network
Advantage
- High data transfer (bandwidth)
- Mechanism to bypass a failed node so a failure of one node will only affect that node
Disadvantage
- Difficult to designing and extending (complexity of the electronics)
- A channel failure will disable the entire network
- Can be expensive because of the complexity.
Client Server Vs Peer to Peer
Client – Server
- All resources (printer, files and Internet) on the network are controlled by the server.
- Centralised storage of data
- Centralised storage of data means regular back-ups can be made from the server.
- Security is set of easily using a server and client network. Usernames and password are easily given along with access levels for users.
- Used in businesses (banks) and organisations (schools, colleges, universities.)
Peer to Peer
- No centralised storage. Each workstation stores its data independently.
- No centralised storage means no back up system.
- Security is difficult because there is no mechanism for central access.
- Best suited with a trusting environment. Family home or small office.
