Task 3: Computer System Architecture

Task 2 of this lab introduced the general structure of a typical computer system. A computer system can be organized in a number of different ways, which we can categorize roughly according to the number of general-purpose processors used: single-processor systems, multiprocessor systems, and clustered systems. Refer to Lecture 1 for more details.

Computer architecture describes what a computer system does and it precedes computer organization which describes how a computer works.

Task 3 Activities:

1. Using the Task Manager, provide a screenshot that shows the CPU entries: Utilization, Speed, Base speed, Sockets, Cores, Logical processor, Caches, etc.

2. Search online and provide an image of a NUMA motherboard that is a multiprocessor computer system. Provide the source of the image you select below.

Task 4: Operating-System Operations

One of the most important aspects of operating systems is the ability to run multiple programs, as a single program cannot, in general, keep either the CPU or the I/O devices busy at all times. Furthermore, users typically want to run more than one program at a time as well. Multiprogramming increases CPU utilization, as well as keeping users satisfied, by organizing programs so that the CPU always has one to execute. In a multi-programmed system, a program in execution is termed a process. Refer to Lecture 1 for more details.

Task 4 Activities:

1. Using the Task Manager, provide screenshots that show: (a) the Apps, (b) top 10 parts of the Background processes, and (c) top 10 of the Windows processes running in your computer. No need to expand any sub-entries marked by >.

Task 5: Resource Management

An operating system is a resource manager. The systems CPU, memory space, file-storage space, and I/O devices are among the resources that the operating system must manage.

Task 5 Activities:

1. Using the Task Manager, provide a screenshot that shows the Memory entries: Memory usage, Memory composition, In use (Compressed), Available, Speed, Slots used, Form factor, etc.

2. Using the Task Manager, access the Resource Monitor and provide a screenshot of the Overview. Make sure you expand the CPU, Disk, Network, and Memory entries by displaying the top 5 portions of each entry.

3. Provide a screenshot of the Computer Management entries: System Tools, Storage (select Disk Management), and Service and Applications. I recommend that you check the Service sub-entry of the Services and Applications entry.