Topics to Be Covered in This Course (Cont.)


Computer Architecture
The figure below summarizes the key characteristics of some machines and shows the dramatic changes that have occurred in just over 50 years. After adjusting for inflation, price/performance has improved by almost 100 billion in 55 years, or about 58% per year. Another way to say it is we’ve seen a factor of 10,000 improvement in cost and a factor of 10,000,000 improvement in performance.



Review: Computer Architecture
What kind of computer is IBM S/360?
      Main frame
      Minicomputer
      Personal computer
      Super computer
Result:        




      Math teacher: If I have three bottles in one hand and    
      two in the other hand, what do I have?    
      Student: A drinking problem.