Course: Computer Systems Organization and Function
Code: CSC202
Semester: Α΄
Instructor: E. Petraki
Course link in E-Class https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/ECON570/
Aims and Objectives
The course aims on presenting fundamental issues of computer technology. It is designed to familiarize students with the functionality of computer systems, as well as the concepts required for further study of telematic network issues and new technologies.
Computer system architecture, memory organization, operation of the central processing unit, as well as the role of the operating system are presented. The possibilities and limitations in terms of computational performance are pointed out and the simultaneous processing of several processes in parallel processing computer systems is studied. The course also provides a general introduction to computer networks and the internet.
Course outline
- Computer science
- Brief history of computer systems
- Components of a computer system
- Computer architecture models
- Digital computer: architecture, CPU organization, main and secondary memory, cloud storage, motherboard, data / address / system buses, input / output units and peripherals, data representation (text, numbers, images, audio, video)
- Introduction to Operating Systems: purpose, main functions, categories, structure, security and protection, memory management, input / output device management, file systems, directories, user interface, basic OS, introduction to parallel processing.
- Introduction to Computer Networks: basic communication elements, types, topologies, network devices.
- Internet: Web 1.0, 2.0. 3.0, X.0, Internet services and transactions, cloud applications - cloud service models, Internet of Things.
Laboratory exercises
The course includes laboratory exercises which involve practical training of students on the course’s subject, under the supervision of the tutor. Students are divided into groups for laboratory training. The goal of the laboratory course is to familiarize students with popular operating systems (windows, linux) and useful cloud-applications.
Textbooks
- Introduction to Informatics and Computers, Bozanis Panagiotis, A. Tziola Publications, 2016.
- The elements of Computer Systems, Papathanasiou Eleftherios, E. Benou Publications, 2010.
- Andrew S. Tanenbaum. Computer architecture (A structured approach), Klidarithmos EPE Publications, 2002.
- David A. Patterson -John L. Hennessy. Computer Organization and Design. Klidarithmos EPE Publications, 2010.
- William Stallings. Computer Organization and Architecture, A. Tziola Publications, 2011.
