CSC103 How Computers Work
Assignment 1

Due Thursday 17 Sep 09 (by midnight)


Last Update:

Please read Assignment and Quiz Rules first!

Take Moodle Quiz1 by midnight Thursday 17 Sep 09.
  1. There is a difference between software running in user mode or in kernel mode, as mentioned in Notes1 (in the OS table and under Process Management). Other terms for these modes are: user mode = protected mode, kernel mode = supervisor mode. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of a device driver running in one mode versus running in the other mode?

  2. Compare Z3 to Eniac: How were they essentially the same? How were they essentially different? List what seem to be the key aspects.

  3. Perform these two additions in binary:

  4. Perform these two subtractions in binary: Although I did not cover substraction in class, you should be able to figure out the answers one way or the other.

  5. What are the first twenty numbers when written out in base-5 representation?
    We did not cover base 5 in class, but the principles are the same for all bases.