Assignment 1:
Value: 15%
Due date: 23-Apr-2017
Return date: 16-May-2017
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
Task
Answer all of the following questions.
1. Explain what the term “green computing” means. [6 marks]
2. The von Neumann architecture, which is the basis for most digital computers today, suffers
from the von Neumann bottleneck. Explain. [6 marks]
3. Java is called an interpreted language, yet Java is a compiled language that produces a
binary output stream. Explain how this language can be both compiled and interpreted. [6
marks]
4. Why should assembly language be avoided for general application development? Under what
circumstances would you argue in favour of using assembly language code for developing an
application program? [6 marks]
5. Explain how DMA (Direct Memory Access) is different from other ways of I/O controlling
mechanisms. [6 marks]
Rationale
This assessment item covers historical overview of computing, Trends in computing technologies,
input/output and storage systems. It has been designed to ensure that you are engaging with the
subject content on a regular basis. More specifically it seeks to assess your ability to:
• be able to define and appropriately use computer systems terminologies;
• be able to describe the essential elements of computer organisation and discuss how the
elements function;
• be able to discuss various programming tools available and their relationship to the computer
architecture; and
• be able to discuss the general trends in computing technologies including examples of
leading edge developments.
Marking criteria
Criteria HD (85%-100%) DI (75%-84%) CR (65%-74%) PS (50%-64%) FL (0%-49%)
Content (10
marks)
Describes and
explains
computer systems
terminologies,
organisation and
architecture
features and
functionality, and
general trends in
computing
technologies
Explanations are
comprehensive
and correctly
interpret all
components
required by each
question.
Explanations are
correct and
correctly
describe all
components
required by each
question.
Explanations
may contain one
or two factual
errors; some
descriptions of
components
required by
questions lack
detail.
Explanation lacks
detail; describes
most components
required by the
questions.
Explanation is
missing; content
unrelated to
question.
Written
expression (5
marks)
Arguments are
developed
logically,
supported by
evidence, define
and use computer
systems
Clear sense of
order. Begins with
a thesis or topic
sentence.
Supporting points
are presented in a
logical
progression.
Develops each
point with specific
May lack a
thesis sentence,
but points are
presented in a
logical
progression.
Each point
supported with
some details and
evidence. All
May lack a
thesis sentence.
All supporting
points are
correctly
presented but
lacking logical
progression. All
important points
are touched but
Logic of argument
is minimally
perceivable. Points
presented in a
seemingly random
fashion, but all
support argument.
Sparse details or
evidence. Limited
vocabulary and
Content unrelated
to question. Lacks
clear
organizational
plan. Statements
are unsupported by
any detail or
explanation.
Repetitious,
incoherent,terminologies.
Academic writing
includes APA 6th
style referencing
where applicable.
details. Answers
question
completely. Uses
technical or
computer systems
terminology
appropriately and
correctly. No
grammatical or
spelling errors.
Uses references
where applicable
with appropriate
APA 6th
referencing style.
important points
included. Uses
computer
systems
terminology
correctly. Uses
references where
applicable with
appropriate APA
6th referencing
style.
there is a lack of
details. Uses
computer
systems
terminology with
minor errors.
Uses few
references and
one or two
appropriate
references are
missing; APA
6th referencing
style is mostly
correct.
minimal use of
computer systems
terminology, with
some errors that do
not impair
communication.
Uses few
references and
important
references may be
missing; APA 6th
referencing style
contains major
errors.
illogical
development.
Limited
vocabulary; errors
impair
communication.
No references are
used.
Presentation
1. Please compose the answers in a document file (doc or docx format). Please do not submit in
pdf formats. Please upload a single file containing all the answers in the Turnitin within
deadline.
2. The first page (cover page) should have the following information clearly mentioned:
1. Your full name
2. Your Student ID
3. Subject Code (ITC161)
4. Assessment item number and name (Assignment 1: Short Answers)
3. Each page should have page numbers in “page x of y” format (including the cover page).
4. You should provide references in an appropriate format (APA version 6). Please refer to the
CSU Reference Tool: https://apps.csu.edu.au/reftool/
5. Word count for each answer should be within 200 – 500 words (excluding references).
6. Please provide figures where appropriate