Mo Kim Cheng
2108 San Gabriel #404
Austin, Texas  78705
29 November 1983

Dr. David A. McMurrey
English Department
Austin Community College
Austin, Texas 78712

Dear Mr. McMurrey:

I am writing to bring you up to date on the progress that I have
made on my semester report project.  As you know from my 20
September memo, my topic is the fundamentals of computer
structures and logic design. I have kept in my mind your advice
about narrowing this topic, but expect to solve this problem as I
continue to gather information.

After your approval of my project, I got to work right away
gathering detailed information on the four major components of
the computer system and the basic techniques of logic design.

After nearly two months of research, study, and rough-drafting,
the report project is about two-thirds complete.  This letter
summarizes my work from 20 September to 27 November.



Mr. David A. McMurrey -2- 29 November 1986 The report project can be divided into three major tasks:
  1. Finding information for the discussion of the four major components of a computer, namely, the central processing unit, the arithmetic and logic unit, the memory unit, and the input/output system.
  2. Finding information for the description of the logic design, which includes number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, and logic circuits.
  3. Developing graphics that adequately illustrate as well as language that conveys these computer concepts.
My work on task 1 is nearly complete, although I'm still searching for additional examples to present the concepts more clearly. Most of the materials related to task 2 have been Mr. gathered, and I'm working on different ways to organize and present this information (logic design). In fact, that is where most of my time on this project seems to be going: how explain the basic techniques of logic design so that the nonspecialist reader can understand readily.
David A. McMurrey -3- 29 November 1986

Project Description

As you requested, here is a review of what my report project is all about. Subject. The report will discuss the four major components of the computer system as well as the basic techniques of logic design. Logic design is a procedure for designing computer components by using "black boxes" that perform specific functions. The designer is not required to understand the behavior of the actual electronic circuitry. Purpose. The purpose of this report is to offer the nonspecialist reader and the beginning electrical engineering student an introduction to the fundamentals of computer structures and logic design.

Topic 1: Computer Structures

Work completed. The library research on computer structures is now complete. Also, I have written a complete draft of the sections of the report involving this topic. The four major components are described in detail; there are numerous examples and illustrations. Several nonspecialists have read the draft and have made suggestions for improving it.
Mr. David A. McMurrey -4- 29 November 1986 In this section, you'll learn about the central processing unit, the "brain" of the computer, that part that controls the entire system and processes information. You'll also learn about the arithmetic logic unit, which performs numerical calculations at high speed, and about the memory unit, which stores information to be processed. You'll also see how the computer communicates with the outside world through the input/output devices. Work remaining. Based on the suggestions of my test readers, I am still tinkering with finding different ways to explain certain key events in a cycle of computer operation and with developing better graphics.

Topic 2: Basic Techniques of Logic Design

Work completed. I'm still trying to locate up-to-date information on logic design techniques, but most of the information is in place. At this stage, I only have a very rough draft and have not been able to test it out on nonspecialist readers. Much of the writing in this draft is still in specialist language and is going to require a good amount of translating. Work remaining. Currently, I am in the process of rewriting the part of the report on logic design techniques. This may entail some major reorganization; also I still must find or create good examples and illustrations for some of the areas of this part. I am particularly concerned about presenting Boolean algebra in the clearest and the most concise way possible, since it is one of the keys to understanding the operations of a computer.
Mr. David A. McMurrey -5- 29 November 1986 Enclosed is a two-page outline of my report as it stands now. If you have any suggestions about it or if you would be interested in looking at the rough draft in its current state, please let me know. Otherwise, everything is moving along well, and you should have the report by or before the scheduled date. Respectfully yours, Mo Kim Cheng Electronics major, ACC

This information is owned and maintained by David A. McMurrey. For information on use, customization, or copies, e-mail davidm@austin.cc.tx.us or call (512) 476-4949.