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CPU Sim a computer simulator for use in an introductory computer organization-architecture class

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Abstract

CPU SIM is an interactive low-level computer simulation package that runs on the Macintosh computer. Users of the package specify the details of the CPU to be simulated, including the register, i/o channels, main memory, the microinstruction set, machine instructions, and assembly language instructions. User can then create machine or assembly language programs using the built-in text editor and assembler and can run their programs in the simulator. It is possible to step through the execution of a program one machine instruction at a time. Also, users may choose to edit the contents of any component and then continue execution. The main window displays the state of the machine at every step.

CPU Sim was chosen as “Best Engineering Software (Computer Science)” in the 1993 EDUCOM Higher Education Software and Curriculum Innovation Awards Program. It is currently being sold by Intellimation.

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Author notes

  1. Dale Skrien

    Present address: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Colbey College, 04901, Waterville, ME

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    1. Dale Skrien
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dale Skrien received his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Washington in 1980 and an M.S. in computer science from the University of Illinois in 1985. Since 1980, he has been teaching at Colby College, except for the 1988–89 school year, when he taught in Malawi, Africa, as a Fulbright lecturer. His research interests include algorithmic graph theory, computer music systems, and developing computer science and mathematics courseware.

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    Skrien, D. CPU Sim a computer simulator for use in an introductory computer organization-architecture class. J. Comput. High. Educ. 6, 3–13 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03035480

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