1. Preparation [Total max. mark: 1] The main goals of today's lab are: to understand how to write simple programs, to become familiar with PC Spim - the MIPS processor simulator, and to learn how to use its features to debug your programs. Note for 64-bit users: The first time you run PCSpim, it may complain about a missing exception handler (exceptions.s). If you see this message, open Simulator->Settings, look under "Load exception file", and change the path to the following (or something similar): C:\Program Files (x86)\PCSpim\exceptions.s 1. Before the lab please study "PCspim.pdf" and section A.9 (Page 40) in " HP_AppA.pdf" (available on the website), as well as lecture notes and relevant sections from the textbook." General Data UnitOutline | LearningGuide | Teaching Schoduly ) Aligning Assessments 3 | Extra Materials ascii chart.pdf | kias te presentation of | HP AreA.pill | instruction decoding adf | masking help.adf | PCSpirn.pdf | PCSaim Portable Version | Library materials 2. The following exercise is to familiarise yourself with PCSpim. Note: If you use QtSpim, your exercise here will be based on QtSpim. a) Make a hand drawing of the PCSpim user interface [0.5 marks] Note: Your hand drawing doesn't need to copy all the information on the user interface; just pick up a couple of lines from each area (pane). b) Explain in writing what is the role of four main horizontal areas (panes) in the PCSpim user interface [0.5 marksl

The question is asking you to prepare for a lab session that involves understanding how to write simple programs, familiarizing yourself with PC Spim - the MIPS processor simulator, and learning how to use its features to debug your programs.

Here are the steps to answer the question:

1. Study the "PCspim.pdf" and section A.9 (Page 40) in " HP_AppA.pdf" as well as lecture notes and relevant sections from the textbook. These materials will provide you with the necessary background information to understand how to write simple programs and use PC Spim.

2. Familiarize yourself with PCSpim by doing the following exercise:

   a) Make a hand drawing of the PCSpim user interface. This doesn't need to be an exact copy of the interface, but should include a few lines from each area (pane). This will help you understand the layout and functionality of the interface.

   b) Write an explanation of the role of the four main horizontal areas (panes) in the PCSpim user interface. This will help you understand the purpose of each area and how they contribute to the overall functionality of the program.

Remember, if you are using QtSpim, your exercise should be based on that instead of PCSpim.

The four main horizontal areas (panes) in the PCSpim user interface are typically:

• The Text Segment: This is where the assembly code is loaded. It shows the memory address, the machine code, and the assembly code.
• The Data Segment: This shows the data that your program uses and manipulates.
• The Register Values: This shows the current value of each of the MIPS registers.
• The Messages: This is where PCSpim outputs any messages, including error messages and the output of your program.

Each of these areas plays a crucial role in understanding how your program is running and debugging it.