1. What is computer hardware and what are the major components?
Computer hardware refers to the physical equipment used for the input, processing, output and storage activities of a computer system. There are 6 major components:
-Central Processing Unit (CPU)
-Primary Storage
-Secondary Storage
-Input Technologies
-Output Technologies
-Communication Technologies
2. What is Moore's Law and what does it mean in relation to computers?
Moore's Law predicts that micro-processor complexity will approximately double every 2 years. This means that computers will become more advanced and become twice as fast every 2 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orxCoh6yO50
3. In basic terms, describe how a micro-processor functions
The micro-processor aims to increase processing speed by minimising the physical distance that the data (as electrical impulses) must travel.
4. What functions determine the speed of a micro-processor?
The overall smaller CPU size as a result of being implemented on a single die means faster switching time because of physical factors like decreased gate parasitic capacitance. This has allowed synchronous microprocessors to have clock rates ranging from tens of megahertz to several gigahertz. Additionally, as the ability to construct exceedingly small transistors on an IC has increased, the complexity and number of transistors in a single CPU has increased dramatically. This widely observed trend is described by Moore's law, which has proven to be a fairly accurate predictor of the growth of CPU (and other IC) complexity to date.
5. What are the 4 main types of Primary Storage?
The 4 main types of primary storage are:
-Random Access Memory (RAM)
-Cache Memory
-Read-only Memory (ROM)
-Registers
All are direct acccess memory, only ROM is non-volatile
6. What are the 4 main types of Secondary Storage?
Secondary Storaage includes:
-Magnetic Media (tapes, hard-drives, thumb or flash drives)
-Optical Media (CD-ROM, DVD, optical jukebox)
7. How does Primary Storage differ from Secondary Storage in terms of speed, cost and capacity?
Primary storage has much less capacity than secondary storage, and it is faster and more expensive per byte stored. it is located much closer to the CPU than the secondary storage. Sequential-access secondary storage media such as magnetic tape are much slower and less expensive than direct access media (eg hard drives, optical media)
8. What are enterprise storage systems?
An enterprise storage system is an independent, external system with intelligence that includes 2 or more storage devices. There are 3 major types of enterprise storage sub-systems:
-redundant arrays of independent discs (RAIDs)
-storage area networks (SANs)
-network-attatched storage (NAS)
9. Distinguish between human data input devices and source data automation
An input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system (such as a computer). A human input device is a keyboard, mouse etc, whereas source data automoation is collecting data in a digital form.
10. What is one new technology that will change how we do things?
A new technology that would change how we do things could be a barcode/scanning system, by which all humans are connected to. When we walk into shops, it scans the person and activates their bank account. When you walk out of the shop, all item you walk out with are scanned, automatically taking the money out of your bank account. This would eliminate thefts from stores, as well as street muggings, as people will not be walking around with money.
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