Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following components are part of an information system?
Which of the following components are part of an information system?
What is the role of input devices in a computer?
What is the role of input devices in a computer?
Input devices convert human-readable data into machine-readable form (binary).
What is the purpose of the CPU in a computer?
What is the purpose of the CPU in a computer?
The CPU processes data and issues control commands.
What types of computers are mentioned?
What types of computers are mentioned?
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RAM is nonvolatile memory.
RAM is nonvolatile memory.
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Match the following types of memory with their descriptions:
Match the following types of memory with their descriptions:
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The main circuit board inside the system unit is known as the ______.
The main circuit board inside the system unit is known as the ______.
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Which of the following factors affect CPU performance?
Which of the following factors affect CPU performance?
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The read/write head of a disc touches the surface of the disc.
The read/write head of a disc touches the surface of the disc.
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What does GPU stand for?
What does GPU stand for?
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What is important to prevent data loss?
What is important to prevent data loss?
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What is a bus in the context of computer hardware?
What is a bus in the context of computer hardware?
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What technology does a Solid State Drive (SSD) use?
What technology does a Solid State Drive (SSD) use?
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Name one benefit of Solid State Drives (SSDs).
Name one benefit of Solid State Drives (SSDs).
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What do Solid-State Hybrid Drives (SSHDs) contain?
What do Solid-State Hybrid Drives (SSHDs) contain?
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What is the primary function of USB flash drives?
What is the primary function of USB flash drives?
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Cloud storage does not require the Internet.
Cloud storage does not require the Internet.
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of cloud storage?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of cloud storage?
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What is digital data represented in?
What is digital data represented in?
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1 Byte = ______ bits
1 Byte = ______ bits
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What must audio data be in order to be processed by a PC?
What must audio data be in order to be processed by a PC?
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Which coding system is used for compressing audio data?
Which coding system is used for compressing audio data?
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Which video data standard is commonly used for HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs?
Which video data standard is commonly used for HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs?
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Study Notes
Computer Hardware Overview
- Information systems consist of five components: hardware, software, data, people, and process.
- Hardware refers to the physical parts of computing devices that are tangible.
Definition of a Computer
- A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts input, processes it, and stores or outputs the data.
- Functions of a computer include data capture, processing, storage, output, and communication.
Basic Operations of a Computer System
- Input: Data entry into the system.
- Processing: Operations performed on input data.
- Output: Presentation of processed results.
- Storage: Saving data for future use.
- Communications: Exchanging data with other devices.
Computer System Components
- CPU: Central Processing Unit, the primary component for processing data and issuing commands.
- RAM: Temporary storage for data and program instructions; volatile memory.
- Motherboard: Main circuit board housing the CPU, RAM, and connections to other components.
Types of Computers
- Embedded computers
- Mobile devices
- Personal computers
- Midrange servers
- Mainframe computers
- Supercomputers
CPU Characteristics
- Dual-core and quad-core CPUs contain multiple processing units for handling tasks simultaneously.
- Major manufacturers include Intel and AMD, with distinct advantages in pricing and performance.
Key Factors Influencing CPU Performance
- Clock Speed: Measured in GHz; higher clock speeds indicate faster processing abilities.
- Number of Cores: More cores allow for better multitasking and efficiency.
- Cache Memory: Internal memory for storing frequently accessed data, enhancing processing speed.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Responsible for rendering images and videos; can be integrated or separate from the CPU.
- System-on-a-chip (SoC) combines GPU and CPU functionalities in one package.
Computer Memory Types
- RAM: Temporary and volatile; essential for running applications.
- Cache Memory: Fast memory close to the CPU for improving data access speed.
- ROM: Non-volatile, permanent storage used for firmware.
- Flash Memory: Non-volatile memory, used in USB drives and SSDs.
Ports and Connectors
- Connections allow peripherals to interface with the computer. Examples include:
- USB (2.0, 3.x)
- HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort for video
- RJ45 for network connections
Storage Systems
- Storage systems include the storage medium (where data is saved) and the storage device (reads/writes data).
- Types include: Internal, External, and Remote storage.
Types of Storage Devices
- HDDs: Magnetic drives, found in most computers, require regular backups.
- SSDs: Use flash memory, low power, suitable for portable devices.
- SSHDs: Hybrid drives combining features of SSDs and HDDs.
Remote Storage Types
- Network Storage: Accessible over local networks, examples include file servers.
- Cloud Storage: Online storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) becoming essential for modern applications.
Network vs. Cloud Storage
- Network Storage: No ongoing fees, requires initial hardware investment, and network maintenance.
- Cloud Storage: Subscription-based, easy scalability, less dependency on local infrastructure.
Data Capture vs. Data Entry
- Data capture is usually faster and more precise but might be costly or impractical in certain scenarios. For feasible applications, data capture is preferred.### Source Data Automation
- Defined as the process of collecting data at its origin in digital form, reducing duplication and error.
- Aims to eliminate traditional data entry activities involving multiple people and formats.
Input Devices
- Divided into Automatic and Non-Automatic Input Devices.
- Automatic devices include scanning tools, magnetic ink readers, audio/video sensors, and various biometric readers.
- Non-Automatic devices include traditional methods like keyboards, mice, trackballs, and joysticks.
- Various scanning inputs available: Optical Scanners, Barcode Scanners, QR Code Readers.
Output Devices
- Categorized into Softcopy (e.g., monitors, speakers, projectors) and Hardcopy (e.g., printers, plotters).
- Softcopy offers flexible viewing and no per-copy cost, enhancing environmental friendliness.
- Hardcopy is permanent but incurs printing costs and lacks the same flexibility as softcopy.
Digital Data Representation
- Bit: The smallest data unit in binary (1 or 0).
- Byte: Composed of 8 bits and used to measure file sizes.
- Larger data sizes are expressed using prefixes, such as:
- Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 Bytes
- Megabyte (MB): 1,024 KB
- Gigabyte (GB): 1,024 MB
- Subsequent increments continue to exist up to Yottabyte (YB) and Geopbyte.
Coding Systems for Data
- Text Data: Various encoding systems exist to represent text.
- Audio Data: Must be digital, commonly compressed formats like MP3 for online transmission.
- Video Data: Comprised of frames; compressed formats include MPEG series (e.g., MPEG-4 for HD).
Self-Study Recommendations
- Recommended viewing: "How Computers Work" for fundamental concepts illustrated clearly.
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