IT Hardware Evolution - Chapter 2
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Questions and Answers

Which type of storage loses its content when power is lost?

  • Volatile storage (correct)
  • Nonvolatile storage
  • Secondary storage
  • Permanent storage

What is the primary function of secondary storage?

  • To improve access speed
  • To store data regardless of power (correct)
  • To process data instantaneously
  • To temporarily hold data

What does the term 'head crash' refer to in hard disk technology?

  • The read-write head touching the disk surface (correct)
  • A failure to save data correctly
  • A data retrieval error
  • A malfunction of the storage device

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of secondary storage?

<p>Volatility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What materials do hard disks primarily utilize to store data?

<p>Rigid metallic platters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is involved in saving information to storage?

<p>Writing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hard disk is designed for external use?

<p>External hard disk (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enhances the performance of hard disks?

<p>Upgrading access speed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of multicore processors?

<p>Simultaneous handling of multiple tasks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hardware trend is associated with faster data access and lower latency?

<p>Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe) storage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology is essential for real-time applications like augmented reality and IoT?

<p>5G integration and networking hardware (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quantum computing utilizes which type of data unit to represent information?

<p>Qubits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential application of nanotechnology in the future of computer hardware?

<p>Operating and building at the atomic scale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which device is representative of a multicore processor technology?

<p>Apple M1 chip (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of NVMe SSDs?

<p>Compatibility with older SATA connectors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What innovative area does quantum computing aim to revolutionize?

<p>Artificial intelligence and cryptography (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant development occurred after 1995 that encouraged firms to utilize TCP/IP networking standards?

<p>The Internet became a trusted communications environment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does cloud computing primarily offer to users?

<p>A shared pool of computing resources accessed over a network (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key driver for the growth of edge computing?

<p>The need to process data nearer to its source (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which era marked the shift toward cloud computing?

<p>Cloud and Mobile Computing Era (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a main characteristic of the Web-based Enterprise Computing Era?

<p>Integration of disparate networks and applications (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does edge computing enhance data processing?

<p>By improving latency and bandwidth efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which computing model do users access resources on an as-needed basis?

<p>Cloud computing model (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of edge computing?

<p>To enable real-time data processing and decision-making (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of minicomputers?

<p>They are customizable for individual departments. (B), They provide highly decentralized computing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marked the beginning of the personal computer era?

<p>The widespread adoption of PCs in the 1980s. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a server in a client/server computing model?

<p>To process and store shared data for clients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which software development significantly changed PC functionality in the 1990s?

<p>Operating system software that enabled networking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the client from the server in a client/server architecture?

<p>The client is primarily responsible for processing data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do personal computers play in a client/server computing environment?

<p>They serve users by connecting to powerful servers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the typical server in today's environments?

<p>A powerful version of personal computers with advanced chips. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant development in personal desktop productivity during the 1980s?

<p>The introduction of various software tools like word processors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of optical-mark recognition (OMR)?

<p>Sensing the presence or absence of marks for test scoring (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of flat-panel monitors?

<p>Have a bulky design (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology allows users to operate computers using voice commands?

<p>Voice recognition systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of output is referred to as 'soft copy'?

<p>Visual images on screens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of digital cameras?

<p>Store images in memory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of device is an e-book reader classified as?

<p>Output device (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential function of tracking pets in relation to technology?

<p>Using devices to monitor location or activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do curved monitors enhance the viewing experience?

<p>By providing better viewing angles near the edges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is critical for voice recognition systems to function?

<p>Microphone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about printers is true?

<p>Printers can produce both text and graphics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using photonics in computing?

<p>Higher data transfer rates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology aims to reduce power consumption by stacking chips vertically?

<p>3D chip stacking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes neuromorphic computing from traditional computing technologies?

<p>It mimics human brain functionality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common aim of emerging memory technologies?

<p>To improve durability and energy efficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the types of emerging memory technologies mentioned?

<p>VRAM (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of heterogeneous computing?

<p>Ability to optimize for specific tasks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about traditional memory types is true?

<p>They lack durability and energy efficiency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential does neuromorphic computing hold for artificial intelligence?

<p>Leads to more advanced AI capabilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Minicomputer

A type of computer designed for powerful computing tasks, often used by businesses.

Client/Server Computing

A type of computer system where users' computers (clients) connect to a central computer (server) for resources and services.

Personal Computers (PCs)

Computers used by individual users for tasks like word processing or spreadsheets.

Server

A computer that provides shared resources like files and applications to multiple users or computers.

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Network Operating System

Software that allows multiple computers to connect and communicate with each other.

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Desktop Productivity Software

Software that allows users to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on their computers.

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Decentralized Computing

Computing systems where processing tasks are distributed across multiple machines working together.

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System Unit

A physical box that houses a computer's components, including the motherboard, CPU, and RAM.

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Web-based Enterprise Computing Era

The development of networking standards like TCP/IP in the early 1990s allowed firms to integrate their disparate networks and applications into an enterprise-wide infrastructure.

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The impact of the internet on business

This era saw the rise of the Internet, connecting businesses globally and enabling them to utilize networking standards like TCP/IP for their operations.

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Cloud Computing Model

A model where computing resources (like storage, applications, and services) are accessed over a network, often the internet, and can be used on demand by any device.

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The influence of internet bandwidth on Cloud Computing

The growing bandwidth of the internet allowed for a shift from client-server models to cloud computing.

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Edge Computing

A computing paradigm where data is processed closer to the source, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.

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IoT and Edge Computing

The proliferation of IoT devices has fueled the need for edge computing.

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Real-time decision-making

The ability to analyse and react to data in real-time, made possible by edge computing.

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Edge Computing and IoT Era

This era saw the rise of Edge Computing, driven by the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the need to process data closer to its source for faster processing.

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Optical-mark recognition (OMR)

A type of scanner that reads marks made on paper using a light source and sensors.

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Passport scanners

Scanner used to read data from passports, including personal information and travel history.

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Pet Tracking Scanners

Scanners used to track the movement of animals, typically equipped with a microchip or tag.

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Inventory Control Scanners

Scanners used to update and manage inventory levels in warehouses or retail stores.

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Image Capturing Devices

Devices that capture images digitally and store them in computer memory.

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Audio Input Devices

A type of microphone that converts audio signals into digital data.

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Voice Recognition Software

A type of software that allows computers to understand and respond to spoken commands.

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Flat-panel Monitors

Displays that use flat panels to produce images, often consuming less power and being more portable.

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Curved Monitors

Monitors with a curved screen to enhance viewing angles and create a more immersive experience.

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E-book Readers

Electronic devices designed for reading books, periodicals, and other digital publications.

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What is primary storage?

Temporary storage that loses its contents when the computer is turned off.

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What is secondary storage?

Permanent storage that retains its data even when the computer is off.

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What are media in secondary storage?

Physical materials that hold data, such as hard drives, CDs, or flash drives.

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What is capacity in secondary storage?

The amount of data a storage device can hold.

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What are storage devices?

The hardware that reads and writes data to and from storage.

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What is access speed in secondary storage?

The time it takes to retrieve data from storage.

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What is writing in terms of secondary storage?

The process of saving information to storage.

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What is reading in terms of secondary storage?

The process of accessing information from storage.

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Multicore Processor

A type of processor that uses multiple cores to execute instructions simultaneously, improving performance by dividing tasks across multiple processors.

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NVMe Storage

A high-speed storage technology that replaces traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs, offering faster data access and lower latency.

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5G Technology

The fifth generation of cellular network technology, delivering significantly faster data speeds and lower latency.

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Quantum Computing

A type of computing that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations drastically faster than traditional computers.

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Nanotechnology

The manipulation of matter at the nanoscale (a billionth of a meter), allowing for the creation of new materials and devices with enhanced properties.

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Quantum Computer

A type of computer designed to solve specific complex problems using quantum bits (qubits), which can be in multiple states simultaneously.

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Nanotechnology

The ability to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular level, opening up opportunities for developing new materials and devices with enhanced properties.

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Quantum Superposition

The capability of a quantum computer to explore all possible solutions simultaneously due to the superposition property of qubits.

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Moore's Law

A manufacturing technique that allows for the creation of smaller transistors and components on integrated circuits, leading to increased transistor density. This advancement enables the development of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient computer components.

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Photonics and Optical Computing

A type of computing that uses light (photons) instead of electrical signals (electrons) for calculations. This method offers faster data transfer rates and generates less heat compared to traditional electronics.

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3D Chips Stacking

A technique where chips are stacked vertically to enhance performance and reduce power consumption by minimizing communication distances between components.

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Heterogeneous Computing

A method of combining different types of processors (CPU, GPU, FPGA) on a single chip to optimize performance for specific tasks based on their strengths.

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Neuromorphic Computing

A computing paradigm that mimics the structure and operation of the human brain, seeking to achieve more advanced AI and cognitive computing capabilities.

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Emerging Memories Technology

A new generation of memory technologies aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional memory types like DRAM and NAND flash. These emerging memories are designed to achieve improvements in speed, density, energy efficiency, and durability.

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ReRAM (Resistive RAM)

A type of non-volatile memory that changes its resistance when an electric current is applied. It is known for its fast access times and high endurance.

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MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM)

A type of non-volatile memory that uses the magnetic properties of materials to store information. It is known for its high endurance and non-volatility.

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Study Notes

Chapter 2 - Hardware

  • This chapter covers the evolution of IT hardware, system units, input/output, secondary storage, and hardware trends.

Part 1 - Evolution of IT Hardware

  • Learning objectives include explaining the stages of IT infrastructure and different types of computer hardware.
  • Stages in IT infrastructure evolution include mainframe/mini computers (1959-present), personal computers (1981-present), client/server computing (1983-present), web-based enterprise computing (1992-present), cloud/mobile computing (2000-present), and edge computing/IoT (2010-present).
  • The introduction of the IBM 1401 and 7090 marked the beginning of widespread commercial use of mainframe computers.
  • The IBM 360 series, introduced in 1965, revolutionized mainframes, increasing power and supporting thousands of online terminals.
  • The proliferation of PCs in the 1980s and early 1990s led to the development of productivity software, impacting both home and business use.

Part 2 - System Unit

  • Learning objectives include differentiating between five basic types of system units, describing system boards, recognizing different microprocessors, comparing computer memory types, explaining expansion slots and cards, describing ports and power supplies, and explaining electronic number and character representation.

Part 3 - Input/Output

  • Learning objectives include defining input, describing keyboards, pointing devices, scanners, RFID, and image capture, recognition, and audio input devices. Defining output, identifying different monitor types, and printing features, audio-video devices and combination input/output devices.

Part 4 - Secondary Storage

  • Learning objectives include distinguishing between primary and secondary storage, identifying secondary storage characteristics, describing hard-disk characteristics and head crashes, defining types of hard disks, explaining performance enhancements, and defining solid-state, optical, cloud storage, and mass storage devices and their respective capabilities.
  • Learning objectives include describing current trends in computer hardware, including AI and machine learning hardware, edge computing and IoT devices, multicore processors, non-volatile memory technologies, 5G integration and networking hardware, and future trends including quantum computing and emerging memories.

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Chapter 2 - Hardware 2024 PDF

Description

Explore the fascinating journey of IT hardware from mainframes to cloud computing in this quiz. Learn about significant milestones such as the IBM 1401 and the rise of personal computers. Understand the different types of computer hardware and their evolution through various computing paradigms.

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