Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of RAM must be reenergized constantly to retain its contents?
What type of RAM must be reenergized constantly to retain its contents?
Which type of memory is typically used for cache in processors?
Which type of memory is typically used for cache in processors?
What is the primary function of memory cache in a computer?
What is the primary function of memory cache in a computer?
Which cache level is built directly on the processor chip?
Which cache level is built directly on the processor chip?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately describes the difference between DRAM and SRAM?
Which statement accurately describes the difference between DRAM and SRAM?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the system do when power is turned on regarding RAM?
What does the system do when power is turned on regarding RAM?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to data in DRAM if it is not reenergized?
What happens to data in DRAM if it is not reenergized?
Signup and view all the answers
Which cache is usually slower and has a larger capacity than L1 cache?
Which cache is usually slower and has a larger capacity than L1 cache?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of flash memory in computers?
What is the primary function of flash memory in computers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement about buses in a computer system is correct?
Which statement about buses in a computer system is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes a thermal printer from other types of printers?
What distinguishes a thermal printer from other types of printers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the function of an MICR reader?
Which of the following best describes the function of an MICR reader?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the key characteristic of dot-matrix printers?
What is the key characteristic of dot-matrix printers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of memory is typically non-volatile and can be electronically erased and rewritten?
Which type of memory is typically non-volatile and can be electronically erased and rewritten?
Signup and view all the answers
Which task is not typically handled by the processor's control unit?
Which task is not typically handled by the processor's control unit?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does the system clock play in a computer's operation?
What role does the system clock play in a computer's operation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of the Control Unit in a processor?
What is the primary function of the Control Unit in a processor?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a higher clock speed in a processor imply?
What does a higher clock speed in a processor imply?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes volatile memory?
Which of the following best describes volatile memory?
Signup and view all the answers
Which operation is NOT performed by the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
Which operation is NOT performed by the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
Signup and view all the answers
What component of the processor generates regular electronic pulses?
What component of the processor generates regular electronic pulses?
Signup and view all the answers
What is indicated by a 3 GHz processor?
What is indicated by a 3 GHz processor?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of memory retains data even when the power is off?
Which type of memory retains data even when the power is off?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens during a comparison operation in the ALU?
What happens during a comparison operation in the ALU?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
BCC Revision
- This is a revision document for a course of study.
Topic 1 Part 2
- No further details provided.
Third Generation (1960's – 1970's)
- Integrated circuits (ICs) were used.
- A single IC contained multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors.
- Examples included IBM-360 series, Honeywell-60000 series, PDP (Personal Data Processor), IBM-370/168, and TDC 316.
Characteristics of Third Generation Computer
- Operating systems included remote, time-sharing, and multiprogramming.
- Programming languages included FORTRAN II to IV, COBOL, PASCAL, and BASIC.
- Compared to second generation, third-generation computers were smaller in size.
- Third-generation computers were still costly.
- They were more reliable.
- They were faster.
- They consumed less electricity and generated less heat.
Fourth Generation (1960's – 1970's)
- Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits were used.
- VLSI integrated about 5000 transistors on a single chip.
- Examples include DEC 10, STAR 10000, PDP 11, CRAY-1 (Super Computer), and CRAY-X-MP (Super Computer).
Characteristics of Fourth Generation Computer
- Operating systems included time-sharing, real-time, networks, and distributed processing.
- Programming languages include C, C++, and DBASE.
- Compared to third generation, fourth generation computers were smaller in size.
- They were cheaper.
- They were portable and reliable.
- Computers became accessible more easily.
- The concept of the internet was introduced.
Topic 2 Part 1
- No further details provided.
PROCESSORS - CU & ALU
- Processors contain a Control Unit (CU) and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
- The CU and ALU work together to process operations.
- Instructions transfer from storage to memory when a user runs an application.
- Data is transferred from input devices and storage devices to memory.
- The CU interprets and executes instructions in memory.
- The ALU performs calculations on data in memory.
- Results are stored in memory.
Control Unit
- The Control Unit (CU) directs and coordinates most computer operations.
- It interprets instructions from programs or applications and initiates actions to execute them.
- The CU directs internal components like the ALU, registers, and buses.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- The ALU performs arithmetic and comparison operations.
- It compares data items to decide if one is greater than, equal to, or less than the other.
- The comparison's results determine actions in the computer system.
SYSTEM CLOCK
- The system clock is a quartz crystal circuit.
- The clock controls the timing of all computer operations.
- It generates regular electronic pulses (ticks) to set the computer operating pace.
- A tick is equivalent to a clock cycle.
- Modern processors are superscalar, executing multiple instructions per clock cycle.
- Processor speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
MEMORY
- The system unit has two types of memory: Volatile and Non-Volatile.
- Volatile memory loses contents when power is off (e.g., RAM).
- Non-volatile memory retains content when power is off (e.g., ROM, flash memory, CMOS).
MEMORY - RAM
- RAM (random access memory) is main memory; chips can be read from and written to by the processor and devices.
- RAM loads operating system files during boot-up from storage.
- Applications and data load into RAM as needed.
- The processor interprets and executes instructions in RAM.
- RAM supports multiple simultaneous applications and programs.
MEMORY - RAM (Dynamic RAM)
- Dynamic RAM (DRAM) requires constant reenergizing to retain content.
- Different DRAM variations include SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and RDRAM.
MEMORY - RAM (Static RAM)
- Static RAM (SRAM) does not require frequent reenergizing to retain content.
- SRAM is faster than DRAM but more expensive.
- Special applications, like cache, use SRAM.
MEMORY CACHE
- Memory cache speeds up processes by storing frequently used instructions and data.
- Most PCs have level 1 (L1) and level 2 (L2) caches, and some have level 3 (L3) caches.
- L1 cache is built directly onto the processor.
- L2 cache is slightly slower than L1 but larger.
- L3 cache is on the motherboard and separate from the processor.
- The processor searches the cache for instructions and data when needed.
FLASH MEMORY
- Flash memory is non-volatile; data is retained when power is off.
- Flash memory allows for easy content updates and is used for start-up instructions.
- Devices that use flash memory include smartphones, media players, printers, digital cameras, and automotive devices.
- Flash memory stores data entered into devices.
- Removable devices such as memory cards use flash memory.
BUSES
- Buses are electrical channels that internally transmit bits in the computer's circuitry.
- They connect various devices within and attached to the computer's system unit.
- Data transfers between input devices and memory, from memory to the processor, from the processor to memory, and from memory to output devices.
MICR READER
- Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) devices read magnetized text.
- An MICR reader converts MICR characters into a form the computer can use.
- Bank checks use MICR.
Topic 2 Part 3
- No further details provided.
PRINTERS - Thermal Printer
- Thermal printers use heat to produce images on thermal paper.
- They do not require toner or ink.
- The types of paper used are thermal paper.
PRINTERS - Dot-Matrix Printer
- Dot-matrix printers use pins to strike an inked ribbon against paper.
- Print quality is moderate (not high resolution) as the technology is older.
Topic 2 Part 4
- No further details provided.
SEQUENTIAL & DIRECT ACCESS
- Sequential access requires reading or moving through all information up to the point needing to be read or written.
- Tape drives are an example of sequential access.
- Direct access finds data by deriving its storage address.
HARD DISK
- A hard disk is a storage device with platters and magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information.
- Capacity depends on the number of platters and the magnetic coating composition.
- Storage capacity is determined by the number of platters and density (amount of data in an area of the storage).
How a Hard Disk Works
- The head actuator moves the read/write heads to the correct data location on the platters.
- The platters spin while reading/writing data.
- The circuit board controls head actuator movement.
- Software determines the data location.
TAPE
- A tape is a magnetically coated plastic ribbon.
- Tapes are capable of storing large amounts of data.
- Tape drives read and write data to tapes.
Topic 4
- No further details provided.
NIELSEN'S TEN USABILITY HEURISTICS
- #3 User control and freedom: Users need clear ways to undo mistakes.
- #4 Consistency and standards: Actions should mean the same thing.
Topic 6
- No further details provided.
Image File Type – PNG
- Portable Network Graphics (.png)
- Lossless compression
- Best for web images; supports 16 million colors.
Image File Type – JPEG
- Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg or .jpeg)
- Lossy compression
- Smaller file sizes; good for web images and non-professional printing.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
