Nursing Informatics: Computer Hardware Basics
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Questions and Answers

What are the four main functions of a computer?

Perform tasks such as calculations, data processing, handling, and electronic communication.

What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and its function?

The CPU is a microprocessor chip that processes information and executes instructions.

What is the purpose of a register in a CPU?

Registers are like the CPU's tiny scratchpad, temporarily storing instructions or data.

How does information reach the CPU in a computer?

<p>Information is communicated to the CPU via the bus from input devices or the computer's memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the program counter important in a CPU?

<p>The program counter maintains the memory location of the next program instruction to be executed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the CPU's control unit do?

<p>Coordinates and times the CPU's functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the program counter contain?

<p>Location of the instruction that will be executed next</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines what the current instruction will do?

<p>Decoder</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are the data needed by an instruction retrieved from?

<p>Via the bus and placed in the CPU's registers</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the entire sequence of steps in CPU operation called?

<p>Instruction cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Computer?

  • A special machine that performs tasks such as calculations, data processing and handling, and electronic communication
  • Operates under the control of a set of instructions called a program

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

  • A microprocessor chip containing millions of tiny microscopically wired electrical components
  • Retrieves and processes information from input devices or computer memory via the bus

Registers

  • Temporary storage locations within the CPU
  • Hold instructions or data temporarily
  • Known as the CPU's "tiny scratchpad"

Program Counter

  • A special register that keeps track of which program instruction comes next
  • Maintains the memory location of the next program instruction to be executed
  • Changes (usually increasing) to contain the location of the instruction that will be executed next

Control Unit

  • Coordinates and times the CPU's functions
  • Uses the program counter to locate and retrieve the next instruction from memory

Instruction Cycle

  • Sequence of steps:
    • Retrieve instruction from memory
    • Decode instruction
    • Retrieve required data
    • Execute instruction
    • Store results
  • Can have multiple instructions in process simultaneously (pipeline processing)

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Description

This lesson covers the fundamental aspects of computer hardware in the context of nursing informatics. Students will learn about the main functions of a computer, types of computers, basic terminologies, main components, key hardware components, types of computer use, and databases.

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