Technology of Displays and Printers

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Questions and Answers

What is parallel computing primarily characterized by?

The use of cloud computing resources

The simultaneous execution of the same task on multiple processors (correct)

The simultaneous execution of different tasks on multiple processors

The sequential execution of tasks on a single processor

What is an example of massively parallel processing systems?

A system with thousands of processors working in tandem (correct)

A single computer running multiple applications

A distributed network of computers performing unrelated tasks

A system with a few processors executing different tasks

Which of the following describes grid computing?

The use of a single powerful computer to solve complex problems

The coordination of a network of computers to address a common issue (correct)

The integration of processing units in the same physical location

The process of storing large amounts of data in a cloud

Which computing example involves multiple organizations working together?

Volunteer computing using IBM World Community Grid Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of E-Ink displays in e-book readers?

Excellent readability in sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which type of printer is primarily used for producing high-quality text documents?

Laser Printer Signup and view all the answers

What role does main memory (RAM) serve in a computer system?

It serves as a temporary storage for programs and data used by the CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of RAM compared to other forms of storage?

It is temporary and volatile Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of plotters?

Create large format designs Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a 3D printer from traditional printers?

Operation using three-dimensional models Signup and view all the answers

What is the smallest unit of data storage mentioned?

Byte (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is NOT typically associated with grid computing?

Running everyday applications on a single computer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key advantage of using 3D printers?

Prototyping capabilities Signup and view all the answers

E-book readers offer several benefits. Which benefit relates to user comfort?

Reduced eye strain Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of E-book displays compared to traditional screens?

Mimicking printed text appearance Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is likely to enhance user experience in digital environments?

Haptic Technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of haptic technology?

To simulate touch sensations for user interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applications does NOT use haptic technology?

Augmented Reality overlays Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is Virtual Reality primarily used for training?

Education Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Augmented Reality from Virtual Reality?

AR enhances the real world with digital content Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an application of Haptic Technology?

VR headsets Signup and view all the answers

What type of feedback does haptic technology provide in smartphones?

Tactile sensations for user interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a portable computer?

Smartphone Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of thin clients?

They rely on a central server for processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common application of Augmented Reality?

Snapping pictures with filters on social media Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Virtual Reality technology?

It blocks out the physical environment to simulate a virtual one Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer is typically used for managing extensive databases in large organizations?

Supercomputer Signup and view all the answers

What type of computers are most appropriate for specialized tasks like medical imaging?

Special-purpose computers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices does not fall under the category of multiple-user computers?

Tablet Signup and view all the answers

What defines nonportable computers?

They are stationary and typically set up in one location. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a special-purpose computer?

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of multiple-user computers?

They have limited processing capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

How much can the pricing for an IBM z15 mainframe reach?

$4 million Signup and view all the answers

Which application is known to use IBM mainframes for processing?

Processing payroll for millions of employees Signup and view all the answers

What significant feature do most new supercomputers include?

GPU chips in addition to CPU chips Signup and view all the answers

What organization is associated with the world's fastest supercomputer as of April 2023?

Top500 Signup and view all the answers

What is the cost of Frontier, the world's fastest supercomputer?

$600 million Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following uses supercomputers for advanced applications?

Weather prediction and AI research Signup and view all the answers

How many transactions per day is the IBM z13 mainframe capable of processing?

2.5 billion Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary functions of a computer's hardware components?

The primary functions are input, processing, data storage, and output. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a recent innovation in computer processor chips.

An example is the development of multi-core processors that improve performance by allowing parallel processing. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of single-user and multiuser computer systems?

Single-user systems are designed for one person at a time, while multiuser systems can support multiple users simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges might arise when implementing a data center?

Challenges include managing energy consumption, ensuring hardware compatibility, and maintaining security. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Central Processing Unit (CPU) play in a computer?

The CPU sequences and executes instructions, acting as the brain of the computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is cache memory, and why is it important for CPU performance?

Cache memory is a type of high-speed memory located on or near the CPU that allows for quicker access to frequently used data, thereby enhancing overall CPU performance. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary function of Read-Only Memory (ROM) in a computer.

Read-Only Memory (ROM) provides nonvolatile storage for essential data and instructions needed to start up a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key advantages of secondary data storage devices over primary memory?

Secondary storage devices offer nonvolatility, greater capacity, and lower cost compared to primary memory. Signup and view all the answers

What types of devices are considered secondary storage, and can you name a few examples?

Secondary storage devices include hard disk drives, optical discs like CDs and DVDs, and solid state drives. Signup and view all the answers

Why is nonvolatility an essential characteristic of memory like ROM and secondary storage?

Nonvolatility ensures that data is retained even when power is lost, making it essential for storing critical data and instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of RAID 1 in magnetic secondary storage?

Fault tolerance, as data is mirrored across two disks. Signup and view all the answers

What are two common types of optical storage devices?

CD-ROM and Blu-ray. Signup and view all the answers

How do solid state storage devices differ from magnetic storage devices?

SSDs store data in memory chips rather than on magnetic media. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of attached storage?

It is directly connected to a single computer or server. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of RAID 1?

It requires double the disk space. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

E-Ink displays

E-Ink displays are used in e-book readers.
E-Ink displays are known for their readability in sunlight, low power consumption, and reduced eye strain.
E-books mimic the look of printed text on paper while being portable.
E-books allow users to adjust text size.

Printers & Plotters

There are two main types of printers: Laser and Inkjet.
Plotters are used for design work such as posters and architectural drawings.

3D Printing

3D printers work with 3D models to create objects.
3D printers are used for prototyping and customization.

Haptic Technology

Haptic Technology simulates touch sensations in digital devices.
It enhances user interfaces by adding tactile feedback, making them more intuitive and engaging.
Haptic Technology is used in smartphones, VR gloves, and gaming controllers.

Virtual Reality (VR)

VR technology creates computer-generated environments.
Users wear VR headsets and devices to interact with these immersive virtual environments.
VR has applications in gaming, education, and military training.

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing the user's environment with relevant information.
AR is used in applications such as Snapchat filters, IKEA Place, Pokémon Go, and employee training.

Computer System Types

Single-user computers include portable computers, such as:
- Wearable computers like fitness trackers and smart watches.
- Smartphones.
- Laptops.
- Tablets.
Single-user computers also include non-portable computers, such as desktop computers.
Multiple-user computers include:
- Servers.
- Mainframes.
- Supercomputers.

General & Special-Purpose Computers

General-purpose computers include desktops, laptops, and servers.
Special-purpose computers include:
- Point of sale systems.
- Medical imaging devices.
- Computers in aircraft and automobiles.
- Automotive diagnostic computers.
- Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Thin Clients

Thin Clients heavily rely on a central server for processing and storage.
They have minimal local processing and storage capabilities.
Thin Clients are network-dependent and centrally managed.
Examples of thin clients include hospital systems for accessing electronic health records and kiosks.

Mainframes

IBM is a leading manufacturer of mainframes, such as the IBM z13 and z15.
The IBM z13 can process 2.5 billion transactions per day.
The IBM z15 can cost upwards of $4 million depending on configuration.
"Z" stands for zero downtime.
Mainframes are used for tasks such as processing payroll for millions of employees and tracking packages.

Supercomputers

Supercomputers are the most powerful computer systems with the fastest processing speeds.
They are used for complex calculations in fields like weather forecasting and AI research.
Most supercomputers use both CPU and GPU chips.
Examples of supercomputers include Aramco's Dammam-7 and NVIDIA DGX.
Frontier, as of April 2023, is the world's fastest supercomputer, a first exascale supercomputer. It cost around $600 million to build.

Anatomy of a Computer

Hardware encompasses components for input, processing, data storage, and output.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) manages instruction execution and sequencing.

Cache Memory

Cache memory is faster to access than main memory and is located near the CPU.

Types of Memory

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is nonvolatile, storing permanent data and instructions.
ROM is responsible for booting a computer and was used in gaming cartridges.

Secondary Data Storage Devices

Secondary storage devices provide persistent data and program storage, surpassing the capacity of main memory.
They are nonvolatile, offer greater capacity, and are more affordable than main memory.
They are not directly accessed by the CPU, instead relying on input/output channels to transfer data to primary storage.
Common types include magnetic (hard disks), optical (CD, DVD, Blu-ray), and solid state (SSDs, USB sticks).

Magnetic Secondary Storage Devices

RAID 1 involves disk mirroring, where data is duplicated across two disks for fault tolerance.
While RAID 1 offers resilience, it requires twice the disk space.
Other RAID configurations include RAID 5 and RAID 10.

Optical Secondary Storage Devices

Optical storage utilizes lasers to read and write data.
Examples include CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray discs.

Solid State Secondary Storage Devices

Solid-state storage devices (SSDs) use memory chips for data storage.
They offer lower power consumption, faster access, and greater robustness compared to hard disks.
USB flash drives are a common example.

Enterprise Storage Options

Attached storage is directly connected to a single computer or server and is ideal for local storage of files and applications.
Network-attached storage (NAS) devices connect directly to a network, offer their own IP addresses, and are suitable for small businesses and home users.
Storage Area Networks (SANs) specialize in storage and are used by organizations requiring high availability and scalability.
Storage as a Service (Cloud Storage) involves remotely hosted storage accessed via the internet.
- Cloud providers lease storage space to individuals and organizations.
- Examples for consumers include Apple iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.
- Enterprises utilize services like Amazon's Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3).

Input and Output Devices

Input and output devices facilitate user interaction with computers, providing data input and displaying results.
They constitute the user interface.
Choosing input and output devices should align with business objectives, as specific functions may be required.

Servers

Servers are computers used by numerous users to provide specific tasks and services.
Web servers deliver web content.
DNS servers convert domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.
Mail Servers handle email sending, reception, and storage.
File Servers manage file and data storage and sharing on networks.

Server Types

Tower Servers resemble traditional desktop computer towers.
Rack Servers are designed to be mounted in standard server racks.

Mainframes

Mainframes are powerful large computers (servers) built for handling high transaction volumes with exceptional reliability.
Their key benefits include minimal downtime and the capacity to process large numbers of transactions simultaneously.
A common example is credit card transaction processing.

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Description

Explore the world of display technologies from E-Ink to traditional printers, and the advances in 3D printing and haptic technology. This quiz covers how these innovations impact reading, design, and immersive experiences in virtual reality. Test your knowledge on these essential tech components.