Wk 3 Lec 2: The Evolution of IT Infrastructure

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Questions and Answers

What era of IT infrastructure began with the introduction of IBM PC?

Enterprise computing era

Client/server era

Personal computer era (correct)

General-purpose mainframe and minicomputer era

Which of the following is a primary function of the input unit in a computer system?

Displaying output data on a screen

Storing data in secondary memory

Taking input and converting it into a computer-understandable form (correct)

Processing data according to instructions

What is meant by 'cloud computing' in the context of IT infrastructure?

Computers connected through local area networks only

Computing power and software applications supplied over the Internet (correct)

Software applications that run solely on personal computers

Mainframes providing services to clients directly

In which era did the integration of disparate networks using Internet standards begin?

Enterprise computing era Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT considered computer hardware?

Operating system Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the client/server model in computing?

Processing work is split between desktop clients and servers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an input device?

Microphone Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'secondary memory' refer to in a computer system?

Long-term data storage like hard drives or SSDs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

To direct and govern the performance of the computer Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations?

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

How is CPU speed typically measured?

In Hertz Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the components that the motherboard connects to?

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Signup and view all the answers

What is a bus in the context of a computer's motherboard?

A communication system that transfers data Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of typical clock speeds for CPUs based on the content?

1 GHz to 5 GHz Signup and view all the answers

What does the Control Unit (CU) do in a CPU?

Controls overall operations and flow of data Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a speed measurement for a CPU above 1 GHz?

Terahertz Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the output unit in a computer system?

To convert output into human-readable format Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of primary memory?

Hard Disk Signup and view all the answers

Which storage device is classified as an optical storage device?

CD-ROM Signup and view all the answers

How much storage capacity is needed for a complete Shakespeare collection?

5 MB Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly categorizes secondary memory?

Used to store data in a permanent manner Signup and view all the answers

When comparing storage devices, which one is primarily used for Read/Write data storage?

Solid-State Drive Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity of a pickup truck full of books in terms of data storage?

1 GB Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is primarily used for fast access to temporary data?

Registers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the primary function of smartwatches?

They function as companions to smartphones, offering notifications and quick data access. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of mobile CPUs compared to traditional computer CPUs?

They are designed to operate efficiently in low power environments. Signup and view all the answers

How do tablets differ from smartphones according to their functionalities?

Tablets have a larger screen and support app integration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about modern laptops compared to earlier designs?

They now run full desktop operating systems while being lighter and thinner. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes personal assistants from other mobile devices?

They provide specialized features for task management and organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary storage capacity of typical optical storage devices?

640MB - 9GB Signup and view all the answers

Which type of storage device is generally expected to eventually replace hard disks?

Flash storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of expansion cards?

Store data permanently Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a hardware upgrade in computing?

Adding new hardware to improve performance Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an embedded system?

It has software embedded to perform a specific task. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statement(s) about CDs and DVDs is true?

DVDs have a higher storage capacity compared to CDs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for performing a hardware upgrade on older computers?

To increase RAM for smoother operation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of optical storage is typically Read/Write?

CD R/W Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Evolution of IT Infrastructure

The general-purpose mainframe and minicomputer era began in 1959 with the introduction of IBM mainframes.
Less expensive DEC minicomputers were introduced in 1965.
The personal computer era started in 1981 with the IBM PC and saw a proliferation of personal software in the 80s and 90s.
The client/server era began in 1983 with desktop clients networked to servers.
Processing work was split between clients and servers during this period.
The enterprise computing era emerged in 1992 with a focus on integrating disparate networks and applications.
This era saw the adoption of Internet standards and enterprise applications.
Cloud and mobile computing emerged in the year 2000, with cloud computing offering computing power and software applications over the internet or a network.
Cloud computing is currently the fastest-growing form of computing.

Defining a Computer

A computer is an electronic device that can perform various operations based on a set of instructions.
It accepts input data, processes it according to instructions, stores it in secondary memory, and produces output.

Computer Hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, data storage, graphics card, sound card, and motherboard.
Software, on the other hand, consists of instructions stored and run by the hardware.
Hardware follows software instructions to execute commands.
The combination of hardware and software forms a usable computing system.

Functional Components of a Computer System

The input unit consists of input devices that convert data into a computer-understandable format and send it to the CPU for processing. Examples include keyboards, mice, and microphones.
The motherboard is the central component of a computer, housing integrated circuitry that connects other components like the CPU, RAM, disk drives, and peripherals connected via ports or expansion slots.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls the computer's performance and is considered its 'brain'.
It comprises the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), the Control Unit (CU), and Registers.

CPU Components

The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and comparisons.
The CU manages the computer’s overall operations, controlling the interpretation, flow, and manipulation of data and information.
Registers store intermediate results from ALU calculations during the processing.
They also contain the instruction being executed by the CPU.

Processor Speed

Processor speed is measured in Hertz (operations per second).
Typical CPU clock speeds range from 1 GHz to 5 GHz.
Intel is expected to release 15th Generation processors in October/November 2024 with speeds exceeding 6 GHz.

Information Flow and the Bus

A bus serves as a communication system for transferring data between components inside a computer or between computers.
It consists of the medium (wires, optical fiber, etc.) and protocols (rules for data sharing).
The bus connects the CPU, main memory, I/O devices, and potentially other components like hard disk drives.

Output Unit

The output unit consists of output devices that convert data into a human-readable format.
Common output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers.

Computer Memory

Computer memory stores data during processing.
There are two primary types of memory: primary memory and secondary memory.

Primary Memory

Primary memory, or main memory, consists of four main types:
- Registers: These are very fast memory locations that hold data for immediate processing by the CPU.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is volatile memory that holds data and instructions currently being used by the CPU. It is read and written to quickly but loses its contents when the computer is shut down.
- Cache memory: Cache memory is a small, fast memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to improve performance.
- Read Only Memory (ROM): ROM is non-volatile memory containing essential instructions for starting a computer. Data stored in ROM cannot be changed or erased.

Secondary Memory

Secondary memory stores data permanently.
Devices used for secondary storage include hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, USB drives, and more.

Storage Capacities

Information Object - Required Capacity
- Text character - 1 byte
- Typewritten page - 2 Kilobytes (2K)
- Low-resolution photograph - 100 Kilobytes (100K)
- A short novel - 1 Megabyte (1MB)
- Complete Shakespeare works - 5 Megabytes (5MB)
- A Pickup Truck full of books - 1 Gigabyte (1 GB)
- Complete Beethoven works - 20 Gigabytes (20 GB)
- UL Library - 2 Terabytes (2 TB)
- All printed material in the world - 200 Petabytes (200 PB)
- All words ever spoken - 5 Exabytes (5 EB)

Storage Devices

Storage devices store large amounts of non-volatile data.
Three main types include:
- Block Storage Devices: These devices store data in blocks, typically hard disks with capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB.
- Optical Storage Devices: These devices store data using lasers, such as CD’s and DVD’s, which are slower than magnetic hard drives.
  - CD’s store 640 or 700 MB of data.
  - DVD’s store 4.7GB or 9GB (dual density).
  - They can be Read Only (CD), Write Once (CD-R), or Read/Write (CD R/W)
- Flash Storage Devices: These devices are non-volatile and offer storage capacities ranging from 32MB to 512 GB.

Expansion Cards

Expansion cards are printed circuit boards (PCBs) that add functionality to a computer system by being inserted into expansion slots on the motherboard.
They can be used to expand features that are not available on the motherboard.
Common expansion cards include:
- Graphics cards
- Sound cards
- Network cards

Hardware Upgrades

Hardware upgrades involve adding new hardware to a computer to enhance performance, increase capacity, or introduce new features.
Some common upgrades include:
- Replacing the hard drive for performance boosts or increased storage capacity
- Increasing RAM for smoother operation
- Adding a USB 3.0 expansion card to maximize the capabilities of USB 3.0 devices
- Upgrading hardware may be necessary for older computers to meet the system requirements of new programs.

Embedded Systems

Embedded systems comprise computer hardware with integrated software.
They can be independent systems or components of larger systems.
They are typically based on microcontrollers or microprocessors, designed for specific tasks. For example, a fire alarm only senses smoke.

Mobile Hardware

Mobile hardware enables work on the go.
Wireless devices, including mobile phones, tablets, personal assistants, and netbooks, are mobile hardware examples.
They utilize central processing units (CPUs), optimized for low-power environments.

Mobile Device Categories

Mobile devices come in various forms, with these common categories:
- Smartphones: Offer internet connectivity, email, and extensive app libraries.
- Tablets: Larger-screen versions of smartphones with extensive app support and add-ons like case/keyboard combinations, blurring the line between laptops and tablets.
- Laptops: Now thinner, lighter, and more powerful than ever, running full desktop operating systems like Windows and Mac OS X.
- Smartwatches: Wrist-worn miniature computers offering streamlined experiences as smartphone companions, providing notifications and quick-glance data.

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Description

Explore the major milestones in the evolution of IT infrastructure, from the introduction of mainframes to the rise of cloud computing. This quiz will cover significant technological advancements and their impacts on computing models over the decades. Test your knowledge of the different eras and how they shaped modern computing.