chapter 3

what is NIC

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component required for a computer to connect to a network, allowing it to send and receive data.

T or F: NIC is only wired

FALSE!

what is Network Hardware

selection of essential components that enable the connectivity and communication of devices within computer networks.

what is function of CPU

• executes instructions

• consists of ALU, CU, registers (all cats roar)

What is the role of the ALU?

Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

What is the function of the control unit?

• Manages execution of instructions.

• Coordinates between hardware and memory.

What is a register in the CPU?

• Small, fast storage locations.

• Temporarily hold data and instructions.

Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle.

1. Fetch: Retrieve instruction from memory.

2. Decode: Interpret the instruction.

3. Execute: Perform the instruction.

What is cache memory?

• Located within the CPU.

• Stores frequently accessed instructions and data.

• Improves CPU performance by reducing access time.

What is the relationship between cache size and performance?

Larger cache size = better performance.

What are cores in a CPU?

• Independent processing units within the CPU.

• More cores allow multitasking and parallel processing.

What are the limitations of adding more cores?

• Increased communication overhead between cores.

• Diminishing returns for some applications.

How does clock speed affect CPU performance?

• Higher clock speed = faster execution of instructions.

• Overclocking can increase performance but risks overheating and instability.

What is RAM?

• Volatile memory used for temporary data storage.

• Faster than secondary storage.

What is ROM?

• Non-volatile memory used for permanent storage.

• Stores firmware and boot instructions.

HDD compared to SSD

• slower

• prone to damage

• cheaper

• high power consumption

SSD compared to HDD

• faster

• durable

• expensive

• low power consumption

A component in the CPU sends signals to manage the fetch-decode-execute cycle. State the name of this component

control unit

characteristics of IP address

1. Unique identifier 

2. Can be static or dynamic

3. Network allocated IP addresses

what is Dynamic IP address

1. The address changes when a computer connects to a network

2. it may change everytime the computer connects to the network or once every few times

3. it can be used to uniquely identify a device (on a network)

Describe how the sensor and the microprocessor are used to automatically refill the water bowl

1. Sensor continually send digitised data into microprocessor

2. microprocessor compares data to stored value(s)

3. if value is outside the range/matches microprocessor sends signal to release water to refill the water bowl

4. ..bowl is filled by SET AMOUNT / bowl filled for CERTAIN TIME

5. Actuator used to release water 

6. Whole process repeats until turned off / stopped

microprocessor

A microprocessor is a type of integrated circuit on a single chip.

True or False?

The terms CPU and microprocessor can be used interchangeably.

TRUE

what is Von Neumann Architecture?

a design of the CPU proposed by John Von Neumann in the 1940s, which most general-purpose computers are built upon.

what is role of system clock

generates timing signals on the control bus to synchronize the operations of the CPU and other components.

main role of Processor in CPU

contains ALU and is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.

What is the function of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?

controls the operation of the memory, processor, and input/output devices by directing the flow of data and instructions within the CPU

function of buses

Carry data through components.

Buses (apple undergo dancing bothways cats bounce daily)

• Address bus – unidirectional CPU to memory only

• Data Bus – bi-directional CPU to memory and back to CPU

• Control Bus – bi-directional Control Unit to other computer components

Immediate Access Store

Stores the instructions that are to be processed, which are fetched by the CPU