Computer Systems

What is a computer system?

A computer system is comprised of software and hardware

What is Software

Software is the programs/instructions that tell computer components how to operate

What is Hardware

Hardware is the physical, touchable components of a computer (inside and out)

What do pieces of hardware do?

Every piece of computer hardware is designed to do one (or more) of the following four functions: Input, Processing, Storage, and Output

What is Input?

Refers to the process of entering data, programs, computer commands and user responses into the computer.

What are the two most common types of input devices?

The keyboard and mouse are the most common types of input devices

What piece of hardware is processing performed by?

Processing is performed by one piece of hardware: The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

What role does the CPU have in a computer?

The CPU is the ‘brain’ of the computer

What does the CPU do?

It manages the flow of information through the computer and controls all the other hardware

How many different brands and models do CPUs have?

There are many different brands and models of CPUs

How many computers have the ability to store information temporarily and permanently?

All computers must have the ability to store information temporarily and permanently

How is RAM used by the computer?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is used by the computer to store information temporarily while the computer is in use

How is secondary storage such as a hard drive or a optical drive used by the user?

Secondary storage such as a hard drive or optical drive are used by the user to store information until they choose to erase it

What does an Output device do?

An output device converts signals from the computer into another form such as a display or printout that the user can understand

What are the most common types of output devices?

The monitor and printer are the most common types of output devices

What is the order of functions?

What is the Motherboard?

The main circuit board in the computer

Where are all the computer components found?

All computer parts are found on the motherboard?

How are computer components attached to the motherboard?

They are attached to the motherboard by a cable or expansion slot, and attached via one of its ports

How does the motherboard help the other computer hardware?

It is through the motherboard that all of the components of a computer communicate with each other

What is the CPU comprised of and where does it lock?

Comprised of a chip with hundreds of pins which are locked into the motherboard

What is the CPU obscured by?

Usually obscured by a large heat sink and/or a fan?

What is the CPU housed in?

The CPU is housed in a single chip called the microprocessor

How important is the CPU?

It is the most important component in a computer?

What does the CPU do?

It receives data input by the user, processes information, and executes commands.

How does a computer use RAM?

A computer uses RAM to store temporary instructions and data needed by the CPU.

Is RAM considered volatile or non-volatile?

RAM is considered volatile because any information or data that is stored in it gets lost when the power is turned off.

What shape is RAM found in (most of the time), and where is it inserted?

Almost always found on “sticks” which are inserted into RAM sockets on the motherboard.

Why would RAM be upgraded?

Often upgraded to allow for better computer performance (e.g. improve multitasking)

How does a computer use ROM?

A computer uses ROM to store the program that boots up or starts the computer

What is the program inside ROM called?

The program inside ROM is called the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

Is ROM considered volatile or non-volatile?

ROM is considered non-volatile as it does not lose its contents when the power supply is turned off

If data is written onto the ROM chip, can it be changed?

Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be changed

Where is the ROM attached onto a computer?

Usually attached directly to the motherboard

What does the hard disk drive do?

Stores data onto metal discs within the device

Is a hard disk drive a volatile storage device, or a non-volatile?

Non-volatile storage device which means that the data stored on it is not lost when the power is turned off

What is the capacity of a hard disk drive?

Hard disk drives have capacities as large as 1 Terabyte (TB) or 1000 Gigabytes (GB)

What does an optical device include?

Includes a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a BD (Blu-ray Disc) device

What is an optical device used for?

Used for reading information into the computer or for writing information from the computer from Optical Discs

What is another name for video card?

A video card is also known as the graphics card

What is the video card responsible for?

Responsible for producing the images that you see on your computer monitor

Why is the video card often upgraded?

Often upgraded to produce better images for video playback (e.g. for gaming or streaming)

What is another name for sound card?

The sound card is also known as an audio card

What is the sound card responsible for?

Responsible for the input and output of audio signals to/from a computer

Why would someone upgrade a sound card?

Can be upgraded to produce better sound output (e.g. 5.1 surround sound)

What is the network interface card?

A device that connects a computer to a network (local area network or the Internet)

How can computer connect to the network?

Computers can connect to a network through a copper cable, an optical cable, or through a wireless connection

Do computer components need different voltages to run?

Yes, Computers need specific power voltages for each component.

How does the power supply work?

The power supply takes power from the wall and outputs power at specific voltages on specific cables to the many components within the computer.

How many differences can exist between computers?

There are a number of differences that can exist between computers

What are the main differences between computers?

The main differences to note exist between: Processors, and Memory

How many cores does a dual and quad core have?

A processor that is Dual Core has two cores, or areas that can process data.  A Quad Core has four

What does the number of cores mean?

The number of cores mean that it can process two (or four) pieces of information at the same time.

What will the second piece of information do in a single core processor?

In a single core processor, the second piece of information would have to wait its turn

What does clock speed refer to?

Refers to how fast a processor can process information, make calculations, or perform operations

What is clock speed?

It is the number of times, in a second, the processor can turn a signal on and off again

How do computer process information?

Computers process information in binary (1s and 0s) so a signal needs to be in an on or off position to indicate the 1 or 0

What does Hertz, their prefixes, their abbreviation, and the number of signal processed on or off mean?

What is the smallest unit of computer memory?

The smallest unit of computer memory is a bit

In computer terms, what does a bit mean?

In computer terms, a bit is either a one or a zero

To store one character, like the letter Z, how many bits are required?

To store just one character, like the letter “z”, you need 8 bits.

How many bits equal a byte?

8 bits = 1 byte

What is a byte?

Byte is the unit of measurement used in computer memory.

Explain all bytes, what they are equal to, and their capacity?

Can RAM be categorized in different standards based on their form factor?

Yes, RAM can be categorized into different standards based on their form factor.

What are some of the current standards?

Some of the current standards are DIMM (for Desktops) and SO-DIMM (for Laptops)

Are RAM specifications based on the amount of memory found on a stick?

Yes, RAM specifications are also based on the amount of memory that can be found on a stick

What are the current memory capacities for RAM?

Current memory capacities for RAM range from 1 to 8 gigabytes (GB)

Can RAM be combined to achieve greater temporary storage for the computer?

Yes, RAM can be combined to achieve greater temporary storage for the computer

How many important specifications are there to keep in mind when choosing a hard drive disk?

There are two important specifications to keep in mind when choosing a hard disk: Capacity and Speed

What is capacity?

The number of bytes that can be stored on the disk drive

Currently, how many terabytes can desktop hard disk drive store?

Desktop hard disk drives are reaching up to 4 Terabytes

What is speed?

The number of times the platter rotates per min

How fast are desktop hard drives rotating?

Desktop hard drives are reaching up to 9600 rpm

What happens the faster a hard disk drive rotates?

The faster the disk rotates, the quicker it can retrieve and write data

How do computer share information and hardware with each other?

Computers connected by cable (eg. telephone or television cables) or wirelessly (eg. satellite or radio frequency) can share information and hardware with each other

When two or more computers connect with each other, what do they form?

Two or more computers connected together form a network

What is LAN?

A network that connects a few computers in a building or in close proximity. 

What is an example of LAN?

Example:  School Network

What is WAN?

A network that connects 2 or more LANs. 

How far does WAN span?

Often span across a large area such as a country, a continent or even the world

What is a example of WAN?

Example:  The Internet

What is a another name for computers?

A computer is also known as a node

What is a server?

A powerful computer which handles all network resources

What can the server track?

The server can track who is logging on/off, which computer prints and in which room etc.

What are cables used for?

Used to connect computers together to the hub or to the server

What is a hub/switch

A device where nodes and peripheral connect so they can talk to each other

Where is the printer connected to?

Peripheral connected to the hub so that computers can print

Describe the diagram of a network?

What are the advantages of a network?

Share information between computers, access user files from any computer, share expensive hardware (printers, etc.), reduced printing and therefore paper, more secure data with logins & passwords, and working away from office

What are the disadvantages of a network?

Network could be ‘hacked’ allowing unauthorized people to access the network, costs a lot of money to create and maintain, viruses can spread easily without proper security, and sharing of hardware can slow things down (eg.  Waiting at printer)

What is Software and what does it include?

All the instructions in a computer; the programs a computer carries out; and includes programs you write, and programs you buy on discs, or download

How many categories of software are there?

There are two categories of software

What is system software/the operating system responsible for?

This software is responsible for: controlling the hardware, running application software, and managing information

What does the operating system serve as?

The Operating System serves as the interface between the computer and the user

What has user interface evolved from?

User interface has evolved from: Command Line and Graphic User Interface

How does the user use the command line?

The user types in commands to tell the computer what to do – eg:  MS DOS

How does a user use the graphic user interface?

The user uses a mouse/menus to tell the computer what to do – eg: Windows

How many operating systems are there?

There are a variety of Operating Systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages of the Windows operating system?

Advantages of the windows operating system are the following: preloaded on 90 percent of computers, runs on almost any hardware, and has lots of applications