TG 1 - Computer Hardware

Q1. What is computer hardware and what are the major hardware components?

Computer hardware generally refers to the physical equipment used for the input, processing, output and storage activities of a computer system. The key components that make a computer hardware are:

• The Central processing unit (CPU)
• Primary storage
• Secondary storage
• Input technologies
• Output technologies�Communication technologies

Link below show's the key concepts of hardware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pYiNyGKB84

Q2. What is Moore's Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.

The key concept that encompasses Moore's Law is computers microprocessor would double every year years. This has happen as until recent times where it has started the level out.

Q3. In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions.

Fundamentally the microprocessor functions states the inputs and outputs. The processing cycle starts with inputs - information entered into the system e.g. mouse, processing - converts data into knowledge , output - data existing that is transmitted into readable format e.g. monitor, storage and finally communication - through the internet.

Diagram

Q.4 What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?

There are four factors that detrmine a speed of a microprocessor they include;

• Clock Speed - cycles speeds usuallyin GHZ e.g. 32Ghz
• Word Length - how many characters the PC can read in one clock speed
• Bus Width - the amount of data that can travel at the same time
• Design of Chip - Dual Core

Q.5 What are the four main types of primary storage.

The four main types of primary storage are:

• Registers (part of the CPU)
• ‘Volatile’ Random access memory (RAM)
• Cache memory
• Non‐volatile read‐only memory (ROM); usually ‘Flash’ memory (similar to that in USB drives)

Q.6 What are the main types of secondary storage?

Memory capacity that can store very large amounts of data for extended periods of time. Most common types of secondary storage include magnetic media - hard drives, optical media - cd's, solid state - ipods and USB's are becoming more popular.

Q.7 How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity?

Primary stroarge differs significantly from secondary storage. Primary storage (volatile) such as ram is faster compared to secondary in terms of transfer speed. Secondary storage such as hard drives (non-volatile) hold large amounts of data e.g. gigabytes compared to primary with limited amounts. Generally both are considerably cheap cost comapred to the element purchasing, primary such as ram is relative cheap and easy way to increase processor speed.

Q 8.What are enterprise storage systems?

Is a centralized storage system that businesses uses to manage and protect data through the internet. It act's as a external memory that is accessible from any point, it stores and collects large amounts of data.

Q.9 Distinguish between human data input devices and source data automation.

Human data input devices are devices such as keyboards, mice, touch-screens and voice recognition. Though source data is devices that require minimal human effort e.g. barcode readers, RFD and ATM.

Q.10 What is one new technology that will change how we do things? You need to do some research

One new technology that will change the way we do things is the ever increasing ability of mobile devices. Today we have seen a significant swing with the introduction of the iPhone. Mobile devices currently are steadily incorporated our daily lives with the collaboration of music, movies, emails and internet. With this increasing technology on the rise mobile users will incorporate our daily lives from turning and switching off the TV to controlling house hold items with wireless internet. The ability of this technology will only get faster and lighter.