01 - Computer Basics | 01. How Computers Work Flashcards
Computers make up the world around us - from robots to phones to our coffee machines, modern appliances are often powered by computers. We rely on this technology on a daily basis; therefore, we should ask ourselves the following question: How does a computer work?
What are the core pillars covered in this course?
- Computers
- Operating Systems & Applications of Software
- Software Development
- Databases
- Cybersecurity
What is the root of IT? Computers, network/internet, operating systems/software, software development, databases, or cybersecurity?
The root of IT is COMPUTERS.
What are the four main functions of a computer?
- Input
- Processing
- Memory
- Output
- Input is data we give to our computers through interactions
- Processing is comprised of the translation of input and the instructions given for output
- Memory is used to store either temporary or permanent information
- Output is the information that gets returned by the computer
On a computer what is the input device’s job?
Detect and report any type of event
What happens when an event is received by an input device?
It reacts by sending information to the CPU.
How is information communicated properly from an input to a CPI
To properly “speak” within the CPU, information needs to be communicated using a binary code.
What is the binary numbering system?
Instructions composed of 0’s and 1’s. The binary numbering system is built on a base of 2.
What is another name for the binary numbering system?
Binary code
What happens before information is sent to the CPU to be processed?
The input is converted to binary
Who does the job of processing information?
The CPU is responsible for processing information
T/F | The CPI controls all the different components between hardware and software
TRUE
What is the “brain” of the computer?
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
T/F The CPU is responsible for establishing communication between hardware and software?
TRUE
What is the CPU and what does it do?
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions based on an input of binary data (0’s & 1’s). The CPU consists of the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU), and registers (Immediate Access Store)
What is a Control Unit (CU)?
The CU on a CPU receives information from the software; then, it distributes and directs the data to the relevant hardware components.
What is the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)?
An ALU is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations. It is fundamental building blocks of the CPU.
What is a register?
A register is a volatile memory system that provides the CPU with rapid access to information it is immediately using.
What are some functions of a control unit (CU)?
- Determine what/where the next instruction must go for processing
- Send clock signals to all hardware to force synchronous operations
- Send memory taskings if appropriate
What are some functions of the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)?
- Addition & subtraction
- Determining equality
- AND/OR/XOR/NOR/NOT/NAND logic gates and more!
What are some functions of a register?
- Store temporary data for immediate processing by the ALU
- Hold “flag” information if an operation results in overflow or triggers other flags
- Hold the location of the next instruction to be processed by the CPU
T/F | Primary Memory is memory that needs to last forever?
FALSE - Memory that lasts forever is Secondary Memory
T/F | Secondary memory is memory that needs to last forever?
TRUE - Primary memory is short term memory
When a command to run a program is sent to the CPU, the CPU retrieves data from where?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
How many types of memory are there and what are they called?
2 types of memory - Primary & Secondary
T/F | Accessing data from RAM is significantly slower than accessing data from other memory systems?
FALSE - It is significantly faster
What is a motherboard?
The central printed circuit board (PCB) that holds the crucial components of the system such as the hardware via ports.
What is RAM?
RAM is Random Access Memory, an additional high-speed memory that a computer uses to store and access information on a short-term basis.
Is RAM short term or long term storage?
Short term storage
T/F | Hard Disks are used for long-term storage of data and programs?
TRUE
What is a port?
A physical outlet used to connect devices to a computer. A computer typically contains multiple ports. This connection allows for communication between the IO device and the computer.
What are Hard Disk Drives?
Hard disks, or hard drives, are responsible for the long-term, or secondary storage of data and programs.
What is another name for the mainboard?
The motherboard
What is throughput measure?
Is the total amount of data that can be transferred in a given amount of time.
What are some common throughput numbers?
- Smartphones: 500MB/Sec
- Desktop drive: 5,000MB/Sec
- RAM: 20,000MB/Sec
What is latency measure?
Is the amount of delay before that transfer of data begins
What are some common latency numbers?
- Read from solid state drive: 150 microseconds
- Ethernet connection: 10 milliseconds
- 4G connection: 80 milliseconds
- Satellite connection: 900 milliseconds
What is the GPU and what does it do?
Graphics processing unit that are specialized circuits for handling graphics and image processing
What is the main difference between CPU and GPU?
CPI handles all the main functions of a computer, whereas GPU is a specialized component that handles graphic and video rendering
What are examples of some output devices?
Monitors, Speakers, Printers
What is Power Consumption Measure?
The energy devices use measured in watts. The greater the wattage, the greater the amount of heat the device creates. Electricity costs can be a substantial part of the cost over the lifetime of a device.
What is produced when the CPU processes data and sends out instruction on how to handle it?
The OUTPUT is produced
What is the final step in the process of our computer interactions?
The output
