5.6 basic computer Flashcards
A computer is an electronic device that can accept and process data by carrying out a set of stored instructions in sequence
This sequence of mathematical and logic operations is known as a program.
All data and program information for a computer must be converted into binary form, then fed into the computer circuitry
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An address
is a name or number that designates the location of information in a storage or memory device
‘Bit’ is an abbreviation of ‘binary digit’
Bits are usually assembled into a group of eight to form a byte
A bit can have one of two values (a ‘0’ or a ‘1’
A number of bits are assembled into a ‘word’; a word is treated as a unit by a computer
what are Bytes
Bits are grouped to form words.
A word that is eight bits long is called a ‘byte’
16-bit word equals two bytes
what values can a byte have
A byte can have one of 256 values (00000000 to 11111111 binary), in hexadecimal 00 to FF
A byte can hold 2⁸ or 256 values
one million bytes is known as a
megabyte (MB)
one thousand bytes is known as a
kilobyte (KB)
a gigabyte is what (GB)
One thousand megabytes
1 KB = 1 024 bytes
1 MB = 1 000 KB = 1 000 000 bytes
1 GB = 1 000 MB = 1 000 000 000 bytes
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what is the definition of data processing
the handling, storage, and analysis of information in a sequence of systematic and logical operations by a computer.
what are the 6 steps of data processing
- Collection
- Preparation
- Input
- Processing
- Output
- Storage
what are three types of processing
- Manual data processing
- mechanical data processing
- Electronic Data Processing
An instruction directs a computer to take a certain action
Part of the instruction specifies the operation to be performed
another part specifies the address
Programs are
precise sequence of coded instructions or a routine for solving a problem with a computer.
in other words it is a plan for the solution of a problem
what is software
Software comprises the programs that enable a computer to function and carry out the operations that are requested
what are the two types of software
system software
application software -
what is system software
System software is designed to directly operate the computer hardware.
This type of software is produced to improve the usability of the computer, rather than to complete specific tasks
what is application software
A software designed to perform specific tasks is called ‘application software’; typical examples include word processors, drawing packages, etc.
the electronic and mechanical devices that make up the computer are referred to as
hardware
typical hardware elements are
- microprocessor
- random access memory (RAM)
- read-only memory (ROM)
- Power supply unit
- motherboard
- computer case
who was the first to present the idea of stored program computers
John von Neumann architecture
Memory devices are semiconductor storage devices for permanent non-volatile data
such as
ROM RAM and PROM
two basic types of memory in computer programs they are
RAM - Information can be written into the memory (overwriting the old) or copied out from it. RAMs are usually volatile. If power is removed, the information is lost unless battery backup is available
ROM - info that cannot be changed hence the name read only memory
RAM is faster than ROM and
RAM info can be written into the memory in any location hence the name Random access memory
.
PROM) chips that are manufactured blank with no instruction sets.
PROMs are programmed after manufacture by plugging them into a PROM programmer where the setting of each bit is locked.
EPROM and EEPROM are
Erasable PROM (EPROM) can be re-programmed in the field after using ultraviolet light, which erases the complete contents.
Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) can be block-erased and byte-written while the computer is running
Flash memory, which is faster than EEPROM also allows memory to be erased and programmed into blocks.
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what is firmware
Firmware is software that is specifically designed for a certain piece of hardware (normally an application program) and is stored in ROM
what are peripherals or input/output devices
things such as monitor, printer, mouse keyboard.
a 32-bit computer would typically have 32 data bus lines
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During computer operation, information travels in the what order
- user interface
- application program
- operating system
- hardware
the CPU contains what
registers, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and a Control Unit (CU)
what do the constituents of the CPU do
- the registers provide a temporary storage area to manipulate data during computations
-ALU combines values from the registers, such as adding numbers from different registers, and enters new values into them - The CU contains the clock, supervises overall CPU operations, controls the ALU
integrated Circuits (ICs)
ICs are simply complete digital electronic circuits constructed in the same basic location.
aka chip, processor, microchip.
Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) or Complementary Metal Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits
miniaturised and manufactured on tiny, thin silicon semiconductor wafers
All digital computers contain what four sections
- input section
- processing section
- memory/storage section
- output section
what is an example of a reference computer
inertial reference system (IRS)
What is IRS
this system is a laser gyro- and accelerometer-based reference system used to generate outputs, such as aircraft attitude, heading, acceleration, and angular information.
The IRS only needs inputs for initialisation purposes
An Electronic Engine Control Monitor (EECM) is a type of storage computer that stores what
fault data from the Electronic Engine Control (EEC) system
what is an example of a controlling computer
The Flap/Slat Electronic Unit (FSEU)
what is an example of an interactive computer
The Flight Management Computer (FMC)
computers can be…
digital, analogue or hybrid
what are the five types of computer systems.
. Interactive
. Reference
. Storage/monitor
. Controlling
. Information
what is the main task of a informational computer
to collect data and display it in a central place
