6 System resources Flashcards
6.1.1
Identify the resources that need to be managed within a computer system
- Primary memory (RAM)
- Read only memory (ROM)
- Secondary memory (disk storage)
- Processor speed
- Bandwidth
- Screen resolution
- Sound processor
- Graphics processor
- Network connectivity
6.1.2
Evaluate the resources available in servers
A server is a software, hardware, or both that provides resources, data, and various services to clients. Servers need multiple network connections for advanced performance, and a lot of RAM to support multiple requests.
6.1.2
Evaluate the resources available in mainframes
Mainframe systems are computers able to process billions of calculations and transactions in real time, securely and reliably. They are used by large organisations for critical applications to handle large-bandwidth communication, bulk processing, and large-scale transaction processing.
Thus they need large amounts of RAM, secondary storage, and higher processing speed.
6.1.2
Evaluate the resources available in PCs
Personal computers are inexpensive solutions that can run various software applications and support the computational needs of one user at a time. Laptops are a type of PC that are portable and support mobility.
6.1.2
Evaluate the resources available in tablets
A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a touch-screen display which is used as both an input and output device. The use of various gestures completely replaces the need for a mouse. They are also typically equipped with fingerprint sensors, GPS, accelerometers, front and rear cameras, bluetooth connectivity, etc.
6.1.2
What are PDAs
Personal digital assistants (PDA) were used until the 2000s as note taking, calendars, and personal information systems. Nowadays smartphones offer all the capabilities once provided by PDAs.
6.1.2
Evaluate the resources available in mobile phones
They offer a wide range of functions and capabilities such as communication, internet access, multimedia consumption, entertainment, navigation services, photo-taking, etc.
6.1.3
Identify the limitations memory capabilities pose in a computer system
- Limited capacity: RAM especially has limited capacity, limiting the computer’s ability to run many processes concurrently
- Volatility: they lose their contents when power is turned off.
- Cost: High-speed, high-capacity memory technologies are expensive.
6.1.3
Identify the limitations CGI rendering capabilities pose in a computer system
CGI rendering involves a complex mathematics thus is very computationally heavy. State-of-the-art image quality needs specialised solutions such as render farms.
Rendered images and animations tend to consumer significant storage space.
6.1.3
Identify the limitations processor capabilities pose in a computer system
Processing power determines the speed and complexity of the tasks it can handle.
Single core processors have limited processing power since it only has one processing unit that can execute instructions. For a single core processor to multitask, it must use time-slicing.
Multicore processors have more processing power and can enable parallel processing. Parallel processing allows tasks to be divided and executed simultaneously across multiple cores, allowing for faster execution of tasks that can be parallel processed.
6.1.3
Identify the limitations GPU capabilities pose in a computer system
A computer system may have one or more standalone GPUs, but a single GPU is what more users opt for.
If someone needs to handle very computationally heavy graphics, then a single GPU may not be enough. However, multiple GPUs can generate disturbing noise and high temperatures. Two GPUs also does not mean processing power is doubled.
6.1.4
Describe the possible problems resulting from the limitations in the resources of a multiprogramming system
- Decades ago, single program operation was common due to limited processing capabilities.
- However now, multiprogramming allowed multiple programs to be loaded into primary memory simultaneously.
- However, in multiprogramming, if all programs are CPU-intensive, the last program may have to wait for others to finish execution.
