Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers, Programs, and Java Flashcards
Computer Bus
A structure which transmits data between different components of the same computer or between two different computers.
A computer bus consist…
- Storage Devices (disk, CD, and Tape)
- Memory
- CPU
- Communication Devices(Modem, and NIC)
- Input Devices(Keyboards, mouse, etc.)
- Output Devices(Monitor, Printer, etc.,)
What is the CPU?
The CPU can be thought of as the brain of the computer. It retrieves instructions from memory and executes them.
How is CPU speed measured?
The CPU speed, known more specifically as clock speed, is measured in hertz’s. One hertz is equal to one cycle/pulse per second, with most modern day computers being measured in gigahertz (which is 1,000,000,000 Hz) 🤯. Intel’s newest processors operate at 3 GHz 🤯🤯🤯🤯.
What is memory?
Memory is to store data and program instructions for the CPU to execute. Measured in bytes (8 bits), a memory byte is never empty but it’s contents may be meaningless to your program.
A memory unit is…
An ordered sequence of bytes.
A program must be brought where before it can be executed?
A program must be brought to memory before it can be executed.
What are programs called when readable to humans?
Source Code
What is a computer bit?
A computer bit is the smallest increment of data on a computer. Composing only of 0 or 1. This is what is known as binary or machine code. 8 bits = one byte.
Why do computers only use zero’s and one’s?
Because computers only have two stable states, and conventionally we call these states 1 or 0.
How is a byte different from a bit?
A byte is the minimum storage unit whereas a bit is a single stable state of the computer called 1 or 0 by convention.
How many bits in a byte?
8
What are the three main types of storage devices?
- Disk Drives(hard disk)
- CD Drives (CD-R and CD-RW)
- USB flash Drives
Why do we have storage devices?
Because memory is volitile and information is lost when the power is off. Therefore programs and data are permanently stored on storage devices and are moved to memory when the computer actually uses them.
What does a monitor do?
The monitor displays information (text and graphics).
What determines the quality of display of a monitor?
Resolution and dot pitch(the distance between dots on a display screen).
What is a “dot”?
Dot’s are the smallest, identifiable, part of an image. Measure commonly in what is known as DPI “Dots Per Inch”. Monitors display images as array’s of dots.
What is dot pitch?
The dot pitch is the amount of space between pixels, measured in millimeters. The smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the display.
What is resolution?
The screen resolution specifices the number of pixels in horizontal and vertical dimensions of the display device.