Chapter 2 Flashcards
What are the components of a typical computer system?
System unit and peripheral devices (keyboard, nouse, hard disc drive, optical drive, removable storage, sound system, display system, network and internet access, printer)
Desktop Computer
Fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet
Peripheral device
Input, output, and storage equipment that might be added to a computer system to enhance its functionality
System unit
The case that holds the computer’s main circuit boards, microprocessor, memory, power supply, and storage devices
What is the significance of different computer designs?
The form, such as size and dimensions, of a computer must suit the function that it will be used for
What are the options for desktop computer form factors?
Horizontal, vertical, all-in-one
Tower case
Provides space for those who want to enhance or upgrade their machines
All-in-one computer
The computer circuitry is incorporated in the back of a flat-panel screen
How do portable computers differ from desktops?
Desktop computers run on power from an electrical wall outlet, while portable computers can run on an outlet or battery and are easy to carry around
Portable computer
A small, light-weight personal computer with input, output, storage, and processing components integrated into a single unit that runs on power supplied by an electrical outlet or battery (clamshell or slate)
What is a laptop computer?
A small, light-weight portable computer that opens like a clamshell to reveal a screen and keyboard
What types of computers are available in the slate form factor?
Enhanced media players, smartphones, tablets
What is an enhanced media player?
A handheld device designed for playing music and videos
What is a smartphone?
An enhanced mobile phone that also functions as a portable media player and has the capability to access the Internet
What is a tablet computer?
A handheld computer that is essentially a large version of an enhanced media player
What is compatibility?
Computers that operate in essentially the same way and use the same software
What are the three popular platforms?
PC, Mac, Linux
What’s the significance of designations, such as home, small business, or game systems?
Created by computer vendors to help consumers sort through the variety of configuration options
What differentiates a home computer from other types?
Encompasses a vast array of desktop and laptop computer configurations designed to accommodate computers who use computers for personal tasks
What’s so great about a gaming computer?
Feature the fastest processors, stuffed with memory, state-of-the-art sound capabilities, and multiple graphics processors
What are the characteristics of small business computers?
A medium-speed processor, moderate amount of RAM, sensible disk capacity.
What is a microprocessor and what does it look like?
An integrated circuit designed to process instructions; largest chip on the system board, could be hidden under a cooling fan
What makes one microprocessor perform better than another?
Clock speed, bus speed, word size, cache size, instruction set, number of cores, and processing techniques
What do MHz and GHz have to do with computer performance?
Indicates the speed of the microprocessor clock, a timing device that sets the pace for executing instructions. GHz means a billion cycles/second.