Comp 1002 Pre-Midterm Flashcards
What are the 4 steps in the data processing cycle?
Input -> Process -> output ->Storage
Describe the “input” step in the data processing cycle
raw data is inputted from periphery devices, hardware, network etc in a format the computer understands. This data is not usable by humans
Describe the “Processing” step in the data processing cycle
Software program receives data stream and uses pre-programmed instructions that tell the computer how to convert the raw data into useful information
Describe the “output” step in the data processing cycle
Depending on software instructions various types of output and information can be generated such as a picture, editable text file, graphics
Describe the “storage” step in the data processing cycle
Data has been processed by the into information can be stored as a data file for future re-use
What are the 3 characteristics of data so that it can be stored?
Unambiguous - mist be able to ifferentiate between different states
Consistent - must be able to consistently represent data using different elsectronic and mechanical components
flexible - Must be able to represent all the desired data types
What are 3 ways that values/states can be represented via electronic or mechanical methods?
Electronic - circuits
Mechanical CD/DVD/Blueray and disk drives
What is a bit and how is it denoted?
one binary digit - either a 1 or a 0 (b)
What is a byte and how is it denoted?
8 bits (B)
Whats the difference between hardware and software?
tangible vs intangible
What does the motherboard do?
Central element of a computers main processing hardware (also known system board or main board). The motherboard hosts the CPU, memory, clock, storage controllers an expansion slots as well as connecting circuitry betweeen them
What is read only memory (ROM)?
non-volatile memory used to start up a computer using either BIOS or EFI that is stored in the CMOS
What does BIOS stand for?
Basic input output system
What does EFI stand for/ what it is???
Extensible firmware interface - used for starting up a computer
What is the difference between BIOS and EFI?
EFI is more advanced and supports 32 bit an 64 bit operating sytems where BIOS was designed for `16 bit. BIOS is text interface only where as EFI can you use GUI interfaces
What is CMOS and what does it stand for?
Complimentary metal oxide semiconductor - Stores system configuration and is run by a battery on the main board
What are 3 storage hardware options?
Magnetic, Optical and Solid state storage
What are some examples of magnetic storage options?
Hard Drive, Floppy Disk or Tape. Stores the equivalent on 1s and 0s as as positvely or negatively charged particles
What is an example of circuit storage?
Solid state drives, USBs or memory cards. Stores the equivalent of 1s and 0s as open circuits and closed circuits
What is an example of Optical storage?
CDs, Blurays and DVDs. Stores data as light and dark spots on the disk. Lasers reflecting off the pits an lans provides the equivalent of 1s and 0s
What is RAM?
Temporary “working area” for processor. Since reading off the hard drive is too slow RAM is used to load program files when launching programs. From the RAM instructions or data is sent to the cache memory on the processor.
What is the micro-processor?
Teh brain of the computer (also known as CPU). Performs the arithmetic computations and logical comparisons to manipulate data into information. The CPU contains two parts - Control unit and Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)
What does the Control unit (CU) and Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU) do?
in the CPU the CU fetches instructions and data and the ALU performs the instructions
What is cache memory
Memory inside the processor, very fast, expensive and temporary memory used to hold instructions for processing. The processor predicts what data is needed and load it from the RAM onto the cache. Cache memory. Often the biggest difference between expensive and cheap processors