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Introduction to Information Technology > Computer System and Architecture > Flashcards

Computer System and Architecture Flashcards

1
Q

Computer systems

A

is a basic, complete and functional computer, including all the hardware and software required to make it functional for a user. It should have the ability to receive user input, process data, and with the processed data, create information for storage and output.

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2
Q

Computing peripherals

A

device is generally thought of as an auxiliary device that connects to and works with the computer somehow. Peripheral devices are used to put information into or get information out of the computer.

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3
Q

Personal computing devices

A

may be regarded as a relatively affordable or cost-effective general-purpose computing device designed and suitable for an individual user.

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4
Q

The desktop/stationary PC

A

is a “computer designed to be placed on a desk or table.

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5
Q

The laptop PC

A

defines a laptop computer as a portable computer designed for use on one’s lap.

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6
Q

Netbook/mini Netbook PC

A

a netbook is a perfect description of the product: a small laptop PC intended mostly for using internet-based tools and services, surfing the web, running lightweight apps, saving files to the cloud, and so on.

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7
Q

Tablet computers

A

as highly portable PCs whose primary interface is a touch screen that occupies the full length/width of the device.

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8
Q

The Home Theatre Personal Computer (HTPC)

A

a personal computer that is used to store and play music and movies as well as display photos. Also called a living room PC, an HTPC can be installed in the A/V cabinet and connects to a stereo or home theatre system.

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9
Q

Cellular and smartphones

A

Cell phones, smartphones, mobile phones, and wireless telephones are interchangeable terms for portable handheld devices that allow wireless communication.

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10
Q

Primary memory

A

There are two types of primary memory: Read-Only memory (ROM) and Random-Access memory (RAM).

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11
Q

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

A

is a permanent form of storage. ROM stays active regardless of whether the power supply is turned on or off.

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12
Q

Random Access Memory (RAM)

A

is high-speed read/write memory with an access time that is the same for all storage locations.

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13
Q

Two basic types of RAM

A

-Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM)
-Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM)

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14
Q

Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM)

A

is a potent form of random-access memory that uses capacitors built into the integrated circuit as its memory elements. (IEEE, 1995).

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15
Q

Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM)

A

is a form of random-access memory that doesn’t require a periodic refresh to retain data. (IEEE, 1995).

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16
Q

Persistent/secondary storage

A

This storage type is designed to store data and programmes (non-volatile storage) permanently. Furthermore, the data is not lost or erased after the power is turned off. Examples include Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid-State Drives (SSD), and Optical Disc Drives (ODD).

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17
Q

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A

is a magnetic disk that consists of a rigid platter. Note that this term is also used as a synonym for fixed disk (IEEE, 1995).

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18
Q

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

A

retain data in non-volatile memory chips and contain no moving parts. Compared to electromechanical hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs are typically less susceptible to physical shock, are silent, have lower access time and latency, and use less power (McMillan, 2019).

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19
Q

Optical Disc Drive (ODD)

A

is a disc on which information is stored and retrieved by optical means using a laser.

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20
Q

Flash disks

A

are storage modules made of flash memory chips. Flash disks have no mechanical platters or access arms, but the term ‘disk’ is used because data is accessed as if it were on a hard drive. The disk storage structure is emulated.

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21
Q

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A

is that unit of a computer system that fetches, decodes and executes programmed instructions and maintains the status as the programme is executed (IEEE, 1995). or the brain of the computer.

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22
Q

CPU is comprised of three main parts

A

-Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
-Control Unit (CU)
-Registers

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23
Q

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A

Executes all arithmetic and logical operations.

24
Q

Control Unit (CU)

A

The component responsible for computer component controls and coordination.

25
Q

Registers

A

These store data that is next in line to be executed. They are considered to be fast storage areas.

26
Q

Expansion slots

A

is an area within a computer that is reserved for an expansion board (IEEE, 1995).

27
Q

Sound card

A

is an expansion component used in computers to receive and send audio.

28
Q

Video card

A

is a PC component used to enhance the quality of images shown on a display unit.

29
Q

The motherboard

A

main circuit board within a computer, bearing the primary components of a computer system, including the processor, main storage, support circuitry, bus controller and bus connector.
In short form, the motherboard is referred to as ‘MOBO’.

30
Q

Input/output (I/O)

A

enable users to control the computer and display information in various ways. They are typically located in the rear panel of the CPU. I/O ports are used to connect the external hardware or peripheral devices to the computer system.

31
Q

PS/2 ports - mouse port and keyboard port

A

ports were for connecting peripherals such as your mouse (the green port numbered 1) and keyboard (the purple port numbered 2) to the computer but are now outdated. USB ports as the popular standard have now replaced PS/2 based mice and keyboards.

32
Q

RJ-45 Ethernet port

A

for ‘registered jack’, a standardised network interface used to connect voice and data equipment.

33
Q

USB port

A

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a very common connectivity specification that connects flash drives and many other peripherals.

34
Q

Serial port

A

This technology is outdated. Long ago, it was used to connect devices like mice and keyboards to computing systems. Now it’s more common to find USB ports.

35
Q

Parallel port

A

were used to connect peripheral devices like joysticks for computer games and printers (most common). Much like the serial port, this technology has been phased out in favour of USB ports.

36
Q

VGA port

A

VGA stands for Video Graphics Array. It’s a connector used to connect a monitor or other video equipment.

37
Q

DA-15 port

A

can be used for network connectivity and video output.

38
Q

Audio ports

A

audio input and stereo output ports connect to external speakers, microphones, and headsets. As per the sound industry standard, the external ports are colour coded.

39
Q

ATX power connector

A

is used to connect a four-pin part of the Power Supply Unit (PSU).

40
Q

Processor’s ZIF socket

A

is the part of the motherboard used to hold the processor or CPU chip (Zero Insertion Force).

41
Q

Memory slot (DIMM)

A

is an acronym for Dual Inline Memory Module. This slot is where RAM chips like the PC 133 SDRAM and PC 400 SDRAM-DDR 1 are placed.

42
Q

ATX power connector (24 or 28 pins)

A

is a connector found on the MOBO, which is different from the four-pin power connector.

43
Q

Vendor name

A

this part of the MOBO, you will typically find the MOBO manufacturer’s name.

44
Q

CMOS/BIOS battery

A

This part holds the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or basic Input/Output System (BIOS) battery which provides three volts of direct current/voltage to the CMOS integrated chip.

45
Q

IDE connector (Integrated Drive Electronics)

A

This connector connects the IDE cable of the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or CD/DVD ROM to the Motherboard IDE.

46
Q

Front panel connectors (F-Panel)

A

This is used to connect the Power LED, HDD LED, Power Switch and Reset switch of the Computer System Unit (CPU).

47
Q

SATA connector

A

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is a standard hardware interface for connecting hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and CD/DVD drives to the computer.

48
Q

CMOS/BIOS jumper

A

This is used to disable the BIOS default setup, such as to disable the supervisor password of the BIOS.

49
Q

The USB connector

A

This is used to connect the USB port of the front panel USB 2.0 x 2 port.

50
Q

FDD connector

A

Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) or floppy drive is a hardware device used to read and write data storage information on removable floppy discs.

51
Q

PCI slots

A

PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a part of the computer motherboard used to connect the I/O cards of the computer.

52
Q

CMOS/BIOS integrated chip (IC)

A

This is a type of BIOS IC used by the computer MOBO. It’s a set of programmes installed in IC to preserve the computer’s BIOS configuration settings, for example, settings for the speed of the CPU chip and RAM.

53
Q

AMR slot

A

The Audio Modem Riser (AMR) is a short riser expansion slot designed as an easy and inexpensive way to incorporate unique sound cards and modems into a system.

54
Q

PCI Express slot

A

This is a part of the computer that holds the Computer Video Card (VGA).

55
Q

Northbridge IC

A

The northbridge IC is the chip found closest to the processes and typically has heat sync.

56
Q

Southbridge IC

A

The actual name of the southbridge IC is I/O Controller HUB (ICH).

Introduction to Information Technology (17 decks)

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