Hardware Flashcards
What is a computer?
A digital electronic device that executes programmed instructions, called computations.
What does a computer system include?
Hardware, operating system, and peripheral devices.
What was the first printing calculator, and when was it developed?
The first printing calculator was developed in 1853.
What was the Differential Analyzer?
A general-purpose mechanical computer developed in 1931.
Name three early computing machines.
Z3, Phoenix, and Harvard Mark 1 (ASCC).
What is a central computer, and who uses it?
A mainframe used by large organizations for critical applications.
List three characteristics of central computers.
Centralized resources, time-sharing systems, and non-user-friendly terminals.
Name the components of a microprocessor.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and Register Bank.
What was the first microprocessor, and what was its specification?
Intel 4040, a 4-bit CPU.
How do modern microprocessors compare to earlier mainframes?
They have similar power but are over 1/1000th the cost.
What are personal computers (PCs)?
Digital devices designed to execute commands for processing data
What systems emerged in the 2000s due to the internet’s growth?
Mobile Computers and Quantum Computers.
How are computers classified?
Into six main categories: Supercomputers, Mainframes, Servers, PCs, Mobile Computers, and Quantum Computers.
What is a supercomputer?
A system with performance measured in FLOPS (Floating-Point Operations Per Second).
What is a mainframe?
A system used by organizations for critical functions like large data processing.
How do servers differ from mainframes?
Servers supervise network resources and are used by small enterprises or departments.
What are personal computers (PCs)?
Microcomputers suitable for individual use, designed without requiring specialists.
What are mobile computers?
Compact devices with integrated peripherals, such as smartphones and smartwatches.
What are quantum computers?
Advanced systems leveraging quantum mechanics for computation.
Name three foundational structures in computer architecture.
Von Neumann architecture, Electronic Calculator, and Analytical Engine
What are the components of Von Neumann architecture?
CPU, Main Memory, and Input/Output System.
What is a motherboard?
The central circuit board connecting all computer components.
What does the BIOS do?
Initializes hardware components during startup.
What is a word in computer memory?
The amount of information read during each memory access.
What are common modern word sizes?
16, 32, and 64 bits.
What are buses in computer systems?
Communication channels connecting components.
Name the three types of buses.
Data Bus, Address Bus, Control Bus.
What does the ALU do?
Performs logical, bit-shifting, and arithmetic operations.
What are the stages of instruction execution in a CPU?
Fetch, Decode, Execute, Memory Access, Write Back.
What is primary memory?
Volatile memory such as Cache and RAM.
Name three types of primary memory.
Cache Memory, RAM, and ROM.
What is secondary memory?
Non-volatile memory used for long-term storage.
What is the role of input/output systems?
Connecting the computer with external devices.
What are the characteristics of secondary memory?
Non-volatility, large capacity, and cost efficiency.
