Module 2

Question 1

What is a computer-media?

Answer 1

Answer:

Computer media is a term often used in computer science with different meanings. It is used to describe the electronic devices used to store data, such as hard drives, USB drives, DVDs, CD-ROMs and floppy disks.

Question 2

What are programs?

Answer 2

Answer:

Programs are instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Question 3

How do we give the computer instructions?

Answer 3

Answer:

We give the computer step-by-step detailed instructions trough programs.

Question 4

What does our CPU do?

Answer 4

Answer:

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of your computer. It handles all the instructions from programs and processes data. Whenever you do something on your computer, like opening an app, typing, or playing a game, the CPU is the part that does the work to make it happen. They take instructions in binary.

Question 5

How do binary instructions travel around the computer?

Answer 5

Answer:

The external data bus (EDB) is a row of wires that interconnects different parts of your computer, like the CPU, memory, and other components.

These wires allow the parts to send and receive data from each other, making it possible for your computer to perform tasks and run programs. The data bus is essential for communication within the computer, acting like a pathway that information travels along.

Question 6

What is the abbreviation of external data bus?

Answer 6

Answer:

EDB (External Data Bus)

Question 7

What do registers in our CPU (Central processing unit) do?

Answer 7

Answer:

Registers in the CPU are tiny, super-fast storage areas that temporarily hold data the CPU is using right now. They help the CPU quickly perform tasks like calculations, storing numbers, or instructions that the CPU needs immediately.

Think of registers as the CPU’s short-term memory, where it keeps important information handy while working on a task. It also translates base-10 human language to base-2 binary computer language.

Question 8

What does the ALU (Arithmetic and logic unit) do?

Answer 8

Answer:

Arithmetic and logic units (ALU) are instruction sets, that process and manipulate binary data.

Question 9

How much can a RAM hold data?

Answer 9

Answer:

A RAM can hold millions or even billions of rows of data.

Question 10

What is The Memory Controller Chip (MCC)?

Answer 10

Answer:

The Memory Controller Chip (MCC) is a crucial component in a computer that manages the flow of data between the CPU and the system’s memory RAM (Random Access Memory). Here’s what it does:

1. Data Management: The MCC ensures that data requested by the CPU is fetched from the RAM and delivered correctly. It controls how data is read from and written to the memory.
2. Addressing Memory: It translates the memory addresses used by the CPU into the actual physical locations in the RAM, ensuring that the correct data is accessed.
3. Timing: The MCC handles the timing and coordination needed to ensure that data is transferred at the right speed and in sync with the CPU’s operations.

In modern computers, the memory controller is often integrated directly into the CPU, rather than being a separate chip, which improves speed and efficiency by reducing latency between the CPU and memory.

• The Memory Controller Chip (MCC) is a bridge between the CPU (Central processing unit) and the RAM (Random Access Memory) *

Question 11

What is the function of the CPU (Central Processing Unit)?

Answer 11

Answer:

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Role: The brain of the computer. It performs calculations, executes instructions, and manages the operations of the computer.

Function: Executes programs and processes data by following the instructions from software.

Question 12

What is the function of the RAM (Random Access Memory)?

Answer 12

Answer:

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Role: Temporary storage used by the CPU to hold data and instructions that are currently in use.

Function: Provides quick access to data and instructions needed by the CPU. RAM is faster than other storage types like hard drives or SSDs.

Question 13

What is the function of the MCC (Memory Controller Chip)?

Answer 13

Answer:

MCC (Memory Controller Chip):

Definition: A component that manages data flow between the CPU and RAM.

Purpose: Coordinates read and write operations, ensuring efficient and accurate data transfer.

Function: Handles memory access requests from the CPU and manages communication with the RAM.

Question 14

What is the function of the EDB (External Data Bus)?

Answer 14

Answer:

EDB (External Data Bus):

Definition: A data pathway that transfers data between the CPU, RAM, and other components.

Purpose: Facilitates (iets makkelijker maken) communication and data exchange within the computer system.

Function: Carries data to and from the CPU, enabling efficient data handling and processing.

Question 15

How do the CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), MCC (Memory Controller Chip), EDB (External Data Bus) work together?

Answer 15

How They Work Together:

Here’s how the CPU, RAM, MCC, and EDB work together in a computer system:

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit): Executes instructions and performs calculations.
2. MCC (Memory Controller Chip): Manages the data flow between the CPU and RAM.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporarily stores data and instructions needed by the CPU.
4. EDB (External Data Bus): Transfers data between the CPU, RAM, and other components.

How They Interact:

1.Requesting Data:

• The CPU needs data or instructions to perform a task.
• The CPU sends a request for this data through the EDB.

2. Managing Data Flow:

• The MCC receives the request from the CPU and manages the data transfer.
• It coordinates with RAM to fetch the needed data.

3. Data Transfer:

• The MCC directs the data from RAM to the CPU through the EDB.
• The EDB carries the data to the CPU for processing.

4. Processing and Storing:

• The CPU processes the data and may store results back in RAM.
• The CPU sends data to be stored via the MCC and EDB.

Summary:

The CPU performs the computations, the MCC manages data transfer, RAM stores the data, and the EDB handles the data movement between the CPU and RAM

Question 16

What is a Cache?

Answer 16

L2 Cache: Larger than L1 but still very fast, shared between CPU cores or dedicated to one core.

Answer:

Cache:

Definition: A small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval.

Purpose: Speeds up data access and improves system performance by reducing the need to fetch data from slower memory (RAM).

Levels: Includes L1 (fastest, closest to CPU), L2 (larger, slightly slower), and L3 (even larger, shared across cores).

Question 17

What is a Clock wires?

Answer 17

Answer:

Clock Wires:

Purpose: Distribute timing signals to synchronize operations.

Function: Provide a consistent clock signal to ensure all components (CPU, RAM, etc.) work together at the same speed.

Impact: Prevents data loss and timing errors by coordinating the sequence of operations in a computer system.

Question 18

What is Overclocking?

Answer 18

Answer:

Overclocking:

Definition: Increasing a computer component’s operating speed (e.g., CPU or GPU) beyond its standard specifications.

Purpose: Enhances performance and speed of the system.

Risks: Can cause overheating, reduced lifespan, and system instability if not properly managed.

Question 19

Where is the CPU cache normally stored?

Answer 19

Answer:

A CPU cache is normally stored inside each core of the CPU. Older computers might store CPU cache in a transistor chip that is attached to the motherboard, along with a high-speed bus connecting the chip to the CPU.

Question 20

What is GHz (Gigahertz)?

Answer 20

Answer:

GHz (Gigahertz):

Definition: A unit of frequency equivalent to one billion cycles per second.

Purpose: Measures the clock speed of a CPU or other electronic components.

Function: Indicates how many cycles a CPU can perform per second, impacting overall processing speed and performance.

Question 21

What are the cons for overclocking?

Answer 21

Answer:

Warnings on Overclocking:

1. Overheating: Increased speed generates more heat, potentially causing overheating and damage if cooling systems aren’t upgraded.
2. System Instability: Higher speeds can lead to crashes, freezes, and errors due to the system running outside its designed limits.
3. Reduced Lifespan: Extended overclocking can wear out components faster, leading to premature hardware failure.
4. Voiding Warranty: Overclocking may void the manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for any repair or replacement costs.

Question 22

How to Overclock a CPU Safely?

Answer 22

How to Overclock a CPU Safely:

1. Research: Understand your CPU’s capabilities and limits, and ensure your hardware (motherboard, cooling system, power supply) supports overclocking.
2. Increase Gradually: Start with small increments in the CPU multiplier or base clock (BCLK) and test stability with each change.
3. Monitor Temperatures: Use software to monitor temperatures and ensure they stay within safe limits. Upgrade cooling if necessary.
4. Test Stability: Run stress tests and benchmark software to check for system stability and performance at each step.
5. Adjust Voltages Carefully: Increase CPU voltage (Vcore) only as needed, and keep it within safe limits to avoid overheating and damage.
6. Check for Errors: Look out for system crashes, blue screens, or instability, and revert settings if problems occur.
7. Save and Document Settings: Keep track of your changes and settings so you can revert if needed.
8. Backup Data: Regularly backup important data to prevent loss in case of system failure.

Question 23

Can you explain what the POST function is in a computer?

Answer 23

Answer:

• Definition: A Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a process that starts when a computer is turned on, before it loads the operating system (OS).
• Purpose: The computer’s firmware—BIOS, UEFI, or another system—carries out this test to check if the computer’s main hardware is working correctly.
• Result: If the hardware passes the test, the computer will continue to start the OS. If it fails, the computer will stop and show an error message or make a beeping sound.

Question 24

What does the the Power-On Self-Test (POST) check?

Answer 24

Answer:

1. Memory (RAM): Verifies that the system memory is correctly installed and functioning.
2. Processor (CPU): Checks if the central processing unit is working properly.
3. Storage Devices: Ensures that hard drives, SSDs, or other storage devices are connected and working.
4. Graphics Card: Confirms that the video or graphics card is operational.
5. Motherboard: Tests the basic functionality of the motherboard and its key circuits.
6. Keyboard and Mouse: Verifies that input devices like the keyboard and mouse are connected and responsive.
7. Power Supply: Ensures the power supply is delivering the correct amount of power to the system.

Question 25

Question

True or false: Before you work on the physical components of your machine, you should ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge.

True or false ?

Answer 25

Answer:

True

Correct
Great job! Even the slightest bit of electricity can cause damage to delicate computer components, so you should always make sure to ground yourself.