UNIT-1: The Computing Environment Flashcards
What are the parameters that affect hardware choices?
1) Central processing unit
2) Random access memory
3) Graphics processing unit
4) Storage
5) Motherboard
6) Power supply unit
7) Networking
Central processing unit
The brains of the computer (performs all the processing tasks)
- Clock speed: how fast CPU can process instructions (measured in GHz)
- Cores & threads: allows computer to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
- Cache size: Larger caches sizes improve performance
Random access memory
Volatile computer memory that allows high speed access to data relevant for running applications
(Can quickly get data from anywhere in the computer memory, regardless of where it’s stored)
-Capacity: amount of memory available to run applications ( higher capacity allows for better multi-tasking & handling for demanding applications)
-Speed: how fast data can can be written/read (measured in MHz or GHz)
Graphical processing unit (GPU)
Specialised electrical circuit designed to speed up the processing of images & videos for display
-VRAM (Video RAM): amount of memory of the graphics card (memory for image display) (more crucial for gaming laptops)
Motherboard
Serves as the central communication hub for various hardware components
(its a large circuit board that connects all the components together)
- Form factor: Size & shape of motherboard
- Socket type: Expansion slots & ports
Power supply unit (PSU)
A part of the computer that converts AC to DC
- Wattage: Should be enough to power all components in the system with some headroom for future upgrades
- Efficiency rating: Higher efficiency rating signifies better energy efficiency
Networking
Groups of connected devices that share data & recourses by using standardised communication protocols over physical or wireless connections.
-Ethernet/Wireless adapter: Considers speed & wireless standard (eg: WI-FI, 5G etc).
