Weeks 1 - 2 Flashcards
What is a motherboard? (think: why is it called a motherboard?
It connects all of the computer’s components - it’s the base of everything. This little circuitboard contains most of the vital components of a computer (or any other electronic device).
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/difference-between-motherboard-processor-69303.html
What is a peripheral device?
An auxiliary/external device that connects to a computer to expand its capabilities. Peripherals can be:
- input or output devices
- storage devices (USB sticks, external hard drives)
- networking devices (router, modem, switch, other network adapters)
So think everyday things like:
- external keyboard, mouse, speakers or printer
- More exotic things like Apple Pencil or VR headset
- storage-related devices like SD card readers
- gaming things like joysticks
What does the CPU do? (think about each word that CPU stands for)
It does all the actual data processing and computing.
With an AND gate, when is the output true?
Only when both inputs are true - so the output is 1 only when both inputs are 1.
With an OR gate, when is the output true?
When one or both of the inputs are true. For the output to be 1, at least one input has to be 1.
With a XOR gate, when is the output true?
Only if ONE of the inputs is true - not both! It’s an exclusive OR gate and the output is false if both inputs are false 😁
With a NAND gate, when is the output true?
When the input is 0, and if one of the inputs are true. It actually seems similar to an OR gate, because normally an AND gate would be false if only one of the inputs are true - but it’s the opposite with a NAND gate.
The output is false when both inputs are true 👍
Which unit of measurement does CPU speed use? (remember seeing that little number on the specs of new computers, and wondering what it’s referring to?)
Gigahertz
What is the purpose of the RAM?
To contain all the data being processed by the CPU…
I.e. immediate data storage and retrieval - any task that requires quick access to computing resources - mostly temporary storage for the OS or software programs, and any other data in current use so that they’re quickly available to the device’s processor.
https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-ram-memory
https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/RAM-random-access-memory
What is a SATA cable?
And what does it connect?
It’s a bus interface that transfers data between the motherboard and external storage devices - like HDDs, SSDs, or optical drives. It’s industry-standard bus interface.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/SATA
https://tripplite.eaton.com/products/sata-cables-and-speeds-compared#
What does SATA stand for?
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. SATA is also a communication protocol.
What is a peripheral device?
An input or output device that provides additional functions to the computer. Printers, external monitors, headphones and SSDs, among other things.
What does USB stand for?
Universal Serial Bus.
What is SATA’s purpose?
Connecting external storage devices to the motherboard.
What type of communication protocol is the SATA interface?
A command and transport protocol.
What happens between the computer and RAM when a computer first turns on?
- it sends an address to RAM so that the program can be retrieved
- If the CPU turned the enable wire on, RAM automatically sends back whatever piece of data was at that address, and it’s processed by the CPU.
- Once the CPU finishes processing that piece of data, the cycle starts over again.
What happens if the CPU needs to save data to RAM?
It outputs an address and some data, and then turns on the SET wire. The RAM will override the data at that address.
How does RAM keep data that’s intended for a specific external device?
Each piece of data is actually an address in itself, so to output to an external device, the address of that external device would be known. For example, each key on a keyboard has its own address, so when you type a letter, it is stored as that key space. For inputting and outputting data from external sources, OUT and IN instructions are used.
How is alphabetical data stored in a computer?
It’s still in 0’s and 1’s, thanks to the ASCII Table. Someone just decided what the ASCII code would be for a lowercase ‘g’.
What is the function of primary storage?
To store data, programs and instructions currently in use. RAM and cache memory.
What is the function of secondary storage?
Permanent data storage, internal or external, that retains information when power is off. Sometimes called auxiliary storage.
What is non-volatile data storage?
Persistent storage for data files and applications, where information is retained even when power is off.
What is volatile storage/memory?
Temporary data storage that only holds data currently in use. It doesn’t retain data after power is off - volatile storage relies on electric or current flow to maintain stored information. RAM is volatile memory.
What is SRAM?
Static RAM is cache memory and used in high-speed registers. It doesn’t need to be refreshed to keep data intact, which is why it’s called static.
Two of the most common uses of SRAM are for cache memory and in high-speed registers. They’re often used in phones and wearables, like medical products such as hearing aids. In these devices, fast data access is essential.
It also might be used as part of a RAM digital-to-analog converter on a graphics card, in a disk drive as a buffer cache, or in a network device (like a switch).
