01 - Computer Basics | 01. How Computers Work Flashcards
Computers make up the world around us - from robots to phones to our coffee machines, modern appliances are often powered by computers. We rely on this technology on a daily basis; therefore, we should ask ourselves the following question: How does a computer work?
What are the core pillars covered in this course?
- Computers
- Operating Systems & Applications of Software
- Software Development
- Databases
- Cybersecurity
What is the root of IT? Computers, network/internet, operating systems/software, software development, databases, or cybersecurity?
The root of IT is COMPUTERS.
What are the four main functions of a computer?
- Input
- Processing
- Memory
- Output
- Input is data we give to our computers through interactions
- Processing is comprised of the translation of input and the instructions given for output
- Memory is used to store either temporary or permanent information
- Output is the information that gets returned by the computer
On a computer what is the input device’s job?
Detect and report any type of event
What happens when an event is received by an input device?
It reacts by sending information to the CPU.
How is information communicated properly from an input to a CPI
To properly “speak” within the CPU, information needs to be communicated using a binary code.
What is the binary numbering system?
Instructions composed of 0’s and 1’s. The binary numbering system is built on a base of 2.
What is another name for the binary numbering system?
Binary code
What happens before information is sent to the CPU to be processed?
The input is converted to binary
Who does the job of processing information?
The CPU is responsible for processing information
T/F | The CPI controls all the different components between hardware and software
TRUE
What is the “brain” of the computer?
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
T/F The CPU is responsible for establishing communication between hardware and software?
TRUE
What is the CPU and what does it do?
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions based on an input of binary data (0’s & 1’s). The CPU consists of the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU), and registers (Immediate Access Store)
What is a Control Unit (CU)?
The CU on a CPU receives information from the software; then, it distributes and directs the data to the relevant hardware components.
What is the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)?
An ALU is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations. It is fundamental building blocks of the CPU.
What is a register?
A register is a volatile memory system that provides the CPU with rapid access to information it is immediately using.
What are some functions of a control unit (CU)?
- Determine what/where the next instruction must go for processing
- Send clock signals to all hardware to force synchronous operations
- Send memory taskings if appropriate
What are some functions of the Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)?
- Addition & subtraction
- Determining equality
- AND/OR/XOR/NOR/NOT/NAND logic gates and more!
What are some functions of a register?
- Store temporary data for immediate processing by the ALU
- Hold “flag” information if an operation results in overflow or triggers other flags
- Hold the location of the next instruction to be processed by the CPU
T/F | Primary Memory is memory that needs to last forever?
FALSE - Memory that lasts forever is Secondary Memory
T/F | Secondary memory is memory that needs to last forever?
TRUE - Primary memory is short term memory
When a command to run a program is sent to the CPU, the CPU retrieves data from where?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
How many types of memory are there and what are they called?
2 types of memory - Primary & Secondary
