Chapter 2: Summary book Flashcards
What are digital devices
processes electronic signals that represent either a 1 (on) of 0 (off), each one or zero is referred to as a bit. Examples of devices: Computer, Tablets, Laptops, mobiles. But also connected refrigerators.
What is 1 bit? What is 1 byte? What is 1 kilobyte? What is 1 gigabyte? What is 1 terabyte?
1 bit = either 1 of 0 1 byte = 8 bits 1 kilobyte = 1.000 bytes (actual its 2^10 = 1024, but now a days its rounded) 1 megabyte = 1.000.000 bytes 1 gigabyte = 1.000.000.000 bytes 1 terabyte = 1.000.000.000.000 bytes
What is base-ten numbering
In base-ten numbering, each column in the number represents a power of ten, with the far-right column representing 10^0 (ones), the next column from the right representing 10^1 (tens), then 10^2 (hundreds), then 10^3 (thousands), etc. For example, the number 1010 in decimal represents: (1 x 1000) + (0 x 100) + (1 x 10) + (0 x 1).
What is base-two numbering
Computers use the base-two numbering system, also known as binary. In this system, each column in the number represents a power of two, with the far-right column representing 2^0 (ones), the next column from the right representing 2^1 (tens), then 2^2 (fours), then 2^3 (eights), etc. For example, the number 1010 in binary represents (1 x 8) + (0 x 4) + (1 x 2) + (0 x 1). In base ten, this evaluates to 10.
What are the components of a PC
Motherboard, CPU, Memory, Storage, Input/output device
What is a motherboard
the main circuit board on the computer which connects all other components. It provides much of the bus (bus refers to electrical connection between different computer components) which is an importer determiner of the computer’s speed > the combination of how fast the bus can transfer data and the number of data bits that can be moved a one time. (mHz)
What is a CPU
Central Processing Unit = “brains”, it carries out commands sent to it by software placed on a chip.
Measured: “clock time” in Hertz (one cycle per second), current pc have gHz, 1 gHz= 1.000.000.000 cycles per second. If two processors are placed on a chip it is called dual-core, 4 = quad-core. Moore’s Law 1965 (Gordon Moore founder of Intel) says every two year the speeds doubles for the same price.
What is memory
Random-access memory (RAM) loads information from the hard-disk into its working memory when a computer starts, and then can transfer data much faster than the hard-disk. Programs are loaded into the RAM. Can only
stores information while the pc is on (volatile), when turning the pc off, it will lose its stored data.
What is storage
The Hard Disk contains information for long-term data which remains there even when the pc is turned off. Measured: mb/s (data) and ms (access)
Hard disk: stack of disks inside a hard metal case. (spinning)
Solid State Drives (SSD): long-term storage, is lighter than the hard-disk and uses the same technology as flash memory
Removable Media: USB’s (floppy’s)
What is a input/output device
Input: Can be anything like USB ports, Internet Connections, Bluetooth, Mouse Keyboard etc.
Output: Graphical output, display, sound.
Which hardware components influence the speed of a device?
CPU, Motherboard, RAM, and Hard Disk
What are the two consequences of the powerful evolution of computing devices?
1) Commoditization PC/Mobile has become a commodity / part of our everyday live. Margins for manufacturers are razor-thin, except for Apple. Apple does not use the open standards and makes products which are considered to be superior and not easily copied.
2) Electronic Waste mostly old devices are donated to any country which will accept them. And now it becomes a health hazard. Manufacturers try to recycle as much as possible.
