Information Management Flashcards
Computer
Electronic device that receives, manipulates, and stores data.
Computer Classification
According to size: Generally, larger computers have greater storage capacity and faster processing times.
- Supercomputer - Mainframe - Minicomputer - Microcomputer
Supercomputer
Large, complex computer system capable of performing rapid, complex functions, such as national defense and weather forecasting and research.
Mainframe
Large computer capable of handling hundreds of users.
Minicomputer
Medium-sized computer that can handle multiple users.
Microcomputer
Desktop personal computer (PC).
Hardware
Physical computer equipment.
Central processing unit (CPU)
Collection of three components that process data.
- Control Unit (CU) - Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) - Primary storage unit (PSU)
Control unit (CU)
It doesn’t perform the actual data processing, it supervises the data processing operations. The CU performs the following:
- Retrieving: obtains instructions from the primary storage unit. - Decoding: translate the instructions into language the computer understands. - Executing: carries out the instructions. - Storing: Results of the instructions are stored in the primary storage unit (PSU).
Control Unit- Retrieving
Retrieving:
- Obtains instructions from the primary storage unit.
Control Unit- Decoding
Decoding:
- Translate the instructions into language the computer understands.
Control Unit- Executing
Executing:
- Carries out the instructions.
Control Unit- Executing
Executing:
- Carries out the instructions.
Control Unit- Storing
Storing:
- Results of the instructions are stored in the primary storage unit (PSU).
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Processes the data in two ways.
- Arithmetic operations - Logic operations
Arithmetic operations
Mathematical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Primary Storage Unit (PSU)
Main computer memory that stores data and program instructions.
- Random access memory (RAM) - Read only memory (ROM)
Primary Storage Unit (PSU)
Main computer memory that stores within the CPU that is lost once power is discontinued.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Temporary memory within the CPU that is lost once power is discontinued.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Temporary memory within the CPU that is lost once
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Permanent memory within the CPU installed by the manufacturer that allows the computer to carry out its operations.
Input devices
Allows for the input of data into a computer.
- Keyboard - Mouse - Trackball - Joystick - Digitalized tablet - Light pen (wand) - Scanners
Input devices-
Keyboard:
- Allows for the input of alphanumeric data.
Input devices- Keyboard
Keyboard:
- Allows for the input of alphanumeric data.