Computer systems

• What is the language that computers use to represent data?

  Binary
• Why must all data stored in a computer be in binary?

  Because binary is the computer's own language
• What are the two values in binary?

  1 and 0
• What is another term for binary that is commonly used in programming?

  Machine code
• What are the units of storage in computing?

  • 1 bit = 1 or 0
  • 1 nibble = 4 bits
  • 1 byte = 8 bits
  • 1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes
  • 1 megabyte = 1024 kilobytes
  • 1 gigabyte = 1024 megabytes
  • 1 terabyte = 1024 gigabytes
  • 1 petabyte = 1024 terabytes
• How are integers stored in a computer?

  Using the binary table
• How do you convert binary to decimal?

  • Use the binary table
  • Double the leftmost bit
  • Add the values of the bits that are set to 1
• What is floating point representation used for?

  • Storing decimal numbers
  • Splits the number into two parts: Mantissa and Exponent
  • Increases accuracy and range of numbers stored
• What is the mantissa in floating point representation?

  It stores the accuracy of the number
• What does increasing the mantissa do?

  Increases the accuracy
• What does the exponent in floating point representation store?

  It stores the range of numbers
• What is the ASCII character set?

  It is an 8-bit character set
• How many characters does ASCII represent?

  256 characters
• What is the Unicode character set?

  It is a 16-bit character set
• How many characters does Unicode represent?

  65,536 characters
• What is a bitmap?

  A bitmap is a 2D grid of pixels. Each pixel is stored in binary 1’s and 0’s.
• What does bit depth refer to in a bitmap?

  The number of bits used to store the color information for each pixel
• What is resolution in the context of a bitmap?

  It is a measurement of the number of pixels that make up a bitmap
• How does pixel size affect image quality?

  The smaller the pixel, the better the graphic will look
• What are the differences between bitmap and vector graphics?

  Bitmap:

  • Can be edited at pixel level
  • Larger file size
  • Can become pixelated when zoomed in

  
  

  Vector:

  • Defined by objects and attributes
  • Smaller file size
  • Scalable without losing quality
• What is the basic structure of a computer system?

  It can be described as a five box diagram
• What is input in a computer system?

  Data that a computer receives
• What are examples of input devices?

  Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone
• What is output in a computer system?

  Data that is given to the user from the computer
• What are examples of output devices?

  Monitor, printer, speakers
• What is backing storage?

  • Type of memory used to store programs and data
  • Permanent storage that can be edited
  • Slower access speeds compared to main memory
• What are typical backing storage devices?

  Hard Disk Drive, Solid State Device, USB Flash Drive
• What is flash memory?

  Non-volatile computer storage also called solid state memory
• What is the role of the processor in a computer?

  It processes data and instructions
• What are the main parts of the CPU?

  Processor, Buses, Main Memory & Cache
• What are the three main parts of the processor?

  Control Unit, Registers, Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)
• What does the Control Unit do?

  It manages the execution of instructions
• What are registers in a processor?

  Temporary storage locations with the fastest access time
• What does the ALU do?

  It performs all arithmetic calculations and logical operations
• What are the types of buses in a computer system?

  • Address Bus: Communicates with main memory
  • Data Bus: Transfers data between components
  • Control Bus: Sends control signals
• What type of bus is the address bus?

  Uni-directional bus
• What is the basic function of a computer system?

  • Input: Receives data
  • Processing: Manipulates data
  • Output: Delivers results
  • Storage: Saves data
• What does the control unit ensure in a computer system?

  It ensures the timing and order of operations are performed correctly.
• What does the control unit control on the Control Bus?

  It controls the activating of lines including Read and Write.
• What are registers in a processor?

  • Temporary storage locations
  • Offer the fastest access time of any memory
  • Contain data, instructions, and addresses