Unit 1 & 2

• What consists of the process model (IPO)?


  ...

  • Input - keyboard, mouse
  • Processing - CPU executes computer programs
  • Output - Monitor, speakers
  • Memory - Hard drive, diskettes
• What is a storage unit/memory?


  The storage unit contains numerous computer parts to store data, it is separated into primary and secondary storages
• What is the primary storage?

  It is the main memory, it stores information and instructions during program execution
• What is secondary storage?


  The secondary storage refers to the non-volatile storage that continues to hold data even when the computer is off

  • Hard disk drives (HDD)
  • Solid state drives (SSD)
• What is RAM?


  Random access memory, supplies necessary information directly to the CPU. It is a temporary memory that stores data and instructions
• What is ROM?


  Read-only memory, non-volatile memory type that cannot be modified. ROM is also used to boot the machine during initial startup
• What is the CPU?


  Central processing unit, it is the primary component of a computer that acts as a control centre

  It includes registers, ALU, and control circuits that interpret and execute assembly language instructions
• What is a register?


  Temporary high-speed memory device that is accessed directly by the CPU during execution, containing data that is actively processed.
• What is ALU?


  Arithmetic logic unit, houses circuitry for arithmetic and logical operations on provided data. Completes tasks such as +, -, *, /, and logical comparisons.

  Data processed by ALU are stored in the register
• What is a control unit?


  The control unit works with the computer's I/O devices. It instructs the computer to execute stored program instructions by communicating with the ALU and registers

  
  

  Aim is to arrange data and instruction processing
• What is a bootloader?


  A specific program executed by the processor that loads an operating system when a computer is turned on
• What is an operating system?


  It is the software that manages the computer and controls the computer's hardware. It provides the user with an interface allowing them to launch apps and access data on the device
• What are buses?


  Tangible collection of system lines with a linked purpose. They enable the flow of electrical impulses between various components of a computer design, transferring information from one to another
• What is an interrupt?


  Method for redirecting the processor from running the current program so it can handle an occurance
• What is abstraction ?


  The process of removing elements of a code/program that are not relevant or that distracts from more important elements
• What is virtualization?


  The creation of a virtual version of computing resources, such as an operating system, server, or network resource
• What is a protocol?


  A set of rules and conventions that define how data is transmitted and received between devices in a network
• What is a standard?


  A set of guidelines and specifications that ensure compatibility, interoperability, and consistency across difference hard/software components
• What is a system?


  A group of inter-related components working together to create an outcome
• What is a physical system?


  The tangible, hardware components of a computer such as CPU, storage devices, I/O devices
• What is a conceptual system?


  The abstract or theoretical model that represents the structure, behaviour, and interactions of a system
• What is client-server computing?

  A model where a central server provides resources and services to multiple client devices
• Advantages of client-server?

  ...

  • Easier administration of services by IT professionals
  • Easier availability and location by users
  • Efficient and cost-effective
• What is two-tier architecture?

  It is when 2 computers are involved in a service
• What is three-tier architecture?

  It is when 3 computers are involved in a service
• What is peer-to-peer?

  A decentralized network where computers or devices are treated as equals and can communicate directly with each other without a central server
• Advantages of peer-to-peer?

  ...

  • Easily share files between computers
  • Internet file sharing
  • Reduces load and cost of servers
• Disadvantages of peer-to-peer?


  ...

  • Hard to establish centralized control of services
  • Hard to locate services
  • Hard to secure network from unauthorized access and from viruses (not very safe)
• What is a hybrid model?


  A client-server technology that is used to locate systems and files, then the systems may participate in peer-to-peer transactions
• What is system architecture?


  The structural design of a computer system, including its components, their relationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their organization