Main Features Of A Computer System Information Technology Essay

Main Features Of A Computer System Information Technology moveThe arranging unit of measurement is the core of the estimator system. It is a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. The box contains many electronic components that mould reading, the central processing units (CPU) is one of the main components. The micro mainframe or the CPU acts as the brain of the computer an another(prenominal) part is the random access memory (RAM). It stores information that the CPU utilised when the computer is on. RAM information deletes as soon as the computer switched off. On the back of the system unit there be cables plug into a specific ports. Peripheral device or device (hardware) is not part of the system unit.Mo practise is use to show and select items on the computer screen. The first mouse looks a bit equal a real mouse nowadays we have different shapes of mice. It is committed to the system unit by a long wire however since there are many technological improvement s now we have wireless mice. The mouse usually contains a primary buttons, a wheel and a secondary buttons. The wheel allows the drug substance ab user to scroll through the screens for information. The pointer may change its appearance depending where it is situate on the screen. Primary button selects items on the screen by simply clicking on it. It is the principal way to interact with the computer.KeyboardThe main use of the keyboard is to type text into the computer, it contains earn and numerical keys. The keyboard as well has some special keys such as the function keys which is use to perform different functions relied on where they are use. Numeric keypad authorises the user to enter numbers in a quicker way. The navigation keys perform al nigh the same task as the mouse as it allows you to move your eyeshot within a document or webpage.MonitorA monitor shows a see able form of the information text and graphics on the computer screen. It is like a television as it demos still and go pictured. There are two types of monitors, the cathode ray tube (CRT) and the bland crystal display (LCD). They are both design to make sharp images. The only differences between the two monitors are the cathode ray tube is enabling you to afford it as it is cheaper and the liquid crystal is thinner and lighter.SpeakersSpeakers are use to hear the sound effects from the computers and listen to music. It is either built in the system unit or connected to the computer using cables.(http//course.fed.cuhk.edu.hk/s040643/EDD5169H/Computer%20Hardware.gif)Operating systemAn operating system is the essential interface that is connect to a computer and performs various functions. It is software that acts like the core of computer system. The basic functions of the operating system is the drivers and the security cin one caserns.Drivers are programs to enable the operation of the devices specially the one installed on the system (mouse, keyboard, printer, etc). It translates t he commands from operating system and also translates it back from the component to the operating system. The operating system also performs other functions such as debug errors and maintains the system.As computer software is a human creation. It makes the operating system lie down to errors so there are security concerns. Programmers some while make mistakes that are often implement later on testing while other software developers stand more than efficient one. It means that some of the operating system is more prone to errors while the other software is more secure.Sometimes bugs in software may prohibit the system to communicate with the hardware devices. The instabilities of the software may result to crashes, whichconsist of freezing and unresponsive. This result may vary depending on the operating system. It faecal matter also lead to a point where the computer in to be reboot.The software bugs also allows unauthorised user to get to the system since its vulnerabilities enable the attackers to exploit and take complete control of the system. They great deal install Malware and attack other machines. So programmers provide security patches rather than updating the operating system.Types of Operating system macintosh occupies the medium range to high end as a result Mac are popularly considered to be more expensive than other pcs. Though Mac suffers from relatively very few hacks, security holes Mac OS x does exist, just like in any other operating system. The Mac has seen significant market share increases in recent years, something that has also increased the follow of Mac-compatible software.MS-DOS, which is short for disk operating system, is an operating system for PCs that uses a command-line user interface. The command-line interface is difficult to learn, and the syntax and commands are not easy for the casual user to remember.There are several other operating systems such as Linux and other windows.(http//ischoolsclsbatungbakal.files.wordp ress.com/2009/06/operating-system-interfaces.jpg)2. Compare and contrast the different formats of computer systems.Large organisations make use of mainframe computers. Mainframes are use for applications such as Bulk Data Processing and Enterprise Resource Planning. Mainframes can be use for several undersized servers as it has the magnate to host multiple operating systems.Minicomputers also called workstations lie between mainframes and microcomputers. They employ transistor and core memory technologies. The 12-bit PDP-8 minicomputer was the first successful one. backdrop can be use in a single location it is mainly used in workplaces and households. The power consumption is less critical to that of laptops.Laptops can be miniaturised, optimised and it is portable. Laptops are run using battery or an external battery. They have an inbuilt keyboard, touch pad (mouse) and LCD.3.Describe the development of the central processing unit in the destruction fifty years in relation to the development of Personal computers.A computer processor is the most defining thing that man invented .It is one of the most advanced technologies available. Since the development of the computer processors is growing any year. The processors urges are really high and still increasing. Processors are found almost everywhere cars, cameras etc. Games consoles, digital audio players and GPS device are one of the most high technologies nowadays. The development of these technologies is getting more and more complicated.In 1972 the first processor was made by Intel, it was a 4-bit processor (Intel 4004) with a 740 kHz. After which the second processor was built 16-bit processor that had a 5 MHz speed. IBM produced a later version of the 8086 processor it was the first personal computer invented. Several technologies were being made during this time where a later version was launch the Intel 486, which has a 32-bits, and with a speed of 16MHz. The impression of multitasking was the d eveloped where the processor was enable to run both real mode and protected mode. The System Management Mode (SMM) were attribute for power saving and computers went from prevail line interface (CLI) to Windows, icons, menu and pointing device (WIMP) interaction.In 1993 the Pentium processor (Intel) came out with a speed of 60 MHz which next after was the Pentium II which has a speed of 233MHz, Pentium III has a speed of 450 MHz followed by Pentium 4 with a speed of 1.3 GHz. Intel inaugurated the Pentium M with a lower speed of 900 MHz. It has a power saver since the battery of the laptop last longer. In 2006 Core processor was introduced which has a speed of 1.6 GHz, Core Duo has a virtualisation capability which allow the computer system to perform multitask on the same computer.AMD even being one off the processor manufacturer it was not whopn until 1991 where they launched the AM386 processor with a speed of 40 MHz (same capability as the Intel 386). In 1999 Athlon Processor t he crucial competitor to Pentium III was introduced by the AMD with a speed of 500 MHz. It was the first processor thatreached 1 GHz at that time. The Computer processor continues their development to get the fastest processor. From 1975 the number of transistors used on a chip has double every year.Software programmers will create more cores that will allow multi-thread applications to be utilised. Computers will develop fast processors with multimedia applications such as graphics software, boob tube players so on.(Ref http//www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-computer-processors.html) for dates and information.Intel Processor Generations SummaryGenerationIntelCPUApprox.Year1st Generation8086 (1)1980.801861981.8028619822nd Generation80286 (2)19823rd Generation80386 (3)19874th Generation80486 (4)1990fifth GenerationPentium (5)19936th GenerationPentium Pro (6)1995.Pentium II1996.Pent. MMX1997.Celeron1998.Pentium 319997th GenerationPentium 4 (7)2000.Celeron II2000.Duron20008th Genera tionIntel Core (8)2006(http//www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/computer/cpu-evolution.htm)(Macs)(PCs) outerBitsInternalBitsIntelCPUApprox.YearAMDCPU8-bit808019751976816808819778086 (1)198016-bit801861981802861982163280286 (2)1982198532-bit80386 (3)19872900080486 (4)19901991Pentium (5)19933264199458664-bitPentium Pro (6)1995Pentium II1996K5Pent. MMX1997K6Celeron1998Pentium 31999Athlon64128Pentium 4 (7)2000K7Celeron IIDuron128-bit200120021282562003256-bit20042005Intel Core (8)20064. What are the SRAM, drachm, ROM and Cache? And how are their functions different in the Computer system.SRAM that is static random access memory is more jet than the DRAM. Compared to a DRAM SRAM does not have to be refresh and the access time is lower as well. SRAM does not have to be paused like the DRAM and it is often used as a memory cache. Unfortunately it is really expensive.However DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is most commonly used for personal computers and workstation. The personal computer processor can access an y part of the memory directly rather than having to proceed from the beginning. DRAM has to be refreshed since it runs on the principle of moving current from a switch with two directions. The DRAM capacitors loose their charge really rapid.ROM (Read only memory) authorise you to write data only once and you allows you to read it as many time you want. It is also refers memory chips. Example of ROM is CD.A cache is use to store data temporary that you be to use again. It is a block RAM that the CPU and Hard drive have a tendency to use regularly. Cache memory let the user to read the data faster that a RAM does, even if it is small.5. What are the key development stages of computer systems since 1946?The key development stages often refer to the heavy change occurs in the way computers operate that is increasingly smaller, cheaper, more efficient and reliable device. It is break down into four main stage of development know as generations development.First Generation is from 1946 -1958 (Vacuum tubes)Second Generation is from 1959-1964 (The era of the transistors)Third Generation is from 1965- 1979 ( merged circuit Miniaturising the computer)Fourth Generation is from 1971-present. (The era of microprocessors)First generation (1946-1956) hoover tubes.The first generation computer is the first one using Electronic numerical integrator and computer (ENIAC). They used vacuum tubes for the circuit and the magnetic drums for memory. It used to depend on machine language. It was really difficult to perform since it was the lowest programming language that was understand by computers. The input of the computer was based on punched cards and paper tape whereas the output was shown on the printouts. Then after in 1951 the first commercial computer was introduce UNIAC (universal automatic computer). IBM also launched the sharp-witted which was one of the leading computerSecond Generation is from 1959-1964 (The era of the transistors)This generation is when most pract ical work was developing as the discovery of the transistors was made. It is when the real time reservation system begin the secondgeneration of computers. As the transistors help the computer to improve its performance lessspace will be used, became more reliable, cheaper and finally less energy power was used.Third Generation is from 1965- 1979 (Integrated circuit Miniaturising the computer)1965 it is when Gordon Moore predicts that the number of chips use will double up in a transistor. It was in the third generation that Intel had developed newly improve memory chip after which the microchip was introduce with a 256-bit RAM.Fourth Generation is from 1971-present. (The era of microprocessors)It is in the fourth generation that Intel develop a CPU through a micro chip. It is when Pascal programming language was written. The development has improved in a really wider way with windows, Mac etc.However the fifth generation is believed it will consist of artificial intelligence is a major way. Where the experts system can help Doctors for example to reach a diagnose.Things likeProblem solvingRoboticsNatural languageExpert systemwill be able to use by computers.6. Use the internet to find a high performance personal Computer and explain the features within it. Specifically DiscussStorageIP/OPProcessor Speed/PowerMultimedia facilitiesOther highlighted selling points.The best PC (personal computer) I found was the HP with an operating system capability of 64-bit on a speed of 2.66 GHz Intel processor. With an 8 hour battery life and a dimension of 33.1 x 24.3 cm. It has an internal drives of 320GB with a hard disk drives 7200 rpm. It has the latest wireless and Bluetooth facilities.System featuresProcessor typeIntel Core2 Duo Processor P8800 (2.66 GHz, 3 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)Operating system installedGenuine Windows horizon Business with downgrade to Windows XP Professional custom installedChipsetMobile Intel GM45 Express ChipsetDimensions and weightProduct weightStarting at 2.1 kgProduct dimensions (W x D x H)3.1 (at front) x 33.1 x 24.3 cmMemoryStandard memory3 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAMMemory slots2 SODIMM slots supporting dual job memoryStorageInternal drives320 GB 7200 rpm SATAOptical drivesUpgrade bay LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti with Double Layer nontextual matterDisplay35,8 cm (14.1) WXGA (1280 x 800 resolution) or 35,8 cm (14.1) Illumi-Lite LED WXGA (1280 x 800 resolution) or 35,8 cm (14.1) WXGA+ (1440 x 900 resolution)optional 2 MP Webcam with Business Card Reader SoftwareGraphicsMobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHDExpansion featuresPorts3 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, stereo microphone in, stereo headphone/line out, Firewire (1394a), power connector, RJ-11, RJ-45SlotsSlots available for additional devices 1 ExpressCard/54 slot, Secure Digital slotAudioHigh Definition Audio, stereo speakers, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, integrated dual-microphone arrayIntegrated camera2 MP webcamKeyboardFull-sized keyboar dWhats in the boxEnhanced dual pointing devices (touchpad and pointstick) with scroll zoneCommunicationsNetwork interfaceIntel Gigabit Network Connection (10/ nose candy/1000 NIC)Wireless technologiesIntel 802.11a/b/g/draft-n, Bluetooth 2.0Power and operating requirementsBattery type6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion batteryPower features6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion batteryBattery lifeUp to 8 hours (more than 17 hours with the HP Extended Life Battery and up to 24 hours with the HP Ultra-Capacity Battery)Operating temperature range0 to 35 CSecurity waySecurity managementMcAfee Security Solution, Kensington Lock slot, HP Privacy Filter(http//h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF06b/321957-321957-64295-3955549-3955549-3688868-4017987.html )