ben m
Joined: 15 Sep 2002
Posts: 337
Location: UK |
| Week 2 - Computers 1 |
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Firstly, sorry for posting this so late in the day but I've been moving house over the weekend and I've been driving transit vans around the countryside all day!
Ok, here are the questions for this week.
I'd like in-depth but concise answers to these questions.
You need to get into the exam frame of mind of answering the question as well as you can without descending into waffle!
There are plenty of resources out there for this topic, but if you feel you need help then contact me via my email.
Finally, can you all remember to 'reply' to this thread with your answers!
Ok, good luck.
 Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
Explain the purposes of the following components/peripherals within a Computer, and how they would connect to a typical motherboard:
CPU
RAM
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
Video Card
Sound Card
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
Modem
UPS
Network Card
Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
SCSI
Firewire/mLAN
ATA/SATA/IDE
What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
Briefly describe the following:
a)Application
b)Machine code
c)High level language
d)Java
Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers. |
Mon Sep 13, 2004 3:33 pm |
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Rico1210
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 39
Location: Newcastle, UK |
| MT Computers 1 Answers |
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Hi,
here are my answers to the questions. I got most of my answers from websites and some from my brain 
Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
The motherboard is the main circuit board that houses all other PC components. It enables components to communicate with each other.
Explain the purposes of the following components/peripherals within a Computer, and how they would connect to a typical motherboard:
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The main chip which controls the computation and operation of a computer system. Units within the CPU perform math and logic operations and translate and execute instructions. A CPU connects directly onto the motherboard
RAM
Random Access Memory. The main memory of a computer. RAM is used for temporarily storing currently running applications and accessed data. RAM connects directly into the motherboard via the memory slots.
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
A Hard Drive stores all of the information held on the PC. From required ‘start up’ files and software, to user documents and files. A Hard Drive connects to the motherboard via an IDE connector. An External Hard Drive would connect to the motherboard via USB.
Video Card
A video card is a visual interface that transmits information to a monitor. A video card connects directly into a motherboard via an AGP socket or a PCI socket.
Sound Card
A sound card is an audio interface that transmits information to the speakers. A sound card connects directly into a motherboard via a PCI socket.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
A CD/DVD-ROM Drive is used to read CD’s/DVD’s. A CD/DVD-ROM Drive connects to the motherboard via an IDE connector.
Modem
A modem is used to connect a PC to the Internet, this is usually 56k connection. A modem connects directly to a motherboard via a PCI slot.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply. A backup power unit that provides continuous power when the normal power supply is interrupted. The PC will be connected to the UPS, then the UPS would be connected to the power supply.
Network Card
A network card is used to connect 2 or more PC’s together or LAN (Local Area Network). This may be directly between 2 PC’s or could be through a hub, or larger network. A network card connects directly to a motherboard via a PCI slot.
Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
Universal Serial Bus. An external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 MBps (12 million bytes per second). A single USB port can be used to connect up to 128 peripheral devices, such as mice, modems, and keyboards. USB 2.0 is an advanced version which can transfer information up to 480 MBps.
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface. Pronounced "scuzzy," SCSI is a parallel interface standard used by Apple Macintosh computers, PCs, and many UNIX systems for attaching peripheral devices to computers.
Firewire/mLAN
Firewire is a cross-platform implementation of the high-speed serial data bus that can move large amounts of data between computers and peripheral devices. It features simplified cabling, hot swapping, and transfer speeds of up to 800 megabits per second. mLAN (music Local Area Network) is very similar.
ATA/SATA/IDE are all types of cabling/connections used to connect drives to a PC.
Advanced Technology Attachment. A disk drive implementation that integrates the controller on the disk drive itself.
Serial ATA. A thin, point-to-point connection which allows for easy cable routing within a system
Integrated Device Electronics. Interface for connecting additional multiple storage drives to a computer system.
What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
There are lots of devices that connect to the above interfaces. These range from a mouse, scanner, printer, external drives (such as ZIP or Hard Drive), to MP3 players and portable storage devices. Such devices as MIDI controlled keyboards or mixers would be used by an Audio Engineer.
Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
An operating system is the end-user interface of a PC. It is very important as this enables the user to perform the functions of a PC. The main operating systems are either IBM compatible or Mac OS. IBM compatible computers use Microsoft Windows operating systems, whereas Apple Macintosh computers use their own operating system or Windows for Macintosh. Unix is another operating system which is MS Dos based.
Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
GUI is an abbreviation of Graphical User Interface. It is a program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free the user from learning complex command languages. GUI is constantly evolving to create better interfaces for the user. The original GUI was DOS(disk operating systems) based which required the user to enter(and remember) complex command strings. GUI has now evolved to a level where 'point and click' is the main function used. Behind the click are the lines of code being executed to complete the command.
Briefly describe the following:
a)Application
A software program designed to perform a specific task or group of tasks, such as word processing, communications, or database management.
b)Machine code
Machine code is the elemental language of computers, consisting of a stream of 0's and 1's. Ultimately, the output of any programming language analysis and processing is machine code
c)High level language
High level language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks. Examples of this are: C++, Pascal, Fortran
d)Java
Computer programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. It is popular because of its ability to be compiled and run on several different computer architectures.
Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers
The main difference between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers is the operating system they use. Macs use Mac OS and IBM compatible computers use Windows. Macintosh computers are generally more stable and are designed for specific tasks like audio production, publishing and are favoured in the graphics industry. Nowadays they are both easy to use with similar interfaces, although Macintosh computers have used the same style interface since production with IBM compatible computers catching up in the past few years. One noticeable difference is that Macintosh computers only have one button on the mouse. |
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Sat Sep 18, 2004 7:32 am |
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aik
Joined: 03 Jun 2004
Posts: 10
Location: Glasgow |
| answers to questions about computers |
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Hi Ben
Here are my answers, eventually. I have to be honest and say, that I have been struggling. Not to find the definitions, but to really understand what I’m talking about. You might see that in some of my answers. I have been reading a lot and made the attempt to answer the questions from what I understood. That might have been going wrong sometimes.
Anyway, there’s time to improve, I assume. Looking forward to a feedback.
Angelica
Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
The motherboard is the “skeleton” of the computer to which all other components are connected
Explain the purposes of the following components/peripherals within a Computer, and how they would connect to a typical motherboard:
CPU
Central Processing Unit is the brain of the computer. It controls and directs all activities of the computer and is directly connected to the motherboard.
RAM
Random Access Memory is the main memory of the computer. It stores information processed by the CPU and is directly connected to the motherboard via memory slots. But anything stored in RAM is lost as soon as the main power of the computer is off.
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
The hard drive is the most common storage unit in a computer. It stores huge amounts of information permanently. The internal hard drive is not removable and connected to the motherboard via ribbon cable to the IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller sockets. The external hard drive is removable and would connect to the motherboard via USB or IEEE 1394.
Video Card
A Video card is the graphic interface, which transmits graphic information to the monitor and is connected to the motherboard via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot or PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slot.
Sound Card
A sound card is the audio interface, which transmits audio information to the speakers and is connected to the motherboard via a PCI slot.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)/DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive are storage units, which can be either internal or external. The internal version connects via IDE sockets, the external via USB. These drives can read CDs and DVDs and are used to distribute information.
Modem
A modem is a device used to connect the computer with the Internet. It is connected to the motherboard via IDE socket.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply is a kind of emergency generator, which gives power to the computer when the normal power is off.
Network Card
A network card is used to connect two or more computers. It is connected to the motherboard via a PCI slot.
Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
Universal Serial Bus is a peripheral bus to connect peripheral devices like e.g. printers, scanners. The devices will be configured automatically as soon as they are attached. They transfer data in a 12MBps rate. USB 2.0 transfers data in 480MBps rate.
SCSI
Small Computer Systems Interface is a peripheral bus for connecting peripheral devices.
Firewire/mLAN
Firewire is a high speed peripheral bus to connect devices like i.e. digital cameras to transfer large amounts of audio and video data. It supports data transfer rates of up to 400Mbps
ATA/SATA/IDE
What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
Advanced Technology Attachment/ Serial ATA/ Integrated Drive Electronics
are ports to connect large storage devices like hard drives, CD-ROM and DVD drives.
Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
The operating system is the basic program to run all other computer programs. It is responsible for operating the most basic tasks, like recognizing inputs from the keybord and sending it to the monitor, organizing files and directories and controlling peripheral devices.
The most common Operating systems are Windows, DOS, OS/2
Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
Graphical User Interface is an interface that uses graphics like icons, pop-up menus, dialog boxes…. instead of language. It makes it easier for the user to use programs.
Briefly describe the following:
a) Application
There are two general types of computer software – systems software and application software so-called end-user programs. System software are operating system, whereas application software is i.e. word processors, graphics, databases, games, audio editors…
b) Machine code
Is a programming language which only contains the numbers 1 and 0 and is quite impossible to understand by humans.
c) High level language
Is a programming language designed to write programs independent of a particular type of computer. High level language is better understandable for humans but needs at the end to be translated into machine code so the computer can understand it as well.
d) Java
Java is a programming language designed for use at the World Wide Web.
Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.
The main difference between a Mac and a PC is the operating system they use. Mac uses Mac OS, whereas PCs are using windows. Macs have only one mouse button. Years ago these two operating systems couldn’t communicate, but nowadays there are getting more similar and are being able to use the same peripheral devices. |
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Sun Sep 19, 2004 1:14 pm |
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seanm
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Posts: 20
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please find my answers below. I ahve resolved my issues with the live workshop
Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
The largest single component of any computer the motherboard is essentially a circuit board. This circuit board contains a number of slots and ports onto which internal and external hardware devices are connected. The motherboard enables all these various devices to communicate effectively with each other. It also includes a “chipset” containing a small programme called BIOS (Basic Input Output System) which performs a number of functions. It checks the status of all fixed hardware devices connected to the motherboard, recognises the model and speed of the CPU, detects how much RAM is installed and it’s speed and registers the capacity of each hard drive. Once the BIOS is sure hardware is working correctly it hands over control to the operating system.
Explain the purposes of the following components/peripherals within a Computer, and how they would connect to a typical motherboard:
CPU
The Central Processing Unit or CPU is sometimes called the computer within your computer. The CPU does all of the actual “computing” within the system. The CPU runs programmes retrieving instructions from the RAM, evaluating them and executing them in sequence.
The CPU is installed directly onto the motherboard in the processor slot or slots.
RAM
Random Access Memory or RAM is a type of memory like a hard drive but it only stores data when the computer in on. It accesses faster than a hard drive and usually only stores the program currently in use and any data it needs.
RAM Cards are installed directly onto the motherboard in a series of slots known as the memory bank
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
Both internal and external hard drives are large capacity magnetic permanent storage devices. Holding information such as programs and documents. All of which can be accessed very quickly.
Internal hard drive connects to the motherboard via a drive bay, an IDE ribbon cable and a small power connection.
External hard Drives are connected to the Motherboard via appropriates ports (e.g. Firewire, USB).
Video Card
The Video Card controls the quality of what is seen on the computer’s monitor. It contains the circuitry needed for displaying graphics. Sometimes this circuitry is incorporated into the Motherboard itself.
The Video Card connects directly into slots on the motherboard either a PCI slot or an AGP slot.
Sound Card
A sound Card enables the computer to record and playback audio. Sound Cards can be either internal and external devices. Internally they connect to the Motherboard via a PCI slot. Externally often via USB or Firwire. Again some Motherboards come with basic level sound cards already installed.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
Both CD/DVD ROM drives are devices used to read and write to removable digital storage devices in this case CDs and DVDs.
They are mounted in drive bays usually built in to the computer’s case. They are connected to the motherboard via IDE controllers or via there own interface cards mounted in the motherboard’s IDE controller. They also come with separate audio cables to be connected to the soundcard.
Modem
A modem is a device installed internally or externally which enables computers to communicate with each other over telephone lines. Modem is short for modulator/demodulator meaning it can convert digital information from a computer to an analogue signal which is then sent over telephone lines and converted back into digital information by the receiving modem.
Most internal modems connect to a PCI slot on the Motherboard. External Modems can be connected via serial ports, USB or Ethernet.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS protects a computer from four possible power problems. Voltage surges and spikes, voltage sags, total power failures and frequency differences. All of which interrupt the power supply to a computer and can cause loss of data or even damage.
There are two common systems Standby and Continuous UPS. Standby runs the computer from the normal power supply until it detects a problem when it almost immediately turns on a power inverter and runs the computer from its own battery. With Continuous UPS on the other hand the computer is always running on battery power, the battery being continually recharged. There is therefore no switchover time providing a very stable source of power.
USP systems often connect via a serial or USB port.
Network Card
A network card is a device used to connect a computer to a network. Typically such cards can connect to a network Hub via, Firewire, USB or WiFi. The hub connects to one of a number of computers acting as the access point to the network via an Ethernet cable.
Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
USB is short for Universal Serial Bus. USB or USB1 was early version quickly superceded by the much quicker USB2. It uses very simple connectors to link devices together sending and receiving data in a “serial manner” that is to say in one long stream. This differs from the parallel method used by PCI and PCMCIA buses.
SCSI
Pronounced “scuzzi” and stands for Small Computer System Interface. SCSI is a fast communications bus allowing you to connect multiple devices to a computer.
Firewire/mLAN
Firewire is a serial interface (similar to USB) sometimes referred to as IE1394. Firewire/mLan can be used to create an mLan or Music Local Area Network and was developed by Yamaha. Through Firewire/mLan it is possible for many channels of digital audio and midi data to be transferred via a single 1394 standard cable using mLan compatible devices.
ATA/SATA/IDE
ATA stands for AT Attachment an interface developed by IBM for it’s AT Computer. It is the original name for IDE which stands for Integrated Drive Electronics. The two terms are interchangeable. SATA stands for Serial AT Attachment.
What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
Sound Cards, Mixing Desks, Storage devices and external drives, Midi Keyboards and Controllers, Midi interfaces, Powered Plug-ins, Software Dongles, USB copy protection, a mouse or graphics tablet, qwerty keyboards, additional computer monitors, network cards, modems, MP3 players.
Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
An Operating System is a piece of software which manages the hardware and software resources of the whole system. It provides a stable and consistent way for applications to deal with the hardware within the system. The two main OS’s are Microsoft Windows used on the PC platform and Macintosh OS used on the Apple Macintosh platform.
Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
GUI is short for Graphical User Interface. Initially a computer monitor could only display lines of text which corresponded directly to the commands input by the operator and the responses from the programme. This was a command driven interface which required the user to learn complex command languages. As GUI’s developed and the technology to enable their use became much cheaper they evolved into what we now know. The Microsoft and Macintosh windows type interfaces share certain characteristics: a pointer, a pointing device, icons, a desktop, windows and menus. GUI’s also make it easier for users to move data from one application to another.
Briefly describe the following:
a)Application
Application Software refers to any piece of software which cannot run without the Operating System and System Utilities. Software such as Databases, Word Processing, Software Sequencers (Nuendo, Cubase VST etc.), Audio Editors (Soundforge, Wavelab).
b)Machine code
Machine Code is the lowest level programming language, consisting of numbers (code) and are the only languages understood by computers.
c)High level language
High Level Languages are the languages programmers use which are then translated into machine code.
d)Java
Java is a general purpose programming language containing a number of features which make it ideal for the World Wide Web. Small applications called applets can be downloaded via the WWW and run on a computer by a Java-compatible browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Effectively reducing the size of downloads.
Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.
They use different Operating Systems IBM Compatible Computers commonly known as PC’s use the Microsoft Windows OS, apple Macintosh computers use the Macintosh OS system.
Apple Macintosh computers are only made by Apple which means that within the same model they are all identical, which can make life easier if something goes wrong or you wish to upgrade them. PC’s on the other hand are made by a large number of companies using a variety of component parts which can make choosing the right one more difficult.
They both use a windows type interface but some of the clicking differs (i.e. double clicks and right clicks) |
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Sun Sep 19, 2004 4:54 pm |
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ben m
Joined: 15 Sep 2002
Posts: 337
Location: UK |
| Re: answers to questions about computers |
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Hi Aik, a few things to look at with your answers here.
quote:
Originally posted by aik
The motherboard is the “skeleton” of the computer to which all other components are connected
CPU
Central Processing Unit is the brain of the computer. It controls and directs all activities of the computer and is directly connected to the motherboard.
When it comes to the exam using words such as 'skeleton' or 'brain' will not gain you maximum marks. You are essentially right in what you are saying but you'll need to develop a more technical vocabulary.
quote:
Originally posted by aik
Modem
A modem is a device used to connect the computer with the Internet. It is connected to the motherboard via IDE socket.
The modem will usually connect via a PCI slot or occasionally an AMR (Modem Riser) if onboard.
IDE connections are mostly used for Hard Drives and CD/DVD drives.
quote:
Originally posted by aik
Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
The operating system is the basic program to run all other computer programs. It is responsible for operating the most basic tasks, like recognizing inputs from the keybord and sending it to the monitor, organizing files and directories and controlling peripheral devices.
The most common Operating systems are Windows, DOS, OS/2
In questions such as this there are sometimes clues in the question. Although you correctly identified a number of OSs, the question asks for the main 2 and their platforms. The use of the word platform should indicate that they will be 2 different formats. In this case the logical answer would be Windows OS on IBM compatible PC and Mac OS on Apple Macintosh computers.
Good work though!
ben m |
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Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:02 am |
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