ben m
Joined: 15 Sep 2002
Posts: 344
Location: UK |
| Week 2 - Computers 1 |
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Ok, nice easy set of questions to get you all started. Please put all replies/answers in this thread.
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 Mar 14, 2005 5:34 am |
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thx1138
Joined: 07 Jan 2005
Posts: 21
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Motherboard:
The motherboard is the 'foundation' of the computer. The processor and all the other elements of the computer are plugged in and interconnected through it. It also contains sockets/connectors to attach additional components.
CPU:
The central processing unit, the 'brains' of the computer. Interprets and executes the actual computing, operations and calculations. Connects to the motherboard via a zero insertion force socket (ZIF) which is the large square multi-pinned socket you find in older PC's. These days typical PC connectors are Socket 370, which is a plastic pin grid array (PPGA) and Slot 1, which replaced the ZIF socket. In the Slot 1 configuration the CPU is packaged in a single edge contact cartridge. Pentium II, III and some celeron processors use the Slot 1 connector.
RAM:
Random access memory. The amount of memory available for use by programs. Sometimes referred to as the 'main memory'. It is temporary memory used to store data and process information. Large amounts of RAM offer faster manipulation or faster background processing. RAM is said to be volatile, meaning whatever is stored within it is lost once the computer is switched off. RAM cards connect to the motherboard via the SIMM or DIMM sockets. Modern PC's use dual in-line memory modules as opposed to SIMMs.
Hard Disk:
This is a permanent data storage medium that permits the saving and retrieval of information. It also stores the operating system, other software and all your files and folders. The hard disk drive connects to the primary IDE header (Integrated Drive Electronics) which is the disk drive interface.
CD/DVD ROM:
A device to read information from CDs and DVDs. They connect to the secondary IDE header.
Video Card:
A hardware component that allows a computer to display information on the screen. Also known as a graphics adapter, display adapter or video adapter. It handles graphics processing and the display of images.
Sound Card:
A hardware component that allows a computer to manipulate and output sound.
Network Card:
A hardware component that allows a computer to be connected to a network and to communicate with other computers attached to a network.
Modem:
Means modulator-demodulator. A device that enables a computer to transmit data over an analogue telephone line. Basically it converts digital computer signals to analogue.
Video, sound and network cards attach to the motherboard via the PCI slots (peripheral component interconnect - a commonly used internal interface). Typically the modem is also connected via a PCI slot.
UPS:
Un interuptable power supply. A back-up power unit that supplies continuos power when the normal power is interrupted. Can connect to the motherboard via a USB port.
USB:
Universal Serial Bus. An interface for connecting peripheral devices to a computer. It is quite fast, standard USB supports data transfer rates of 12 mbps. USB is replacing the once standard serial and parallel ports. It also provides a 5-volt power supply so some devices can be powered through the USB cable.
USB 2.0 is the same except it has a faster data transfer rate or 480 mbps.
SCSI:
Small computer system interface. Another interface for connecting devices to a computer. It is a parallel interface commonly used for mass storage devices. SCSI has a data transfer of 4 mbps but other versions support higher speeds: Fast SCSI - 10 mbps, Ultra SCSI and Fast Wide SCSI - 20 mbps, Ultra Wide SCSI - 40 mbps.
Firewire:
Another interface that supports fast transfer rates (400mbps). Also known as an IEEE 1394 high performance serial bus. Intended for devices that contain large amounts of data such as VCRs, camcorders and DVD players. They are heavily used for connecting audio/visual devices to computers.
mLAN:
Music Local Area Network - a system of communication based on the Firewire interface. It can transfer both audio and midi information to many devices.
ATA/SATA/IDE:
Advanced technology attachment. A standard internal interface for the connection of storage devices such as hard disk drives and CD-ROM drives within a computer.
IDE (Integrated drive electronics) is a commonly used name for ATA. SATA is Serial ATA; it has an increased data transfer rate to ATA and also has a much smaller cable attachment. ATA has an 80 pin flat cable and SATA has a 4-wire cable.
Typical devices attached to these interfaces are:
Printers & scanners, mice, joysticks, game controllers, midi controllers/interfaces, digital cameras, web cams, modems, speakers, external storage devices, CD writers, CD ROM, flash card readers, smart card readers, memory sticks, keyboards, mp3 players, camcorders, audio adapters, digital mixers, drum machines etc…..
Application:
A software package designed to perform a specific set of functions such as word processing, communications, inventory control etc…
Machine Code:
Machine code is the bottom level language a computer 'speaks'. It is basically binary. All computer languages are boiled down to machine code so the computer can understand them. Machine code programs are referred to as 'binaries', written entirely in 0's and 1's.
High Level Languages:
These are languages that use command statements, symbols and words that have a resemblance to the English language such as Basic, Fortran and C, in which each instruction is the equivalent of many machine code instructions. These are either converted in advance to machine code by a compiler or while the program is being run by an interpreter.
Java:
Java is a simple object orientated programming language designed to run on any computer system or operating system. It was developed by Sun Microsystems and is specifically designed for Internet based programs. Java programs are commonly called applets and can be used to add anything from calculators, scrolling text and animations to web sites.
Operating System:
The operating system is the most important piece of software on a computer. It performs basic tasks such as recognising input from the keyboard and keeping track of files. It controls the allocation and usage of such resources as memory, processor time and all peripheral devices. It also controls the scheduling, execution, loading and initiating of programs. Basically it is an organised collection of procedures and routines for operating a computer.
Some OSs in use are DOS and Windows XP for PC and MacOS for Macintosh. Recent versions of this OS are MacOS 8.0 and MacOS 8.1.
Linux is another PC operating system and is an open source operating system derived from UNIX that is getting more popular these days.
GUI:
Graphical user interface. An interface to enable the interaction of the user and the computer. Elements that make up a GUI are: windows, icons, buttons, cursors and scroll bars. It is basically an interface between the computer and user based on graphics rather than a command line interface such as DOS. GUI's have evolved over the years by making computers more user friendly and easier to use. Sound, voice, motion, video and virtual reality interfaces will be a possible next step for GUI's. Just watch the film 'Minority Report' based on the short story 'The Minority Report' by Phillip K Dick and you will see a possible future of GUI's.
The Difference Between Mac's and IBM Compatible PC's:
There are 2 main differences between Mac's and PC's, they are the hardware and software used by either system. The hardware differences are more significant as the CPU's for Mac's and PC's use different instruction sets. Each can only understand a certain set of commands and the components of each are built to work with each separate set of commands.
Sources:
www.webopedia.com
www.tenebril.com/mailings/content/october-2004/qa.htm
and my old I.T. college notes (knew they'd come in handy sometime!) |
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Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:51 am |
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JohnA
Joined: 20 Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Location: Mid Glamorgan, UK |
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Music Technology
Week 2
Computers 1
15 March 2005
(j.levin)
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 :
Central Processing Unit.
Purpose; The CPU is the brain of the computer. When you first boot up your computer, the CPU first checks the Bios (this is a program stored on a chip on the motherboard). The CPU then acts on the instructions that are "set up" in the bios. The cpu does all the calculations the computer requires, gets information from the RAM and generally does all the fetching and carrying that is needed in computing. Once the computer has passed the boot up stage of the bios, the operating system takes over and feeds the CPU the information it needs to complete its tasks.
You connect it by latching it on to the
RAM :
Random Access Memory.
Purpose. Ram is volatile: when you switch off your computer, any information in the Ram memory is erased. You can write onto ram, read from it, and re-write over it.
The ram, the chips are on a PCB (printed circuit board), is connected to the computer by being plugged into the memory bank connector on the motherboard.
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
The purpose of a hard drive is to permanently store data in digital format. This allows the user to access this information at a later date. External hard drives makes it easier for you to transfer information from one computer to another.
If you are connecting an IDE hard drive, you connect it to the motherboard with an IDE cable. Depending on the hard drive you have, the cable will be either a 40 or an 80 wire cable. This cable connects from the hard drive to the motherboards IDE hard drive controller connection. There are generally two IDE hard drive controller connections available on most motherboards for connecting IDE hard drives.
SATA hard drives connect to the motherboard with a much smaller cable (SATA signal cable connector) than the IDE or EIDE cables. The SATA cable connector is keyed (so you cannot connect it the wrong way round).
Video Card
The purpose of a video or graphics card is to enable you to see images of the items that you store in your computer, be them pictures, graphics or text.
If the video card is an AGP graphics card, you connect your card to the motherboard by placing it in the AGP Bus Slot (usually a small brown slot on the motherboard above the PCI Slots). Once the card is sitting properly in its slot, you screw it to the ATX casing.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive [/b
]
Most programs that come with hardware will come either on a CD disc or a DVD disc. You need a CD/DVD-ROM drive for your computer to be able to read and install the program / software / drivers that you want to use (or need to install to get your hardware working). Also you can use your drive for playing and writing both music and movies as well as storing in various file formats eg, wav. files etc.
You connect it as with an IDE drive. You connect an IDE cable to the CD/DVD-ROM drive and connect the other side of the cable to the IDE slot on the motherboard.
Modem
Purpose: Information is stored digitally in a computer. Information is sent via analogue waves over a telephone line. A modem converts this information to be received and transmitted from computer to telephone line and vice versa.
You connect it into a PCI slot on the motherboard and then screw it into a fixed position onto the case.
UPS :
Uninterruptible Power Supply.
Purpose: This unit has a battery and connects to a computer. In the event of a power cut, it supplies power to the computer for a limited amount of time (dependent on the battery).
You can connect a serial line UPS to a USB port on your computer using a serial to USB adapter.
Network Card
Purpose: to connect two or more computers over a network.
Depending on your network card, it will connect to your motherboard via a PCI slot then screw onto the back of the casing.
-Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
Universal Serial Bus (12Mbps) / Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (480Mbps).
SCSI
Small Computer System Interface.
Firewire/mLAN
Firewire (up to 800Mbps transfer rate).
mLan can carry digital audio / video and midi timecode down a single cable connected via IEEE 1394 firewire.
ATA/SATA/IDE
ATA: AT Attachment.
SATA: Serial ATA.
IDE: Intergrated Device Electronics.
-What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
SATA. You can connect hard drives to a computer for storage of digital audio as well as other forms of music files (mp3 etc), computer programs such as sequencers (Cubase, Sonar etc) and plug in programs to use with audio. All can be used by the audio engineer to store / use in the recording and mixing of music. As can also store text information on these drives so the Audio Engineer can store information relating to recording sessions, back up information, dates, times etc.
ATA/IDE. You can again connect hard drives for the reasons above as well as connect a CD/DVD-ROM drive for putting programs into a computer. You can also use the same media to store music / information on.
-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 program that allows you to operate and control a computer.
There are two main Operating Systems: Windows (such as 98, 98Se or XP) and Macintosh (OS X).
-Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
GUI stands for GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE. It enables you to see the application you are using in a graphical way (rather than in purely text form). Originally, computer interfaces were in text and keyboard form which consisted of commands and responses to and from the computer via the keyboard. When we use DOS, we are looking at a typical interface before GUI's arrived. The next stage towards Gui was the introduction of a mouse so you could interface with a computer without having to type commands in.
Originally Windows and Mackintosh's applications originated at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Laboratory in the late 1970's. These were on the first Apple Mac's and later, Microsoft incorporated many of the ideas into their first version of Windows for IBM compatible PC's.
Today's GUI interfaces come with the major operating systems. Applications will use the elements of the GUI that come with the operating system (eg Windows) then add their own GUI ideas. GUI's take real life examples and put them in graphical form, like a "desktop" or "window". This enables us to understand our interaction more easily. Elements of a GUI include pull-down menus, buttons and scroll bars, imagses, wizards etc. A systems GUI is sometimes referred to as its "look and feel".
-Briefly describe the following:
a)Application
A computer program that gives the user tools that enables them to interact with the computer and to accomplish a task.
b)Machine code
Machine code is written in 0's (off) and 1's (on) and allows a programmer to write a program to run on a computer. Machine code programs are often referred to as "binaries".
c)High level language
An example of a high level language would be C++. It is a language that creates another layer between the hardware and software layer and is independent of most system software and the hardware the system runs on. It often supports the more popular software designs. C++ supports object-orientated design. This allows you to develop solutions to problems by modeling real-world objects.
d)Java
Java is a computer programming language that was designed for use in the "distributed" environment, that is, spread out over more than one computer (usually over a network). Java has the look and feel of C++ but is much simpler to use. It can also use applets which make it possible for the user to interact with a Web page.
-Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.
Stability! This seems to be one of the big problems with Windows. All of Windows software components are linked together so if a program crashes, they all go down (now I understand why I have to reboot all the time)!. Mac OS X separates most of it's programs from each other and from the OS itself (I'm starting to think Apple are going to get themselves a new customer soon)! This means that if a program stops working, the rest of the computer keeps working. It also has a feature called "Force Quit" that will close an offending program without affecting other programs that are running. You can then restart the program you just quitted and it should work fine!! (sorry Ben, I have to put these exclemation marks in my answer here as I have been a frequent member of the "I'm gonna throw this computer out of the window now" user club).
Mackintosh and IBM computers evolved along completely different lines. The CPU and IC chips used were different from the beginning. IBM (and then Microsoft) and Apple (and then Mackintosh) had completely different ideas about what their users wanted. The operating systems are completely different as well. Apple were the pioneers of personal PC back in the 1970's, popularising the first GUI with their Mac. Microsoft began work on Windows in the early 1980's, but it took until version 3.1 for them to seriously be able to compete with the Mac OS. |
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Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:51 am |
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chemira
Joined: 03 Jan 2005
Posts: 50
Location: Nova Scotia Canada Eh! |
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Week 2 Computers 1
-Identify the purpose of a motherboard:
The purpose of the motherboard is to create a cohesive central hub that will connect all of the peripheral devices that are required for a computer to function. Hardware which is connected onto the mother board is usually done so through the use of removable cables, or seating into a socket. The sockets and cable riser blocks are made to a standard specification depending on the purpose of the component. This allows different manufactures to build components to a know industry standard. Hence increasing flexibility and compatibility.
-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 is the main control of a computers response to and distribution of information. The CPU will take in information from peripherals and program information and compute an appropriate response. The CPU is connected to the Motherboard with a multi-pinned socket of a known industry design specification which is given a common identifiable name. [1] The CPU has a small power cable which is connected to the mother board via a small riser block
RAM:
Random Access Memory has the sole purpose of creating a buffer for temporary storage of files or programs.[2] This is usually the real time workings of any program with a temporary copy being held there. [2]
Hard Drive (Internal & External):
The hard drive is the computers long term and short term storage medium. The Hard Drive utilizes allocation blocks of data that can be accessed quickly by the CPU and in-turn the hard drive can rapidly write data onto the hard disk for file storage. Hard drives can be of varying size and formats but overall are built to a similar design specification for interface with the cable leading to the motherboard and the power supplies connector. The cable typically known as an IDE ribbon cable which is a flat flexible cable consisting of 40 or 80 wires. This cable connects to the Primary IDE controller connection and is the path for all data and control functions to and from the hard drive. There are several types of external hard drives that hook up via firewire, USB, USB2.0 SCSI and pcmcia card to drives. These external drives hook up via an external port in the instance of a laptop or and extender block for a desktop PC. Internal drives receive their power from a cable from the power supply. External drives receive their power from the connection port or via an external AC/DC adaptor.[3] [4]
Video Card:
The video card or video adaptor converts the digital signal sent through mother board from the CPU to a usable signal for the visual display or monitor. The video card relies on the translation of program code to display code via the video cards driver. The accuracy and speed of translation will determine the quality of video image and fluidity of movement. The video Card is connected to the motherboard by firmly seating the card into its AGP(accelerated graphics port) slot or into a PCI slot depending on the architecture of the card. Power for the card is provided by the slot itself. [5]
Sound Card:
The sound card is the audio input and output for a computer. The sound card converts digital data to an audio output from the computer to an output monitor such as powered speakers. The sound card will also converts analog signals through its input to a digital signal which in turn is processed by the CPU and either stored or transmitted depending on the intended function. Sound cards can be installed directly into the motherboard via the PCI slots (ESA older)or they may be installed in a firewire, USB, USB2.0 or PCMCIA interface ports. Power for PCI sound cards is from within the PCI slot itself while external cards may use the host port or an A/C adaptor.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive:
The CD/DVD-ROM Drive creates a common computer interface enabling the user to install, store or function data. Many CD/DVD-ROM drives have fast retrieve times allowing the use of a DVD-ROM without the data of a large program being installed on the hard drive. [6]CD/DVD-ROM drives are connected to the motherboards secondary IDE controller connection utilizing an 40 or 80 pin IDE cable. Power is supplied by the Power supply and there is usually a CD audio cable that connects audio signal to the motherboard. [4]
Modem:
The modem is PC to internet interface used for internet connection. Quote “MODEM - Short for modulator/demodulator. A modem is used between a computer and a phone or cable line to convert the computer's digital signal to an analog signal for the line and vice versa.” unquote[7] The modem can be internal or external and may be connected in several ways. An internal modem may be integrated into the motherboard, placed in a PCI (ISA older) slot or connected to a cable leading to the motherboard to a rear PC panel. External modems are stand alone hardware that connect via USB or serial ports.
UPS:
Uninterrupted Power Supply, ensures power supply even if Mains power is interrupted. The UPS utilizes a battery back up that will supply your required voltage 110-120AC 60Hz or 220-240AC 50Hz through an inverter. The UPS can also condition power and act as a surge suppressor in the event of power spikes caused by large grid power shut offs. Not connected to the mother board but you can remotely monitor the UPS using a cable connected to a serial port. [8]
Network:
A network card is used to connect computers together to enable the sharing of resources or information. In the most common example several computers may share a piece of equipment such as a printer, fax, modem or storage back up system. All computers on the network require a card(network card) which sends and receives data through a cable or in some cases wireless transmission. [9] Connection to the motherboard may be from a PCI slot and some motherboards have an onboard Ethernet card built in. External network cards connect using USB or other serial ports.
-Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0:
Universal Serial Buss is an interface which connects peripheral devices with a known protocol to a computer without adaptors or the requirement to shut the computer down. This “hot swap” ability allows the user to disconnect or add any piece of USB compatible equipment at any time. Quote “USB Universal Serial Buss. A type of connection between a computer and a peripheral device like a printer or a camera. the original USB could transfer data at a rate of 12Mbps (million bits per second) , a new USB2.0 now transfers at a rate of 480 Mbps.” Unquote [10] USB’s name is based on its replacing the old “serial” buss with an architecture that became a design standard. Replaced with the higher data transfer rate USB 2.0 as stated in the quote has a huge performance improvement over the original USB. USB devices are many including mouse, keyboard, scanner, printer, speakers, modems, soundcard, midi, storage drives, cameras, gamepads .iterally anything that is an accessory is probably included.
SCSI:
The Small Computer System Interface allows the connection of several hardware devices to one common host. There are several different protocols for SCSI but each has a large performance margin above the older IDE interface. Data can be independently transferred from any peripheral without passing through the host. SCSI is less taxing on the CPU during data tranasfer IDE using as much 95% and SCSI only about 5%. [12] Typically the hardware included in this protocol is of the larger data transfer rate. Hard drives, tape backup drives and CD-Roms
Firewire/mLAN:
Developed by Apply in the mid 1980’s as an internal data transfer method with the added benefits of high speed and less cabling. By December of 1995 the IEEE1394 was established Quote “which describes data-transfer speeds of 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps” Unquote [13] The firewire protocol has now IEEE1394b has transfer rate of 800 Mbit/sec. This protocol shares the same benefits as USB referring to the hot swap ability with the added higher transfer rates. MLan is the utilization of IEEE1394 for the transfer of audio and MIDI control signals through the same cable. [14] Firewire hardware consists of Hard drives, audio interfaces or other high data transfer hardware.
ATA/SATA/IDE: [15] [16]
Advanced Technology Attachment is a incorporates the controller on the disc drive itself[17]
Serial ATAia an advancement from ATA with higher transfer rates while using a longer less bulky cable. [18]
Integrated Drive Electronics or Intelligent Drive Electronics is a hard drive or CD Drive where the controller is on the disk[19]
-What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?:
Hard drives and CD rom Drives can be connected to ATA SATA and IDE interfaces. The increased data transfer rates makes SATA more beneficial over ATA. The increase in data transfer will allow higher track counts for playback and recording or higher bit depths for both recording and playback.
-Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs'):
The two main Operating systems in use today within personal computers are the Mac OS and Windows PC OS. Within these two operating systems there are a multitude of platforms but the current ones are OS-X for Mac and XP for the PC.
-Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.:
Graphics user interface defines the utilization of common graphical representation of tools, screen layout and formatting which enables users to quickly navigate new software. Common icons and layouts allow users to quickly identify the purposes within many different programs. The most common recognizable GUI is the pointer. This pointer connected to the mouse allows the user to select or manipulate data in a visual manner for selection. Quote “originated at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Laboratory in the late 1970s. Apple used it in their first Macintosh computers. Later, Microsoft used many of the same ideas in their first version of the Windows operating system for IBM-compatible PCs.” Unquote [20]
describe the following:
a)Application:
An application is a program which provides an end user the ability to perform a certain task. Simple task examples would be text editors or spread sheets and higher end tasks would be date base, graphics, video and audio editors.
b)Machine code:
Machine code is a computer language consisting of a stream of 1’s and 0’s Quote “the output of any programming language analysis and processing is machine code “ Unquote [21]
c)High level language:
A language that is not written to a specific type of computer with term close to human language. [22]
Quote “Advanced computer programming language that isn't limited by the type of computer or for one specific job and are more easily understood. Today there are dozens of high-level languages some commonly used high-level languages are Basic, C, Fortran and Pascal. [23]
d)Java:
A program language using what is called an applet that allows motion on a web page that Hyper Text Markup Language cannot. It allows scrolling, mouse hovering information pop ups and animation. [24]
Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.:
The Apple Macintosh computer and the IBM compatible are similar yet distinctly different. Basic interface aside excluding hardware necessities the Mac platform computer is run on the Mac OS and PC based machines use windows. Architecture on the Mac with its hardware options are designed tested and certified by Mac. A PC based computer can utilize any manufacturers hardware built to the PC specification standards within that series of PC. This may cause more of a price cost for Mac but also a higher reliability at the same time. The PC Market reaps the benefits of creating a wealth of choices and price ranges but at the cost of making some of the best non compatible boats anchors of all times. Standards and specifications of the PC do not ensure the compatibility and quality control experienced with the Mac computer brand. Other issues to compare are the higher cost of the Mac with the added higher performance levels. Cost is the main deterrent for most consumers.
[1] http://www.teknician.com/other/tutorial/cpu%20installation/cpu%20installation.php
[2] http://www.tekmom.com/buzzwords/zdramvhd.html
[3] http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/Hard_drive
[4] http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_install_hard_floppy_drives.shtml
[5] http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/computing/components/graphics-cards/buying-advice
[6] http://www.pcguide.com/ref/cd/
[7] http://www.cheap56k.com/glossary/modem.html
[8] http://www.minutemanups.com/products/sentryii.php
[9] http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question353.htm
[10] http://clearlyexplained.com/technology/glossary/U-V/usb.html
[11] http://www.plextor.com/english/news/usb.html
[12] http://www.sms.com/scsi_tut.htm
[13] http://www.faculty.iu-bremen.de/birk/lectures/PC101-2003/13firewire/history.htm
[14] http://www.mlancentral.com/mlan_info/mLAN_resolution_v24.pdf
[15] http://www.ata-atapi.com/
[16] http://www.pcguide.com.au/Reviews/storage/satavpata/page1.php
[17] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/ATA.html
[18] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/Serial_ATA.html
[19] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/IDE_interface.html
[20] http://searchwebservices.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0%2C%2Csid26_gci213989%2C00.html
[21] http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci212507,00.html
[22] http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/H/high_level_language.html
[23] http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/highll.htm
[24] http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Glossary.html
Cheers,
lots of references to dig into. |
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Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:25 pm |
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hoaxwagon
Joined: 28 Feb 2005
Posts: 27
Location: Boulder Creek, CA USA |
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hello , here are my answers ( Hoaxwagon) MT week2 computers1
-Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
The main circuit board on the computer.all other componants connect to it mostly via pci bus.[1]
-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 computers micro processor and oversees everthing done on the
computer.[2] a computer chip that has a primary resposibility for interpreting command and running
programs.
RAM random access memory temporarally stores information that is currantly being worked on the
computer [3]
Hard Drive (Internal & External) internal; a primary, permanent data storage device built into the drive
bay of a computer. These drives magnetically save to and retrieve and erase information from the hard
disc. external hard drives can be connected to USB or firewire.
Video Card Translates image datafrom a computer into a format that can be displayed by the monitor.
It connects to the motherboard using the pci bus. [4]
Sound Card records and plays audio. It converts analog to digital and back to analog. Also connects
via the pci slots. [5]
CD/DVD-ROM Drive compact disc read only memory ( firmware) uses 12 cm removable discs to
read information. [6]
Modem modulator de-modulator alows the computer to communicate via phone line. Modulates Os
and 1s into tones for transmission over phone lines and also de-modulates tone bakc into 0s and 1s[6]
UPS uniteruptable power supply is a battery back up used so a computer can operate safely even if a
power interuption occurs. also has a power conditioner and surge protector. works to keep a
continuous flow of power.[7]
Network Card is an expansion card installed in the pci bus allowing connection to a network to
communicate to another computer. [8]
-Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB universal serial bus has a 12mbps transfer rate /USB 2.0 has a transfer rate of 400 mbps
digital camera, scanner, mouse, speakers, printers, keyboards, external hard drives, or zip drives
can be connected to the usb. usb expansion card can also be used in the pci bus. [9] usb
provides a 5v power supply and up to 127 devices can be linked at once [10] usb 2.0 is
compatable with usb peripherals. [11]
SCSI small computer system interface is data interface with a card that plugs into the ISA
( integrated system archetecture) socket on the computers motherboard. SCSI cards can also
use the pci bus. [13]
Firewire/mLAN Firewire( also known as IEEE1394 institute of electrical & electronics engineers) is a
cabling technology and high performance serial bus similar to usb with its plug and play and hot
pluggable features. transmits 400 to 1600 mbps and allows up to 63 devices to connect at once.
installs through the pci slots. camcorders, disk drives,dvd players printers and scanners all can use
firewire. [14] mLAN music local area network allows the system to handle audio, midi, clock and
control signals. With all the mLAN devices (nodes) conected by firewire a computer can control all the
devices. The graphics patch bay software allows for someone at the computer to virtually make
connactions. Recording conection schemes can be saved and instantly recalled. [15] mLan devices
include phantom powered mics, mLan equipped keyboard,midi tone generator, md recorder, guitar
and computer [18]
ATA/SATA/IDE advanced technology attatchment was adopted as standard by the ANSI ( american
national standards intitute) in 1990. this is the name they use for what the computer industry call IDE.
IDE integrated development environment provides a user friendly frame work for many
programming languages, (visual basic, java, powerbuilder) and is the standard interface used between
the motherboards buses and the disk storage devices and cd-rom.[16] SATA serial advanced
technology attatchment is the evolution of ATA, enabling each serial ATA drive to be connected to it’s
own interface (point to point). IDE/ATA parallel interface nedds 40 wires for connections SATA needs
only 6 wires . 2x and 4x are available for double and quadruple speed. [17]
-What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio
Engineer? everything that connects to these interfaces has implications for a sound engineer.
-Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform
for these OSs')
operating system is master software that interfaces you with the software you use and the computers
hardware. the 2 main 0Ss are windows and unix and their platforms are ibm and apple respectivly.[19]
[21]
-Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
graphical user interface is the most commonly interface with elements such as mouse interface, and a
system visual directories (folders), scroll bars etc. based on graphics not text and developed by xerox.
[22]
-
Briefly describe the following:
a)Application is the programs on your computer that managed by the operating system [20]
b)Machine code is the binary code that cpu works with( 0s and 1s.) For any proccess to be executed
it must first be compiled into machine code. [23]
c)High level language a computer language similar to english but equivilant to machine code
d)Java is a computer language that is specifically designed for writting programs that can be
downloaded an run immediatly without risk of virus or other harm to your files. Also enables (with the
use of applets) animation and scrolling text and calculators etc.[24]
-Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.
IBM designed as a business computer, cost less, more likely to contact a virus if on the internet, more
programs available
Mac developed for education, cost more, higher resolution graphics, fewer programs available, less
suseptable to viruses ( only 4) [25]
1,2,3,4,5,6, [r] http://www.computers.fm/computer-operating-system.htm
7[r] www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/reference/glossary-u.htm
8[r] www.tyner.com/glossary.htm
9[r] www.activeshare.com/US/dig/glossary/
10[r] www.nickh.org/computer/glossary.html
11[r] www.ephotozine.com/glossary/index.cfm
12[r] www.plextor.com/english/news/glossary.html\
13[r] www.mantex.co.uk/samples/glo-5.htm
14[r] www.oit.ohio-state.edu/glossary/gloss2.html
15[r] http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/news_story/a/news_id/e/160
16[r] http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid5_gci214013,00.html
17[r]http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=11cme1eg8108g?method=4&dsid=2222&deke
y=Serial+ATA&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&sbid=lc02a
18[r]http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/english_master/30_computer_related_products/
02_mlan/10_no_category/10_mlan_products/10_technical_information/05_basic_tech/index.html
19[r] members.aol.com/shobansen3/glossary.html
20[r] members.aol.com/shobansen3/glossary.html
21[r] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system#Today.27s_operating_systems
22[r] iet.ucdavis.edu/glossary/
23[r] www.cs.uct.ac.za/courses/Course1/glo/gloss.htm
24[r] support.sbcglobal.net/general/662.shtml
25[r] http://allfreeessays.com/student/Mac_vs_IBM.html |
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Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:26 am |
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rachelh
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 35
Location: Trinidad WI |
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Identify the purpose of a motherboard.
The Purpose of a motherboard in a Computer is to provide the main computing capability, as it is the main circuit board. The motherboard houses the main microprocessor and components such as memory and expansion slot.
It is the hub through which almost all of the signals pass when being processed. It serves to connect the power button to the CPU [Central Processing Unit] to the Power Supply, the RAM [Random Access Memory] to the CPU to the hard drive and disk drives, the input devices such as the keyboard, mouse, graphics equipment, MIDI keyboard and audio input device as well as output devices such as a display printer, MIDI sound module and audio output device. It also houses the bus clock of the computer, which determines the processing speed.
All of the above highlights the importance of the motherboard not only in computing but also in Music Technology, as the motherboard in some way always will have an influence on the Recording Process.
-Explain the purposes of the following components/peripherals within a Computer, and how they would connect to a typical motherboard: The
CPU –
The Central Processing unit or CPU is where information is processed. This information is gathered from any type of program or software instructions, which actually control the CPU, [for example floppy disk, hard disk, CD Rom]. The information is then processed and the desired output is achieved. The purpose of the CPU mainly is to process the tasks that you request of the computer and to do so in an accurate and most importantly ‘speedy’ manner.
The CPU is connected to the motherboard via use of the CPU Slot, which is located on the motherboard itself. This slot is keyed allowing for only one correct way of insertion, this point of insertion is called the CPU Socket. [2] [1]
RAM -
RAM or Random Access Memory is temporary memory that is deleted when the computer is switched off. It should be noted that before information is processed via the CPU, it is first transmitted through RAM, where it is assigned a unique address and memory location. One of the major advantages of RAM in computing is that it is fast to access, cutting down processing time, also it is a un ending source of memory is it is temporary. RAM just as the CPU, has a role in the time it takes for a computer to process information.
RAM connects to the motherboard via Ram Slots, which are keyed for correct insertion i.e. allowing only one way for the RAM to fit into the motherboard. These slots are located on the motherboard itself. [2]
Hard Drive (Internal & External)
The term Hard Drive in computing describes the place where data is saved. When compared to RAM the hard drive is slower in accessing and processing data. Most importantly it is permanent memory that is stored even after the unit is switched off. Therefore the Hard Drive contains ROM or Read Only Memory, which is attributed to its permanence. Thus the purpose of the Hard Drive whether internal or external, is to mainly permanently store information that can be safely retrieved at a later date. An external hard drive serves as additional memory for persons needing such capacity for data storage.
‘The Internal Hard Drive is connected to the motherboard via IDE [integrated drive electronics] sockets’ [1]. The external hard drive is usually connected via a USB [Universal Serial Bus] cable to the USB port located on the motherboard.
Video Card
The Video card is an output device, which is responsible for the Display settings for a monitor; the video card translates the information that the CPU wants to be shown on the screen in a language that the monitor can understand and the resultant output is the production of graphic images in colour. ‘It is connected to the motherboard via either an APG Slot (Advanced Graphics Port) of which there is only one, which is only used for APG video cards.’ [2]
PCI Slots –
PCI Slots (Peripheral Component Interface) are used for network and video cards, they are very fast slots in terms of processing and allows maximum capabilities for peripherals that are PCI interface compatible. PCI slots are built – in into the Motherboard and are used to connect other devices to the board itself.
Sound Card
The sound card serves the interface that can translate digital information into sound and back; also called a soundboard or sound adapter. The purpose of these cards is to process sounds made by the computer, and they also allow you to record songs onto the computer. They are connected to the motherboard by the use of Slots located on the board itself. ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) Slots which are rarely used anymore and, PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) slots, which are very fast slots in terms of data processing are the two slots used to connect the sound card to the motherboard. [2]
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
CD [Compact Disc]/ DVD [Digital Video Disc] ROM drives have both internal and external attributes in terms of connectivity to the computer. Internal CD/ DVD Rom Drives are connected to the motherboard via a SCSI [Small Computer System Interface] located on the board itself, while eternal drives are connected to the computer via the use of a USB [Universal Serial Bus] cable which in tern is connected to the USB port located on the motherboard. The main purpose of these drives is that they allow you to play various multimedia as well as save information onto CD and DVD record-able media.
Modem -
The modem has many different uses, it can allow for you to make calls to other computers or even to communicate fax machines. A modem can be connected to the motherboard by the use of a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) Slot as well as Computer Memory Card International Association) Slot. These slots are located on the board itself. The PCMCIA slots are usually only found on laptops.
UPS
Refers to emergency battery backup power. Because the effects of power outages can be detrimental to computers, UPS’ were devised as a way to protect peripherals as well as the Motherboard from problems attributed to the negative effects of power outages. The ‘negative effects’ aforementioned refers to electrical noise and damaging power surges [and even lightning].
http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=98&type=typea
Network Card
A group of two or more computer systems linked together. The primary usage of a network card is as the name implies to network various types of IT equipment. The network card is connected to the motherboard via the PCI slot. The slots used for these cards are the PCI slots, which have a fast processing ability.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network_interface_card_NIC.html
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network.html
-Please define the following terms and explain their abbreviations where relevant;
USB/USB 2.0
The term USB [Universal Serial Bus] refers to an eternal bus that supports transfer rates of 12 Mbps up to 1.5 Mpbs.
USB 2.0 is referred to as Hi-Speed USB it is the most recent version of USB specifications. It is an external bus meaning that it connects from the motherboard to an external peripherals, it supports data rates up to 480 Mbps. USB 2.0 is an extension of USB 1.1. USB 2.0 is fully compatible with USB 1.1 and uses the same cables and connectors.
A single USB port can hold up to 127 devices peripherals at any one time. Making USB and USB 2.0 as well as High Speed USB a very convenient and efficient way to connect devices such as printers, scanners, USB MIDI port, cameras etc. to a computer.
[10 – 11]
SCSI
The SCSI or [Small Computer Systems Interface], allows many devices (typically up to seven) to connect to one interface card and from there to the motherboard. There has been advances of this interface over the years with each version of course being more advanced than the next in incorporating a newer/ revised version of the standard SCSI cable and connector.
SCSI I
This is the initial SCSI standard. It has a 25 pin connector which can be classified into either SUB –D or Centronics style.
SCSI II
The advent of the SCSI II interface brought about the standard increase in the width of the connector cable to 50 lines as well as the pin being increased from a 25 pin connector to a 50 pin low-density centronics connector and the 50 pin high-density SUB-D connector.
SCSI III
This is the most recent advance in the SCSI chain of evolution, once again the data paths have been expanded, now it resounds at 68 lines and has introduced the high-density 68 pin SUB-D style of connector. This interface provides for fast data transfers and is used exclusively for SCSI fixed disks.
[7 – 9]
Firewire/mLAN
mLAN refers to a now standard interfacing, which carries; digital audio, MIDI, timecode and drive communications using a singe cable. Firewire refers to a bi-directional interface allowing a single cable to carry MIDI, digital audio or any other presiding signals in both directions.
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug00/articles/mlan.htm
http://www.mlancentral.com/
http://www.encouragersoftware.com/10072004.htm
http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2002/FS-96-FireWire-IO-Card.html
ATA/SATA/IDE
Refers to controller cards, which are located on the motherboard of a computer and used as an interface for peripherals such as disk drives.
-What devices may be connected to these interfaces, and which have implications for the Audio Engineer?
At the USB/ USB 2.0 port, MIDI interfaces can be connected the computer as well as USB audio interfaces, USB drum console even a USB hub for additional USB devices. The ATA/SATA/IDE can connect an external hard drive to the system; Firewire/mLAN can be used for the same equipment as the USB/USB 2.0 port, for SCSI you can attach a printer. All of the above devices inclusive of the printer are important or can be important for an Audio Engineer from time to time. But, it is good to note the remarkable speed of the USB 2.0.
-Explain the term 'Operating System', and identify the 2 main OSs' in use (name the relevant platform for these OSs')
The term Operating System refers to the basic software that controls a computer. This system has three (3) major functions: ‘It coordinates and manipulates computer hardware, such as computer memory, printers, disks, keyboard, mouse, and monitor; it organizes files on a variety of storage media, such as floppy disk, hard drive, compact disc, digital video disc, and tape; and it manages hardware errors and the loss of data’ [4] The two main Oss’ in use are Windows and UNIX.
http://ls.berkeley.edu/computing/platform.html
-Expand the abbreviation 'GUI' and give a description of its concept and how it has evolved.
GUI [Graphic User Interface] is a display format that allows the user to choose commands, start programs and execute many other processes by clicking on the icon for that particular pictorial representation on the screen [which is known as a User Interface]. This execution of processes is generally activated with the use of a keyboard or a mouse. The concept of GUIs came about due to the need for simplification of the computing process/ use of a computer. Initially, each application had its own unique interface and there was not much similarity amongst applications, so, not only was there for the need for simplification but also for a compact solution. Modern GUI, because of the display format, resulted in a similarity in applications due to the standard controls such as menu buttons. It then became more practical for application developers to use the existing infrastructure, rather than to go out and develop their own thus, GUI became streamlined.
http://www.cse.iitk.ac.in/research/mtech1997/9711126/node10.html
-Briefly describe the following:
a) Application
A computer program that is designed to help people perform certain tasks is called an Application. It is good to note that an application differs from the operating system as the application helps perform tasks while the OS basically runs the computer.
Depending on the work for which it was designed, an application can manipulate text, numbers, graphics, or a combination of these elements. Some application packages offer considerable computing power by focusing on a single task, such as word processing; others, called integrated software, offer somewhat less power but include several applications, such as a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a database program. [4]
b) Machine code
Machine code is also known as machine language. Basically it is a form of low-level programming, which can only be understood by the CPU of a computer. [4] This code consists of sequences that contain binary numbers or bits, which guide the CPU operation of the particular task. Thus it can be said that machine code is the link between the user and the desired output.
c) High level language
High-Level Language [meaning that they are closer to human languages and further from machine languages], is a variation of machine language, which provides a level of abstract outputs, which are in an addition to the underlying machine language. This abstraction is made via the use of declarations, control statements and generally any other syntactical structures. This language type is not limited by computer type or for one specific job, and it is more easily understood. [5, 6]
d) Java
Java is an object-oriented computer programming language. Applications written in Java are usually embedded in Web pages, or documents, and can be run by clicking on them with a mouse. Data distribution is facilitated by Java as through the use of applets [small application programs], which are distributed over the Internet. Java is platform dependent as it does not directly interact with the CPU or OS making Java able to run with any type of PC, workstation, or mainframe computer – this is called cross-platform capability and is referred to as “write once, run everywhere,” [4]
-Outline the main differences between Apple Macintosh computers and IBM compatible computers.
The Apple Macintosh or Mac and the PC or personal computer, which is IBM compatible are different in many ways. Different “thought” processes and philosophies can sum up the biggest difference between Macs and PC’s. Macs actually think more like humans, while PC's tend think to the opposite of humans. The OS for the both also act along the same guidelines, with the Mac’s requiring less ‘clicking’ and less menu’s, they tend to flow the way that a human being would anticipate. Whereas, the PC is greatly influenced by programming and codes thus it has more of a machine like approach to processing.
The cost factor is yet another difference, as a Mac is more expensive than a PC, making the PC the dominant seller. While IBM’s appeal to the general public with lower prices, Apple Macintosh has proven to be a better overall product in terms of processing and high-resolution graphics. In fact with the Mac’ integration of the Mega hertz with another type of processing speed, the Mac has triumphed as being the world’s fastest computer. Lastly the availably of compatible programs for the Mac is a drawback, as IBM’s have won that category by a landslide.
http://www.cyberws.com/info/macvspc.shtml
http://allfreeessays.com/student/Mac_vs_IBM.html
REFERENCES:
1. http://www.mbhs.edu/~lleung/computer/mbd.html
2. http://www.networkclue.com/hardware/computer/building/motherboard.php
3. http://www.itteacher.com/CompFund2/Notes/HTML/Week5/Week5Ha-Ports-and-Cables.htm
4. Msn Encarta Encyclopaedia
5. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/highll.htm
6. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/H/high_level_language.html
7. http://www.crucial.com/library/understanding_usb.asp
8. http://www.usb.org/home
9. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/USB_2_0.html
10. http://www.usb.org/home
11. http://www.crucial.com/library/understanding_usb.asp
12. http://www.apcc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=98&type=typea
13. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network_interface_card_NIC.html
14. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network.html
15. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug00/articles/mlan.htm
16. http://www.mlancentral.com/
17. http://www.encouragersoftware.com/10072004.htm
18. http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2002/FS-96-FireWire-IO-Card.html
19. http://ls.berkeley.edu/computing/platform.html
20. http://www.cyberws.com/info/macvspc.shtml
21. http://allfreeessays.com/student/Mac_vs_IBM.html |
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Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:46 am |
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ben m
Joined: 15 Sep 2002
Posts: 344
Location: UK |
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quote:
Originally posted by JohnA
Stability! This seems to be one of the big problems with Windows. All of Windows software components are linked together so if a program crashes, they all go down (now I understand why I have to reboot all the time)!. Mac OS X separates most of it's programs from each other and from the OS itself (I'm starting to think Apple are going to get themselves a new customer soon)! This means that if a program stops working, the rest of the computer keeps working. It also has a feature called "Force Quit" that will close an offending program without affecting other programs that are running. You can then restart the program you just quitted and it should work fine!! (sorry Ben, I have to put these exclemation marks in my answer here as I have been a frequent member of the "I'm gonna throw this computer out of the window now" user club).
John - this can be frustrating.
Have you tried this;
Control Panel -> System -> Advanced -> Startup and Recovery - Settings -> untick the automatically restart box.
This can prevent Windows from restarting at every error.
ben m |
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Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:07 pm |
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JohnA
Joined: 20 Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Location: Mid Glamorgan, UK |
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Audio Course
AUMT03
Week 3
JohnA (jalevin)
Define the following terms:
Latency
A measure of how long it takes to get a response from something so it is in essence a delay in signal processing as well as software processing: this is how long it takes for a signal to pass through a device. It is also how long it takes for a result to happen from a command. The command may be a midi command from a keyboard running through software in a computer for example.
Duplex: Full duplex is the ability of a circuit to transmit in either direction at the same time. Half duplex is a transmission over a circuit in either direction but only in one direction at a time.
Buffer: In data transmission, a buffer is a temporary storage location for information that is being sent or received. A temporary memory location for data that is in transit from one device to another device. It is a place that is shared by hardware devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with differing sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up by the other. It is a “mid point holding place” to support the coordination of separate activities.
Define the following Sound Card driver types and their advantages/disadvantages;
Every hardware device connected to a computer must have a driver. A driver is low-level software that allows Operating Systems and hardware devices to interface with each other. This software works with a computers OS to control a piece of hardware.
MME: Multimedia Extensions: MME has been a standard since Windows 3.1, but it has rapidly been rendered more or less obsolete by DirectX. Probably the only reason to use MME is if you can't get DirectX to work at all, or if you have a very old soundcard for which there are no DirectX drivers available. The most notable disadvantage with MME, apart from the slow performance, is that you can only use one audio application at a time, no matter how many soundcards you have in your computer.
Direct X : Direct X (developed by Microsoft to work originally under Windows 95) allowed programmers to access more directly the sound and graphic capabilities of the computer. This allowed, among other things, faster games. Before the introduction of DirectX, most computer games were written for DOS, since performance in the Windows was very slow - but since the introduction of DirectX, most games are 'Windows native'. Developers of music software immediately saw the potential of DirectX and therefore have supported DirectX since the very first release version, v 1.0. DirectX was not included in Windows95, it was an add-on which you had to install manually - but Windows98 includes DirectX version 5.0. The sound portion of DirectX is called DirectSound. DirectSound drivers are available for nearly all audio cards, but not for all of them.
ASIO: Audio Stream Input / Output. This technology (developed by Steinberg) goes a step further than the standard computer sound card which usually has stereo (two channel) capability only. It allows the user to record and play back audio and midi on multiple-channels when using multi-channel sound cards and recording sequencing software programs. It is also cross platform so other OS can use it. Manufacturers of professional audio sound cards must create an ASIO driver to use with their hardware. The ASIO driver allows the program (Cubase, Sonar etc) to “see” all the I/O connections available on the connected sound card. You can then “assign” them as you want for record / playback with the ASIO compatible software you are using.
WDM: Windows Driver Model created by Microsoft for Windows 98, 2000 Me and XP.
WDM takes some of the work of the device driver that you are using and integrates it into the OS. These portions of code handle all of the low-level buffering management which includes Plug and Play and DMA. Therefore, as the WDM driver channels some of the work into portions of code that are integrated into the OS, it is streamlined (with less code to carry) and becomes far more efficient.
How may latency be reduced with ASIO/WDM drivers?
Described above in “WDM”.
Name the primary differences between 'consumer' and 'professional' soundcards.
Consumer soundcards work at –10dBu whereas professional units work at +4dBu. Consumer soundcard connections are usually unbalanced whereas professional units would have to have balanced connectivity. Audio inputs are also different grades, either consumer or professional grade so they may have unbalanced jack inputs instead of the professional balanced XLR input.
Define the following hard drive features/specifications and explain their usefulness in a DAW:
Cache : A high-speed storage mechanism, either a reserved section of the main memory or it can be in an independent high-speed storage device as in a hard drive. It is a mechanism for speeding up the time it takes to read from or write to a hard disk drive. These days, it is usually included as part of the hard disk drive. The disk cache uses conventional main memory (RAM: Random Access Memory) to speed access time up.This dramatically improves the performance of applications (programs) as accessing data from RAM is thousands of times quicker than trying to access data directly from a hard disk. All recently accessed data from a disk (as well as the adjacent disk sectors) is stored in a memory buffer. When a program need to access data from the disk drive, its first job is to check the disk cache to look and see if the data is there thus making the whole process quicker. The specifications also have different levels: L1 cache (also called primary cach) is built into a microprocessor. L2 cache (also called secondary cache) is cache memory that is “external” to the microprocessor and therefore resides on a separate chip from the microprocessor chip. L2 cache sits between the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Both L1 and L2 caches are composed of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) but L2 caches are much larger. Obviously, in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), we can be dealing with large music files (Wav files) in large quantities so quick access is vital.
Speed in RPM : Hard disk drives have a circular hard platter that holds the magnetic medium (unlike floppy drives which have a flexible plastic film). In a hard disk drive, the magnetic recording material is layered onto a high-precision disk made of either aluminum or glass. The platter is then polished to a mirror-type smoothness. When you want to access data from the HDD, the read / write head flies over the disk, never actually touching it. Different HDD have different RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) speeds, with the majority spinning the platter from 3,600rpm to 10,000 rpm. In a DAW, we have to access information quickly, including finding and loading large music files. Again, storage of these files on a HDD allows us this quick access.
ATA Type : Advanced Technology Attachment. A disk drive implementation that integrates the controller (the controller is a small circuit board with chips on it that provide guidance as to exactly how the hard drive stores and accesses data). directly to the memory) and PIO (Programmed input / output), where the CPU manages the information transfer. ATA 1 is more commonly known as IDE. There are several forms of ATA.
ATA: Known also as IDE, supports one or two hard drives, a 16-bit interface and PIO modes 0, 1 and 2.
ATA-2: Supports faster PIO modes (3 and 4) and multiword DMA modes (1 and 2). Also supports logical block addressing (LBA) and block transfers. ATA-2 is marketed as Fast ATA and Enhanced IDE (EIDE).
ATA-3: Minor revision to ATA-2.
Ultra-ATA: Also called Ultra-DMA, ATA-33, and DMA-33, supports multiword DMA mode 3 running at 33 MBps.
ATA/66: A version of ATA proposed by Quantum Corporation, and supported by Intel, that doubles ATA's throughput to 66 MBps.
ATA/100: An updated version of ATA/66 that increases data transfer rates to 100 MBps.
Why have many people tended not to use AMD processors in DAWs? Is this down to the processor or the relevant motherboard chipsets?
Intel Pentium and AMD processors require different motherboards. Many sound cards would not work with the Athlon chipset. However, this is now no the case.
How may an external 'breakout' box be connected to the host PC? Name 3 different ways and describe the benefits and drawbacks of each protocol.
:You can connect an external break out box with a 25-pin D-sub connector cable, with IEEE 1394 cable or over USB 2. connect
Connect the bread out box to the sound card (which is connected to the PCI slot on the motherboard) with a 25 pin D-sub connector cable.
Benefits: Connected internally your connection is solid and permanent. The inputted signal is converted into digital in the breakout box before it is sent to the PCI card. This can result in a cleaner sounding recording.
Drawbacks:
Firewire IEEE 1394 connected from breakout box to PCI card.
Benefits: Fast data transfer. Plug and play. Multiple computers can be networked or share a peripheral without special support - such as software drivers - in the computer or device. It is also cross-platform and supports transfer speeds of up to 800 megabits per second (on machines that support 1394b). Firewire 800 has also doubled the cable length to 15 feet. The Firewire bus can directly power devices up to 45 watts which means that many more Firewire devices can operate without a dedicated power supply than with USB.
Drawbacks: Not all PCs come factory equipped with Firewire ports. Firewire devices are typically more expensive than USB devices.
USB: Connects directly to the USB connector on your DAW.
Benefits: The unit can be placed virtually anywhere making connections via instruments easier (also great for laptop owners). Its instant when you connect (plug and play) and the audio converters can be kept away from the noise inside of the DAW.
Drawbacks: USB uses more of your computer's CPU resources than FireWire so once you start using your computer for other tasks, fewer resources are available to run your USB device, and the slower it works
What is the importance of cluster size for PC based recordings?
Physical formatting is done by the manufacturer to enable logical formatting to take place. Logical formatting places the file system (FAT (File Allocation Table) 16, FAT 32, NTFS etc.) onto the hard drive so that the OS and other data can be installed. When a hard drive is formatted, it is broken down into clusters, which are then in turn broken down into sectors (the OS only views clusters). These clusters can be written in different sizes, typically from 2kb to 8GB, depending on the file management being used (FAT 32 etc.).
The FAT32 system uses small cluster sizes (normally 4Kb) so opting for this will give you more drive space. It does, however, give slightly larger overhead during reading and writing files. The benefit for huge audio files are that large clusters mean fewer read/write operations.
Define the Von Neumann model of PC architecture.
John Von Neumann was the first to spell out the requirements for a general purpose electronic computer. It included three components used in most computers today: CPU, slow to access storage area like a hard drive and a secondary fast access memory (RAM). The machines stored instructions as binary values (creating the stored program concept) and executed instructions sequentially - the processor fetched instructions one at a time and processed them. Today "von Neumann architecture" often refers to the sequential nature of computers based on this model.
Describe each of the following terms of their differences in function;
Point to Point connection: This configuration consists of the basic sending and review station directly connected by a dedicated transmission network (e.g, a single wire or fiber-optic cable). This configuration is often used in a single building to accommodate image transmission from one location to another.
Bus : This network topology has computers connected to a strand of network cabling that is connected to network repeaters at one end and terminated at the other. If you break part of the cable or remove the terminator, all machines on that segment lose communication with the network. 10Base2 was a widely used bus topology network in its day.
Network : A group of interconnected computers connected either by cable or by a wireless system. The computers must be capable of transferring data to and from the network.
In a system with a PCI soundcard, is it more desirable to have the graphics card on the AGP or PCI bus?
It is better to place the graphics card on a separate bus (AGP bus) so that the graphics card does not add noise to the audio that you are recording.
Name 2 examples of an optical storage format, and their respective capacities.
CD has a typical storage capacity of 650Mb and a DVD (single sided) has a storage capacity of 4.7Gb (double this for double sided).
Explain the importance of each of the following factors in a DAW, and what each factor contributes to a DAW;
Amount of RAM : It is important to have as much Ram as you can in a DAW as the more RAM you have, the quicker the access time.
Hard Drive Space : Large hard drive capacity allows you to store more large audio files. Adding an additional hard drive will allow you to store audio files separate from program files, again, allowing for
Processor Speed : This is the clock speed, how many instructions the processor can execute per second (measured in megahertz (MHz). In a DAW, the size of the audio files are so big, we have to use a processor with a high MHz rating to achieve continuity of our work (recording/playback etc.). This speed is what the processor contributes.
Explain the following file systems, their associated OSs' and the capabilities of each File System;
FAT : File Allocation Table. This table is what the OS uses to locate files on a disk. Fragmentation causes the files stored on a disc to be scattered all around the disk. FAT keeps track of all these pieces in the DOS system. FAT’s art stored just after the boot sector. Windows 95 has FAT16 and Windows 98 (and one newer version of Windows 95) is called FAT32.
FAT32: FAT32 available in Windows 95 OSR 2 and Windows 98. FAT32 increases the number of bits used to address clusters and it also reduces the size of each of the clusters. This means that it can support larger hard disk drives (up to 2 terabytes) and it had better storage efficiency (less slack space).
NTFS : NT File System. This is one of the file systems for Windows NT OS (Windows NT also supports the FAT system) and Windows 2000. It is now the standard for Windows XP. NTFS has features to improve reliability, such as transaction logs to help recover from disk failures. To control access to files, you can set permissions for directories and/or individual files. NTFS files are not accessible from other operating systems such as DOS. For any large applications, NTFS supports spanning volumes. This means files and directories can be spread out across several physical disks.
What is a 'partition' on a hard drive?
PARTITION - A “section” of a hard drive. You must create at least one partition to begin using a “new” hard drive, but you can create multiple partitions to keep chunks of your data separate. It is also possible to install multiple OS’s on these multiple partitions. Usually it's just one OS per partition, but some OS’s, like Windows 95/98/Me and Windows NT/2000/XP, for example, are designed to run together in the same partition as long as you use a compatible file system to format the partition.
What are the advantages of keeping audio on a seperate partition/drive to program files?
By keeping audio in a separate partition or on a separate hard drive from your programs, there is less chance that the data of the system files will become corrupt. Faster performance: if all your audio and the program is on the same drive, the drive read/write head has to move from audio file to program to get data. If you have two drives, one read/write head is working on the program while drive 2’s read/write head is getting/recording the files (this is obviously an argument for separate drives and not partitions). Also if you have separate drives, the seek time is less and so latency is lower. Hard drives are read form the outside of the disk first. Again, if you have separate drives you have more “outside” space and so the drive can be read quicker.
How does a virtual/soft sampler such as Halion utilise the host computers resources? This sampler uses “streaming” (transfering data so that it can be used a one continuous stream) under any VST 2 compatible host. With streaming, only the initial portion of the sample is loaded into RAM (the rest of the sample plays as a stream directly from the hard drive. You can adjust the ratio of how much the sample plays from RAM/HDD. Again, using a second hard drive helps here with the sample. If you want to have a number of instruments running at once, extra RAM is essential.
How many minutes of stereo CD-quality digital audio can be stored in a 1 Gigabyte hard disk partition, approximately?
CD’s are recorded at 44.1Khz/16bit stereo. In a one minute recording there is roughly 10Mb of information. There are 1024Mb in a Gigabyte so, 1024 divided by 10Mb = 102.4 minutes.
For a hard disk of 20 Gigabytes capacity or more, what is the most likely backup device, other than another hard disk?
Zip disk will back 20Gb in one go, on CDRW 850Mb you would need 24 discs, DVD Double sided discs can store up to 9.4GB so you would need three of those. USB Flash drives can store up to 1GB so you would need 20! Of them. Go DVD Double Sided.
Describe four different areas of application in widespread use and give an example of a popular piece of software in each area.
Audio / Midi Music Application for recording music in audio and midi forms, Steinberg Cubase SX. Word Processing for storing and manipulating text, Microsoft Word X 10, Computer Graphics for designing visuals, Photoshop software, Computer Video Editing, Pinnacle Liquid.
Describe the main advantages of Firewire compared to SCSI
Firewire supports more devices than SCSI, it is hot pluggable and does not require termination, it sets ID devises automatically, it does not require a computer for data transfer, it has a slightly higher transfer rate that SCSI (firewire has a data transfer rat of up to 1.5gbps, SCSI is 1.2Gbps).
In relation to computer software;
What is a driver? A driver is a small computer program that controls a device. Your printer, mouse, scanner, all these devices need drivers to work with the OS. The drivers for many devices such as keyboards are already built into the OS.
What is an extension?
An extension is an extra feature added to a standard system or programming language.
An example would be In DOS, where one or several letters at the end of a follow a period (dot) and indicate the type of information stored in the file. For example, in the filename EDIT.COM, the extension is COM, which indicates that the file is a command file. (Depending on the operating system, the punctuation separating the extension from the rest of the filename may or may not be considered part of the extension itself.)
When changing sampling frequency, what happens to the latency?
General rule of thumb is the higher the sample rate, the lower the frequency.
Excluding the host device, what is the maximum number of devices that may be attached to a SCSI bus?
The maximum number of devices that can be attached to a SCSI bus is 15.
If it is necessary to reconnect or reconfigure the devices on a SCSI bus what precaution should be taken?
Make sure that you have backed up any data you will need in the future, turn the computer off, always handle the drive by its frame, leave the computer plugged in to an electric outlet with an earth ground (as well as use a grounded static wristband connected to the metal chassis of the computer case). This minimizes the possibility of damage from static discharge.
How many terminators would there normally be on a SCSI bus? Where would they be situated?
There must only be two terminators for each bus segment and these must be placed at the extreme ends of the cabling for each SCSI bus.
A system incorporating two devices in addition to the host on a SCSI bus isn’t working correctly. What would you check on the SCSI devices themselves, assuming they are all switched on?
Cable could be too long, do all the devices have unique SCSI ID’s, if there the proper termination with the last device in the chain,? Sometimes, changing the order of the devices is the chain helps. Also try disabling the built-in termination and attach a physical terminator instead. You can purchase Interex's SCSI Rx. It's an enhanced SCSI diagnostic terminator with LEDs that visually let you see what's going on, such as the TERMPWR wire.
Macintosh computers running system version 9.0.4 and lower are not very good at playing audio while word processing, whereas IBM PC compatible computers running Microsoft operating systems are. What is lacking from the Macintosh's operating system?
Before the Mac OS X, the system was did not have pre-emptive multi-tasking capability. This ability allows the computer to switch from one application to another.
In a hard disk recording system, which type of disk drive would you expect to allow the most simultaneous tracks to be replayed, a magnetic hard disk or a magneto-optical disk?
Magnetic hard disk.
Which is usually thought to offer the most reliable long-term storage, removable magnetic hard disk cartridge or magneto-optical disk?
Optical disks can store data for over 100 years making it more reliable than hard disk storage systems.
Compared to digital tape, what is the principal disadvantage of disks for long-term storage?
HDD are mechanical and will inevitably fail one day so long term storage is not recommended. It is magnetically stored so can easily be damaged.
Explain the advantages of newer 64-bit processors.
64bit processors double the amount of data a CPU can process. It wont make programs run any faster but has the power to dramatically improve the performance of more demanding applications (especially in a DAW where we work with audio files). Long term, it will give programmers much more power to play with so could revolutionize what software will be able to do. 64 bit lets you address more memory. 32 chips can address up to 4GB or memory (Apple G4 up to 2GB). In Windows that is split between the OS and the applications. So the most memory given to any applications is 2GB. A 64-bit processor, on the other hand, can address up to 16 exabytes of memory (that's over 16 billion gigabytes).
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