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Assignment One

The document outlines the basic components of computer systems, including hardware and software, and compares different types of computers such as supercomputers, mainframes, and personal computers. It discusses the evolution of computers, their impact on various industries like healthcare and education, and highlights the importance of the CPU and storage types in computing. Additionally, it evaluates advancements in GPUs and features of modern computers, emphasizing performance, portability, and usability.

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fybianwillyson2006
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13 views4 pages

Assignment One

The document outlines the basic components of computer systems, including hardware and software, and compares different types of computers such as supercomputers, mainframes, and personal computers. It discusses the evolution of computers, their impact on various industries like healthcare and education, and highlights the importance of the CPU and storage types in computing. Additionally, it evaluates advancements in GPUs and features of modern computers, emphasizing performance, portability, and usability.

Uploaded by

fybianwillyson2006
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSIGNMENTS ONE

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 7/10/2024


BASIC COMPUTER COMPONENTS
Explain the basic components of a computer system and how they work together to perform
computing tasks.
1. The Hardware - The hardware process input data and provides the means to communicate with
the external environment.
2. Computer software - Software is the logics that guide the hardware to perform a task. Programs
manipulate data to produce the desired results.

 Compare and contrast the different types of computers, including supercomputers, mainframes,
personal computers, and embedded systems.
1. Supercomputers - These are the largest, most powerful and most expensive computers. A
supercomputer is made up of several computers that are joined so that they work together. They
are used in complex scientific evaluations and by defense agencies to process very large amounts
of data at very high speed.
2. Mainframe computers - These are large computers usually housed in a controlled environment.
Mainframe computers support huge processing activities. They are used in large organizations to
handle business transactions
3. Personal computers – Also called micro- computers. These are relatively small, general purpose
computer systems. A microcomputer can usually be used only by one person at a time to handle
business activities.

 Discuss the evolution of computers, tracing their development from the early mechanical
calculators to modern-day computing devices.

 Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different categories of computers (e.g., desktops,
laptops, tablets, and smartphones) in terms of performance, portability, and usability.
Advantages
Desktop computers – small enough to fit on top of a desk.
Laptops – are portable and fit into a briefcase.
Tablets, and smartphones – They combine pen input, writing recognition, personal organizational tools
and communications capabilities.
Disadvantages
Desktop computers – cannot be carried around.

 Describe the impact of computers on modern society, including their role in various industries such
as healthcare, education, and entertainment.
1. Healthcare - Computers are used in diagnosis of diseases i.e. symptoms are collected from the
patient and fed into the computer hence it analyses and a prescription is thus arrived at.
Computers also aid in Performing medical test and medical researches.
2. Education - computers help students learn better through giving lessons to students like in
computer Aided-learning (C.A.L.) system and e-learning techniques. Learning has been enriched
because of the scale and range of information provided by computers.
3. Entertainment -Video Games, watch movies, listen to music and internet entertainments.

Discuss the evolution / generation of computers highlighting major technologies employed.


The various generations of computers are listed below:
(i) First Generation - the first 'computer' to use electronic valves (vacuum tubes). The
high cost of vacuum tubes prevented their use for main memory. They stored
information in the form of propagating sound waves
(ii) Second Generation - used transistors for CPU components & ferrite cores for main
memory & magnetic disks for secondary memory. Transistors were used instead of
Vacuum Tube.
(iii) Third Generation - They used Integrated Circuit (IC) chips in place of the
transistors.
(iv) Fourth Generation - They used Microprocessor (VLSI) as their main switching
element.
(v) Fifth Generation - Use ULSI (Ultra-Large Scale Integration) chips
(vi) Sixth Generation - marked by the integration of AI, quantum computing, and
advanced connectivity, which together promise to further revolutionize how we
interact with technology and manage information.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Explain the functions and importance of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer’s brain. The brain processor contains the control unit;
arithmetic and logic unit and processing registers.
1. Control unit (CU) -The control unit determines which program instructions to execute,
interpret the instructions and causes the instruction to be executed.
2. Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) -The ALU is responsible for:
I. Arithmetic computation
II. Data transfer (input/output processing)
III. Logic comparison
3. Processing registers - The registers hold instructions during execution and the data being
processed.

1. Discuss the differences between primary and secondary storage in computer hardware,
providing examples of each.
Primary memory - Computer memory is classified into two broad categories. The read only
memory (ROM) that stores firmware and the Random Access Memory (RAM) a general-purpose
memory initialized and used by a computer to process data.
Secondary storage (memory) - The secondary memory supplements the main memory of a
computer. Data is stored on secondary memory permanently until they are explicitly removed or
the storage media destroyed. Properties of secondary memory
 Its non-volatile
 It has a long response time
Examples of secondary memory Disks, Tapes, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Flash disks, Zip Disks
etc.

2. Analyze the role and importance of input/output (I/O) devices in computing systems.
Input devices accept data from external environment and encode them into a form understandable to the
computer for the processing.
Output devices receive the processed data from the computer and decode them into a form
comprehensible to the user.
3. Describe the different types of computer memory, including cache, RAM, ROM, and virtual
memory, and explain how they impact system performance.
o Random Access Memory (RAM)

1. RAM holds data and program instructions temporarily while the CPU works with
them.
2. RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only when the power is on. When the
power is off, RAM's contents are lost.
3. More RAM results in a faster system.
o Read Only Memory (ROM)

1. Permanent storage of programs.


2. ROM is called non-volatile memory because it never loses its contents.
3. Holds instructions that the computer needs to operate.
4. Evaluate the advancements in graphics processing units (GPUs) and their impact on modern
computing.

5. Explain FIVE features of modern computers.

I. Multicore Processors - Multiple cores enable simultaneous processing,


enhancing multitasking and performance.
II. High-Speed Storage - Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer faster data access and boot
times compared to traditional Hard Drives (HDDs).
III. Advanced Graphics - Dedicated GPUs support high-quality graphics and
rendering for gaming and design applications.
IV. Connectivity Options: Features like USB-C, Thunderbolt, and Wi-Fi 6 provide
fast data transfer and seamless device connectivity.
V. Energy Efficiency: Modern designs focus on lower power consumption and
sustainability, reducing environmental impact.

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