Chapter 7 MIS

Provide an example of a fourth generation language.

One example of a fourth GL is SQL. The coder specifies a statement and this is converted into a sequence of procedural steps and then into machine code.

What are the special features of fifth generation languages?

5GLS are designed to allow the programmer to specify the problem constraints and allow the tools built into the language to solve the problem. Goal is to let the computer find a way.

Describe the difference between a bit and a byte.

A bit is a contraction for binary digit, and is the basic unit of data in a digital communication channel or digital device. A byte is a collection of bits used to represent a character in coding systems, and commonly equal to 8 bits.

What is machine language? Do we code in machine language?

All instructions used by the CPU's control are in binary format. This is machine language instruction. We do not code in machine language it is almost impossible.

What are third generation languages (3GL)? Provide the name of three popular 3GLs?

Also called procedural programming languages, since the coder focuses on specifying the procedure to process the data, clearly telling the computer the sequence of instructions to be performed. BASIC, Fortran, and COBOL are well known 3GLs. Code developed in a third generation language must be compiled into machine code by a compiler.

How does assembly language differ from machine language?

Assembly language uses mneumonics for instruction. After assembly language is written it needs to be translated to machine language.

Describe three differences between auxiliary memory and main memory.

Auxiliary memory is used for long-term storage. It is cheaper than main memory, supporting the economical storage of data for a long time. It is typically slower to access than main memory. In some cases, auxiliary memory is portable device that can be removed from the computer, and transported to a different location.

Discuss the impact of (a) clock speed and (b) bit size of the CPU on processing power?

Clock speed is the speed at which instructions can be processed. A faster clock speed means that a processor computes more quickly. A processor is engineered to run at a particular clock speed. The bit size is the number of bits which can be handled at a time. A bit, is the basic unit of data in a digital device or digital communications channel. When bit size increases the number of commands available increases. Going from one bit size to another within the CPU, has little impact until the entire software is re-written to take advantage of the enhanced bit size.

What is ASCII/Unicode?

Coding scheme to translate letters and characters into binary digits is ASCII. ASCII maps letters and common keyboard characters to a set of 7 one/zero combinations. As digital computing spread worldwide, Unicode became the global standard.

What is the function of BIOS?

Instructions to get the computer up and running. The BIOS are basic instructions to make the CPU aware of the system configuration. The BIOS provide instructions to ensure the reliable functioning of the main components including the CPU, main and auxiliary memory devices, and interact with input and output devices.

What are the main steps in the process of booting up a computer?

Machine is turned on and power is supplied to the system. Very basic set of instructions called BIOS is sent to the CPU. The computer becomes self aware and gains capabilities in interacting with I/O devices and managing memory. These instructions are called the operating system. The CPU reads the OS instructions after the BIOS and loads the necessary instruction into the computers main memory.

Define RAM, ROM, EPROM.

Main memory is called RAM since the CPU can directly access any randomly selected part of the memory. Another type of memory is termed ROM or read only memory. An EPROM, erasable-programmable read only memory, can be erased and re-written with come difficulty and mostly functions as a read only chip. EPROM chips have BIOS and that has the ability to fix problems and update without having to replace a chip within the device.

What is the role of the operating system in a computer?

Provide the computer with the interface that users can conveniently interact with. Provides convenient platform for other programs to access the computer's resources. Takes a standard written instruction written in a high-level language to store in main memory, and translate it into the appropriate instructions for the CPU.

What is the difference between a desktop computer and a server?

Servers are used in data centers are sold separately as a device, and do not include an OS by default. Personal computing devices are packaged with the OS.

Briefly describe the process of manufacturing CPU microchips

Silicon in sand is purified in multiple steps to obtain very high purity silicon. This pure silicon is melted and grow into a large crystal. The crystal is sliced into very thin, disk shaped wafers, and a thin coating of photo-sensitive material is placed on the wafer. The devices and circuits for the processor are etched into the wafer's surface.

Describe a business scenario where you would prefer (I) tape storage (ii) hard disk (iii) optical storage (iv) flash drives.

Tapes can be good for archival purposes where data retrieval is not a common occurrence. A good business use of tapes is backup storage that does not need to be accessed often. Magnetic hard drives are used to store applications and business data in end-user machines. Frequently used backups are stored on hard drives. Businesses use optical storage for secure archival copies of data. Flash drives are used for carrying personal copies of data.

How is the bus related to computer performance?

The CPU is connected to main memory, and I/O devices of the computer, by a pathway called the bus. Data flows on the bus between theses devices. A faster bus is capable of transporting data more quickly between devices, and speeds up system performance.

Explain the WIMP interface.

The WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers) interface is the most widely used desktop and laptop computing user interface. The interface used separate windows for each program. Icons and menu selections on the screen could be clicked to trigger program actions. A movable pointer could be used to directly select a window, menu item, or icon on the screen.

What is the bit size of a CPU? Explain the difference between a 32 bit and 64 bit processor.

The bit size of the device is the number of bits which can be handled at a time. When going from a 32 bit to a 64 bit processor the number of combinations of commands available increases exponentially.

What are the components of a CPU? Describe their roles.

The control unit (CU) controls the actions of the circuitry within the chip, and manages the computers memory and I/O devices. The CU coordinates data movement within the system and directs activities of the other segments of the CPU. The other major role of the CPU is to perform the actual computing processes. This is done by the ALU Arithmetic-logic unit. This adds values and provides a result. The CPU has registers, which are small data storage locations used to hold intermediate values in computations.

What are the important features of main memory on a computer?

The main memory of the computer is the location where the computer stores the programming instructions. Main memory is directly linked to the CPU and is used for fast and direct access by the CPU. The CPU can instantaneously access any part of main memory. The value of random access is that the CPU can reach for any instruction and any location, without having to read all the data in a sequence. Main memory is therefore called RAM since the CPU can directly access any randomly selected part of the memory.

Explain the difference between the computer's operating system and applications software.

The operating system has more ineraction with input and output devices. The OS provides a layer of abstraction between the CPU and the program used by the machine. This simplifies writing programs, since they can be written for OS, and the OS will make the conversions for each specific type of CPU.

What is the motherboard of a computer?

The term motherboard refers to the circuit board on which all the components of a computer are mounted/connected. Often the CPU, main and auxiliary memory, and links to I/O devices are placed on the motherboard.

Explain volatility of DRAM/ main memory.

The type of RAM used in computers is called dynamic RAM and the dynamic nature of the device means that an electrical charge must be constantly supplied to the device to hold its data. If the power supply is interrupted, the changes are lost, leading to a loss of data.

Explain/ use SI measurements - milli to pico and kilo to exa.

milli 10^-3 micro 10^-6 nano 10^-9 pico 10^-12 kilo 10^3 mega 10^6 giga 10^9 tera 12 peta 15 exa 18

What are the new interface options available in touch screen user interfaces?

single and multi-touch, wrist movements, pressure sensitive.