1. When determining the appropriate hardware components of a new information system, what role must the user of the system play?
When determining the appropriate hardware components of a new information system, the user of the system must assemble an effective and efficient system. The user should select and organize components while understanding the trade-offs between overall system performance and cost, control, and complexity. The user involved in selecting their organization’s computer hardware must clearly understand current and future business requirements so they can make informed acquisition decisions.
2. What is the role of the chip set? How is it related to the CPU?
The chip set coordinates the communication between the CPU and other components of the computer. A given chip set is designed to work with a specific CPU. The ship set controls the communications to and from the CPU; it plays a crucial role in determining the system’s performance. The chip set is a number of integrated circuits designed to perform one or more related functions.
3. Identify and briefly discuss the fundamental characteristics that distinguish RAM from ROM memory.
RAM Memory: A form of memory in which instructions or data can be temporarily stored.
Volatile Storage Devices – meaning they lose their contents if the current is turned off or disrupted.
Mounted directly in the computer’s main circuit board or in other chips mounted on peripheral cards that plug into the main circuit board.
Consist of millions of switches that are sensitive to changes in electric current.
RAM comes in many varieties:
Static Random Access Memory
Is a byte-addressable storage used for high-speed registers and caches.
Dynamic Random Access Memory
Is byte-addressable storage used for the main memory in a computer.
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Is an improved form of DRAM that effectively doubles the rate at