NationStates Jolt Archive

in 3 hours i will be having my Computer Exam, what i want you guys to do, is basically test me.

I am a first semester student so don't ask anything extremly hard.

Defenitions, Comparisons, Identifying and Explanations.


Hopefully someone will respond to this, anyways just to repeat, you can ask a question or post a picture of the question and i will respond to it as fast as possible. You will have to trust i won't seek the answers on the web. After all this is my marks not yours.

If i can't answer the question, i ask that you show the answer otherwise so i can try and memorize.

Thank you too all that help... :)

What aspect of computers? It's kind of a broad scope..

Programming? What language? Computer Architecture? Data structures? etc.

More the physical parts.

As in what is a PCI? Identify parts of a floppy drive? Which OS system is 1337?

Hardware and Software i guess in a nutshell.

Explain the function of the following registers
MAR (Memory Address Register)
MDR (Memory Data Register)
PC (Program Counter)

Explain the function of the following registers
MAR (Memory Address Register)
MDR (Memory Data Register)
PC (Program Counter)

I don't think we've ever learned that. O_O, i am first semester student... errr actually i'm very sure we've never learned that.

1. How many bits are in a byte?

2. Which ip port is normaly used for http and which is for ftp?

3. How long does a modern x86 cpu (name specific chip) take to run a milllion of each following operations on 32-bit integers:
increment?
xor?
add?
multiply?
How about 64-bit floating points?

I don't think we've ever learned that. O_O, i am first semester student... errr actually i'm very sure we've never learned that.

That stuff is architecture.

How about...
What is a bit?
What is a byte?
What is RAM?

1. How many bits are in a bite?

2. Which ip port is normaly used for http and which is for ftp?

3. How long does a modern x86 cpu (name specific chip) take to run a milllion of each following operations on 32-bit integers:
increment?
xor?
add?
multiply?
How about 64-bit floating points?

Dude, first semester. They don't learn this stuff until the second year. Think the basics of the basics. That's the kind of stuff I have an exam over on Wednesday, and I'm a Junior! :p

Sorry, that's more CPU architecture.

Try these.

Explain meaning of the following terms and the differences between them.
a Bit
a Byte
a Nibble
a Word

1. How many bits are in a bite?

8

2. Which ip port is normaly used for http and which is for ftp?

Never learnt that... so i'll just say Serial and Parallel.

3. How long does a modern x86 cpu (name specific chip) take to run a milllion of each following operations on 32-bit integers:
increment?
xor?
add?
multiply?
How about 64-bit floating points?

.. that's for a differnt class... but still never learnt that. I think we'll have to go a little ezier... i'm starting to think my class has somewhat low standards.

That stuff is architecture.

How about...
What is a bit?
What is a byte?
What is RAM?

A bit is a form of memory...
A byte is 8 bits.
RAM=Random Access Memory, the bigger the number the more programs it can run. :D

Dude, first semester. They don't learn this stuff until the second year. Think the basics of the basics.
Yes, now I see that. I was just being stupid since he didn't give any details at first.

Here's a good question he should be able to answer:

What's the difference between http and https?

A bit is a form of memory...


bit stands for binary digit. It's a one or a zero. It is how things are stored in memory, in strings of binary numbers called bytes.

Explain meaning of the following terms and the differences between them.
a Bit
a Byte
a Nibble
a Word


Err.... a Bit is.. 1 bit.

A Byte is 8 bits

a Nibble is 2 bits i believe...

and a word is 4 bits.


That's basically right isn't it?


What's the difference between http and https?

One's plural? X_X.. sorry never learnt that... along the way, you should be able to figure out, what i have and havent learnt.

bit stands for binary digit. It's a one or a zero. It is how things are stored in memory, in strings of binary numbers called bytes.


X_X argh, well i was semi-close.

Who wants to hear a bad joke?

There are only 10 types of people, those that can understand binary and those that cannot.

Dude, first semester. They don't learn this stuff until the second year. Think the basics of the basics. That's the kind of stuff I have an exam over on Wednesday, and I'm a Junior! :pDo they really ask that kind of stuff? I have no idea. I've only taken 2 computer classes, and they were both beginner programming (yawn). Actually, the first one was all theory, NO HANDS ON! Yuck, I never would've learned to program anything had I actually started that way. Anyway, I'd actually love to know how todays CPUs compare with those from 5/10/20 years ago in terms of raw operations. I'm not sure where you find that sort of information, not that I've looked much.

I hated programming... i took the class and they taught Turing! Who the heck uses Turing?!

Err.... a Bit is.. 1 bit.

A Byte is 8 bits

a Nibble is 2 bits i believe...

and a word is 4 bits.


That's basically right isn't it?


Bit: 1 binary digit
Byte: 8 bits
Nibble: 4 bits
Word: The amount of bits retrieved in a single memory access. (Depends on CPU - this you probably won't need to know yet)

I hated programming... i took the class and they taught Turing! Who the heck uses Turing?!
really old people

More questions please.

Software and Hardware related questions.

Identifications, Explanations, Defenitions.

What does a modem do, and what does it stand for?

Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

(Won't be on an exam, but i'll answer it anyways)

A modem is used to gain internet connection anyways. My modem has 4 buttons.


Telling me if it's on, if it's retrieving Data or Sending Data... and ummm dang don't remember the last one. =\

Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

RAM=Random Access Memory
ROM=Read Only Memory

ROM's can only be read and cannot be edited in anyways.
RAM's can be read and edited to suit your needs.

A peripheral (say a keyboard) needs to get the attention of the CPU, name two ways in which this can be achieved.

(Won't be on an exam, but i'll answer it anyways)

A modem is used to gain internet connection anyways. My modem has 4 buttons.


Telling me if it's on, if it's retrieving Data or Sending Data... and ummm dang don't remember the last one. =\
*sigh*

I can't even ask the simplest of questions :eek: :(

Err.... a Bit is.. 1 bit.

A Byte is 8 bits

a Nibble is 2 bits i believe...

and a word is 4 bits.


That's basically right isn't it?




One's plural? X_X.. sorry never learnt that... along the way, you should be able to figure out, what i have and havent learnt.

Nibble is 4 bits or 1/2 a byte a word is in bytes not bits traditionaly a word is USUALY 32 (on a traditiona x86 machine)

A good source of info is www.whatis.com they have the answer to most tech related questions (general ones)

Nibble
http://searchsmallbizit.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid44_gci212659,00.html

word
http://searchsmallbizit.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid44_gci498438,00.html

As for the port http travles on ... outgoing ... or server requests on port 80 (dont worry you wont need to know this off hand ... tcp ports probably wont be covered)


Ok here are some of my own (I teach an intro class at my collage) but that may still be a bit hard so let me know

Ram (random access memory) What does it do? (know has been asked before but essentially just a definition)

Processor
What does it do?

Bus (non specific) what does a bus do?

what are pci slots?

What are agp slots?

What are isa slots?

what is volatile memory? where is it used?

What is non volatile memory? where is it used?

What is bios?

What is the most standard computer input?

What is the most standard computer output?

what is a network card?

What is an Ethernet?

What are the advantages of floppy disks?

The disadvantages?

What is the advantages of magnetic storage (hard drive and floppy)

What are the advantages of optical drives?

what is an example of an optical drive?


(I can keep going if you wish) but lets see how you get these done first

Software:

What is an operating system?

What are examples of some common operating systems?

What are some functions that operating systems perform?

What is software?

Examples of some software?

What are software packages?

What is anti-virus software?

What is spyware?

(just figured I would ask some of these … see what you know of software and move on from there)

More of a physical question, the difference between analogue and digital?

How many bytes are there in a kiloByte?
in a megaByte?

What is ASCII?

Transtale 10010111 in decimal.

A peripheral (say a keyboard) needs to get the attention of the CPU, name two ways in which this can be achieved.

... i do not know... so i'll guess.

1. Hook it up?
2. ummmmm hook it up again so you have 2 keyboards? ^^;





Ram (random access memory) What does it do? (know has been asked before but essentially just a definition)

RAM is how many tasks do you can do at one time. The More RAM you have, the more tasks you can do without slowing the computer, or worse Blue Screen. O_O

Processor
What does it do?

Processes information....

Bus (non specific) what does a bus do?

This is what hooks up the components together in an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) It allows you to hook up differnt things at one speed.

what are pci slots?
Periphiral Component Interconnect. THis is what holds the modern cards. Ie. Sound Cards and Video cards and where you put them.

What are agp slots?
Accelerated Graphics Port, basically used for Video Cards much better to use then the PCI's.

What are isa slots?
Industry Standard Architecture. They were basically older PCI slots, but no-one uses them anymore, since PCI is better. well smaller.

what is volatile memory? where is it used?
Do not remember.

What is non volatile memory? where is it used?
Don't know

What is bios?
Binary Input/Output system. Basically telling you in binary, if it is sending or receiving.

What is the most standard computer input?
Don't understand the question

What is the most standard computer output?
Don't understand the question

what is a network card?
No idea....

What is an Ethernet?
Ummm, basically an offline internet connection between other computer isn't it?

What are the advantages of floppy disks?
You can erase and move files, unlike those danged CD's where you have to format the drive to get rid of one file. -.-

The disadvantages?
Generally hold less memory.

What is the advantages of magnetic storage (hard drive and floppy)
I never figured that out.... the teacher never explained it well.

What are the advantages of optical drives?
never even heard of those O.O

what is an example of an optical drive?
look above.


(I can keep going if you wish) but lets see how you get these done first

You can give more.

What is an operating system?
Not sure how to explain it... these are the things that give you special options depending on your OS....

What are examples of some common operating systems?
Windows, Linux, Unix,

What are some functions that operating systems perform?
If windows, they crash alot ;) j/k. Ummm.... not sure.

What is software?
Basically data. Stuff that is on the CD or can be downloaded to you computer, and can be altered or deleted and such.

Examples of some software?
Anything on a CD really. OS's, Games.

What are software packages?
Software that requires more then 1 CD? or was it that it comes in different incrememnts.

What is anti-virus software?
Don't need to know this. But basically get rids of corrupt data.

What is spyware?
Evil SOB's that look at what type of stuff i surf and then give me a million pop-ups to see if i want something similar. Also they lag my computer.

What does www mean?

Name an internet browser.

What is bandwidth? Which unit do you use to measure it?

What does www mean?

Name an internet browser.

What is bandwidth? Which unit do you use to measure it?

1. World Wide Web
2. Internet Explorer
3. Bandwith is how many people can be on your site...and download stuff i believe.

Either way i don't have to know internet terms really. More offline stuff.

To make this simple I will repost with the answers


Processor
What does it do?

You are right processes information along with making decisions on thus for stated info

Bus (non specific) what does a bus do?

what are pci slots?

Your term is correct … general expansion slot is probably enough

What are agp slots?

Again your info is correct … expansion slot (graphics)

What are isa slots?

Again your info is correct … Older expansion slots (if you want to get into specifics it is a per device rather then per slot IRQ handout … but you don’t need to know that)

what is volatile memory? where is it used?

Memory that does not hold its info after power is removed … RAM

What is non volatile memory? where is it used?

Hard drive … does not loose data when power is removed

What is bios?

Basic input output system … bootstrap loader

What is the most standard computer input?

Keyboard is your most standard input

What is the most standard computer output?

Monitor is your most standard output

what is a network card?

Exactly what the name says …
What is an Ethernet?

802.3 networking standard using eathernet frames to communicate… usually (but not limited to) Twisted pair star shaped configurations (most common instance) though the standard theoretically could be used on other mediums (including wireless)

What are the advantages of floppy disks?

Portable standard and rewritable

The disadvantages?

Generally unreliable … small and easy to damage

What is the advantages of magnetic storage (hard drive and floppy)

Non volatile … high data compression

What are the advantages of optical drives?

Not affected by magnetism … longer storage shelf life because of that too

what is an example of an optical drive?

Cd rom

1. World Wide Web
2. Internet Explorer
3. Bandwith is how many people can be on your site...and download stuff i believe.

Either way i don't have to know internet terms really. More offline stuff.
Think of bandwidth as the width of the "pipe" not nessisarly the speed the water is moving in it.

More bandwidth = bigger pipe ... so you can move data

What is the unit to measure hard drive space?
Processor speed?
network speed?

What is the unit to measure hard drive space?
Processor speed?
network speed?

Ummm Cylinder * Head * Sector *512 to get it in bytes.
Then divide by 1024 to get into Kb, divide again into Mb, etc.

Never learnt the other 2.

Not sure how to explain it... these are the things that give you special options depending on your OS....

Generaly your os handles the basics
Usualy memory management
System resource management
interrupts
User interface
Process handling and scheduling
and more


Windows, Linux, Unix,

GOOD! Most people dont know that unix and linux are seperate entities ... might want to throw BSD in there as opposed to system V dirivitives

If windows, they crash alot ;) j/k. Ummm.... not sure.


Basically data. Stuff that is on the CD or can be downloaded to you computer, and can be altered or deleted and such.

Basicaly it is a program that helps you acomplish a task ... like word or excell

Anything on a CD really. OS's, Games.

Does not have to come on a cd can be downloaded ... from disks ... from scratch. Anything (also get into the difference between programs and software but I think that is a little too fine of detail for now)

Software that requires more then 1 CD? or was it that it comes in different incrememnts.

Group of software

Like microsoft office has excel power point ... word ... outlook
all grouped


Don't need to know this. But basically get rids of corrupt data.


Evil SOB's that look at what type of stuff i surf and then give me a million pop-ups to see if i want something similar. Also they lag my computer.

lol we will stick with thoes deffinitions

How am i doing so far?

How bout some identification?

More comparisons...

The difference between OCR and OMR?

The difference between OCR and OMR?

.. I have no idea what those are at all... it's safe to assume that i didnt learn it.


I know all the stuff that i learnt, but i can't seem to memorize which does which.

OCR is an optical character reader that scans for characters like letters and numbers. OMR is an optical mark reader that scans things like signatures etc.

For your sake, I sincerely hope that it is a scantron exam.

OCR (optical character recognition)

OMR optical mark reading

(I will let you look up the deffs)

They are pronounced both ways, you'll still get the marks for them.

Nope... maybe a couple of question. But most likely going to be full sentences.

I can probably type a little more, bit it would require more thought process.

Anyways, still i think i was doing pretty well.


Plus if you helped in giving more full essay.. or at least a paragraph to the questions, it would help me.

Well, for the stuff i didn't answer well.

What does a modem do, and what does it stand for?
Oh and as for legless’s post

Modem

Mo = Modulate
Dem = demodulate

Essentially turn’s a digital signal (your computer) into an analog signal (the phone system uses analog) and visa versa when reaching destination

I don't have to know internet stuff. So it doesn't matter too much, but i'm still sad i didnt know that.

I don't have to know internet stuff. So it doesn't matter too much, but i'm still sad i didnt know that.
Ok longer not network questions … alright


Explain in a paragraph what the various types /speeds of ram … what are the advantages and disadvantages of each.


On top of that explain what type of ram a standard laptop uses … and the difference between that and regular ram




Oh and on top of that the difference between an x86 processor and the new 64 bit variety

Software:

1. What is an operating system?

2. What are examples of some common operating systems?

3. What are some functions that operating systems perform?

4. What is software?

5. Examples of some software?

6. What are software packages?

7. What is anti-virus software?

8. What is spyware?

(just figured I would ask some of these … see what you know of software and move on from there)
Corrections:
1.: An OS is a program for keeping up the computer's main system and software after it takes over from BIOS.

2.: WIN32, Linux, OS2

3.: See above + modern OS's use grafical interfaces to guide the user more easily.

4.: Basically, software is any kind of program on a computer; including OSs, Office tools, program languages, etc.

5.: See above...

6.: They mostly include programs for office use, well, in a package. Think of Microsoft Office.

7.: Explains itself, I think. Scans your files for known viruses and repairs/deletes them.

8.: Software coming on your PC without you knowing it. Mostly views your inputs/websites you visit. Can be used to, e.g., get your bank account number, so beware!

There was also something about RAMs. They are the computers short term remembrance. It stores information on running programs. It's reset when power is turned off. It also doesn't use mobile parts, so it doesn't get worn out.

State the OSI Layers and Give Information on each Layer.

State the OSI Layers and Give Information on each Layer.
Lol he said no networking (and if he cant do it I will later) :)

RAM=Random Access Memory
ROM=Read Only Memory

ROM's can only be read and cannot be edited in anyways.
RAM's can be read and edited to suit your needs.

Actually, there are so-called Flash-ROM's in newer PCs, for BIOS-refreshments, but generally speaking, you're right.

Explain in a paragraph what the various types /speeds of ram … what are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

There are 2 different types of RAM, SRAM and DRAM.

SRAM or Static RAM, allows to hold the memory as long as the power is on, while Dynamic RAM has to constantly refresh itself.
ummm advantages eh. With SRAM the computer can hold the memory as long as the computer as on, although is more expensive to buy. I can't think of anything original... my answer for DRAM would be the opposite for SRAM


On top of that explain what type of ram a standard laptop uses … and the difference between that and regular ram

Stick with standard computers, never learnt anything about laptops really.


Oh and on top of that the difference between an x86 processor and the new 64 bit variety

*thinks* i know this one.... errmmmm.

I believe the main difference is speed and quality. the x86 can move information much faster but lacks in graphics, but graphics is where the 64 but shines. the 64 bit still moves fast but i think it had less editing options...

Actually, there are so-called Flash-ROM's in newer PCs, for BIOS-refreshments, but generally speaking, you're right.
Flashing the bios has always been a possibility … and bios has its on volatile component … generally the user choices are “stored” in a separate location then the ROM that generally contains the “Defaults”

What do you think the CMOS is for ;)

State the OSI Layers and Give Information on each Layer.

.. no idea what your talking about.

There are 2 different types of RAM, SRAM and DRAM.

SRAM or Static RAM, allows to hold the memory as long as the power is on, while Dynamic RAM has to constantly refresh itself.
ummm advantages eh. With SRAM the computer can hold the memory as long as the computer as on, although is more expensive to buy. I can't think of anything original... my answer for DRAM would be the opposite for SRAM




Stick with standard computers, never learnt anything about laptops really.




*thinks* i know this one.... errmmmm.

I believe the main difference is speed and quality. the x86 can move information much faster but lacks in graphics, but graphics is where the 64 but shines. the 64 bit still moves fast but i think it had less editing options...
Well arguable for the last one (ram question was fairly well answered)


Think word size …
For the difference in the x86 and the 64 (along with other differences I know)

lemme guess the 64 bit, can grab more bits faster then the x86?

Processor speed?


Hz, if I'm not misunderstood. measures the calculating processes which can be done by the processor in one second.

There is more Forms of Ram then just SRAM and DRAM. People around here should Remember other Forms like RDRAM used in Earlier Model P4's, EDORAM used in earlier model PC's normally ranging from 386 era to end of P1 Era, and EPROM ranging 286 and Older. As such there are a lot of ram Forms, its that’s just that for Consumer sakes we only see these Major Forms in the Market. In reality there is 100's of different types of ram.

.. no idea what your talking about.
Ok lets see if I can do this from memory (now I am most familiar with the bottom 4)



Starting from top down


Application -

Presentation -

Session -

Transport - TCP

Network - IP

Datalink – LLC

Phisical – Coax UTP STP



And for general description


The seven layers of the OSI Basic Reference Model are (from bottom to top):
1. The Physical Layer describes the physical properties of the various communications media, as well as the electrical properties and interpretation of the exchanged signals. Ex: this layer defines the size of Ethernet coaxial cable, the type of BNC connector used, and the termination method.
2. The Data Link Layer describes the logical organization of data bits transmitted on a particular medium. Ex: this layer defines the framing, addressing and checksumming of Ethernet packets.
3. The Network Layer describes how a series of exchanges over various data links can deliver data between any two nodes in a network. Ex: this layer defines the addressing and routing structure of the Internet.
4. The Transport Layer describes the quality and nature of the data delivery. Ex: this layer defines if and how retransmissions will be used to ensure data delivery.
5. The Session Layer describes the organization of data sequences larger than the packets handled by lower layers. Ex: this layer describes how request and reply packets are paired in a remote procedure call.
6. The Presentation Layer describes the syntax of data being transferred. Ex: this layer describes how floating point numbers can be exchanged between hosts with different math formats.
7. The Application Layer describes how real work actually gets done. Ex: this layer would implement file system operations.


http://www.freesoft.org/CIE/Topics/15.htm

There is more Forms of Ram then just SRAM and DRAM. People around here should Remember other Forms like RDRAM used in Earlier Model P4's, EDORAM used in earlier model PC's normally ranging from 386 era to end of P1 Era, and EPROM ranging 286 and Older. As such there are a lot of ram Forms, its that’s just that for Consumer sakes we only see these Major Forms in the Market. In reality there is 100's of different types of ram.

Let's stick with modern stuff... SRAM and DRAM are the 2 most common now, i don't think anyone uses anything else on their PC's. Do we?

lemme guess the 64 bit, can grab more bits faster then the x86?
Yeah generally processes it in bigger “chunks” (though only REALLY makes a difference if it is FED it in larger chunks also)

I hated programming... i took the class and they taught Turing! Who the heck uses Turing?!

Three questions:

1. What is the minimum number of instructions necessary to be able to write progams for a serial processor computer?
2. What are those instructions?
3. Why?

Three questions:

1. What is the minimum number of instructions necessary to be able to write progams for a serial processor computer?
2. What are those instructions?
3. Why?


No programming questions! X_X


the only programming i've learnt is DOS programming.

md: No programming
edit: no...
move: no... to 'No Programming'

I think that was right coding for DOS right?

Three questions:

1. What is the minimum number of instructions necessary to be able to write progams for a serial processor computer?
2. What are those instructions?
3. Why?
Lol not answering your complete question but serial process … Unless you got duals on there …just about any machine is Serial Process


(and hyper threading only SIMULATES parallel processing)

Something real basic: definition of CPU.

I think you said something about three hours. Don't forget it...

Something real basic: definition of CPU.


Central Processing Unit. Basically the brain of the computer here is where it processes all information does tasks and such. Destroy this and you destroy the computer! mwahahahha! well actually you can destroy it's lungs or Heart... but Brain is umm yeah.

Lol not answering your complete question but serial process … Unless you got duals on there …just about any machine is Serial Process


(and hyper threading only SIMULATES parallel processing)

I'm assuming that we're talking about the current crop of digital computers...

I won't forget... i have another hour and 20 minutes.

Can someone show me a picture of disk drive parts, i want to learn to identify it.

Right!
Another one: why does the processor need cooling?

No programming questions! X_X


the only programming i've learnt is DOS programming.

md: No programming
edit: no...
move: no... to 'No Programming'

I think that was right coding for DOS right?

It's not a programming question, it's a theory of computing question.

Right!
Another one: why does the processor need cooling?

If your processing too much information, it tends to get hot, so you have to cool it down with some hot loving CS....

Or was it Heat up it's cold heart with the... n/m.

The difference between CISC and RISC?

What is the difference between dynamic and static RAM?


The OSI Model...
Application - ie: the web browser

Presentation - this is where the data is transformed into a form that is understandable by the user

Session - this establishes the link between the data and the user.

Transport - TCP; the logical path for data through switches, routers etc...

Network - IP; the logical assignment of addresses

Datalink – LLC (Logical Link Control) and MAC (Media Access Control). The physical assignment of addresses

Physical – Coax UTP STP --> the actual physical transfer of data occurs at this level and is transmitted in binary

The difference between CISC and RISC?
no idea

What is the difference between dynamic and static RAM?
DRAM has to constantly refresh SRAM holds the charge as long as the power is on.

Right again!

What's the great long-term disadvantage of a hard drive compared to RAMs?

Right again!

What's the great long-term disadvantage of a hard drive compared to RAMs?


.. don't you need both? the hard drive contains all the information in your computer and the RAM is how much of that stuff you can use at a time.


Unless you know something i don't...

.. don't you need both? the hard drive contains all the information in your computer and the RAM is how much of that stuff you can use at a time.


Unless you know something i don't...
As long as you have constant power supply, you could use RAM as primary memory as well (that's the idea behind console cartridges, MP3-Players, ...), but the point I wanted to highlight is, hard drives have limited durability because of moving parts. It is constantly rotating, using up the gears over (loooong) time.

As long as you have constant power supply, you could use RAM as primary memory as well (that's the idea behind console cartridges, MP3-Players, ...), but the point I wanted to highlight is, hard drives have limited durability because of moving parts. It is constantly rotating, using up the gears over (loooong) time.

I'm sorry but we have yet to discover the... dang forgot it's name. What's that thing with infinite power supply, that if we get it, we can supply energy problems forever.

I'm sorry but we have yet to discover the... dang forgot it's name. What's that thing with infinite power supply, that if we get it, we can supply energy problems forever.
Perpetuum mobile, or perpetual energy. Actually, they don't need that much currency, just a small battery that recharges when in use. I could let my Gameboy cartridges lie and dust for years, and they still had my old savegames.

aren;t there any more questions?

Or are you just searching/thinking up....

I really want to be ready for this.

Sorry, gotta go, too. Good luck on your exam!

Perpetuum mobile, or perpetual energy. Actually, they don't need that much currency, just a small battery that recharges when in use. I could let my Gameboy cartridges lie and dust for years, and they still had my old savegames.

Perpetual Motion Device! That's the one.

And the only reason i suggest that, is because you don't have to woryr about shutting down the computer from energy consumption and blackouts.

A generator wouldnt hurt though. :D

bump.

I feel ignore tnow. =(

bump.

I feel ignore tnow. =(
Lol I mean how old are you?
(you never said if this is a high school course)

Either way I have the impression it is a pre collage course if so … you have a LOT of time to learn

I didn’t know JACK before starting collage honestly … that is when I found out I liked computers and LEARNED my ass off

Still learning everyday

You have plenty of time … even if you are post collage years there is always time to learn

Always remember
Google and whatis are your friends!

what are processor instruction sets?

give a few examples

what are processor instruction sets?

give a few examples

You mean instructions on processing information?

1. The processor takes the information
2. Identifies it.
3. Send's it back to me on the monitor.

It can also work in reverse.

I give it the information and tell it to give it someone else.

It depends if i'm receiving or sending.

Lol I mean how old are you?
(you never said if this is a high school course)

Either way I have the impression it is a pre collage course if so … you have a LOT of time to learn

I didn’t know JACK before starting collage honestly … that is when I found out I liked computers and LEARNED my ass off

Still learning everyday

You have plenty of time … even if you are post collage years there is always time to learn

Always remember
Google and whatis are your friends!


Ummm actually this is college. This is actually one of the more respected colleges in Toronto. And everything i say what they taught me is what they taught me.

pretty much correct. An Instruction set is a specific list of commands a processor carries out. (assembly instructions)

Different Instructions sets do different things

x86 is the main instruction set used by Intel and AMD
"extra" instruction sets they made up incclude
SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, MMX, etc

these instruction sets are used to add functionality to the processor for doing things like handling multimedia (video and audio) in a better fashion

Whats the difference between Bus, serial, and parallel

Whats the difference between Bus, serial, and parallel

A serial port can have 9 or 25 pins while a parallel port can have... i believe it was 18 or 36 pins. right?

The parallel port can grab more data 8 bits at a time compared to a serial port which can only do 1 bit at a time.

A bus is basically the connections made, dang it i just remembered it 2 seconds ago.

either way i believe it was the network connections to the CPU.

Whats the difference between Bus, serial, and parallel
Talking about Bus as in the general OR USB ? (with parallel and serial in there I figured I would ask)

Well i'm assuming he's talking about bus's in general.

Well i'm assuming he's talking about bus's in general.
yeah but with the questions lead me to think he was on the “peripheral connections” line of thought

In that case USB is different then a normal bus … including having serial tendencies (being a Universal Serial Bus) and all

yeah but with the questions lead me to think he was on the “peripheral connections” line of thought

In that case USB is different then a normal bus … including having serial tendencies (being a Universal Serial Bus) and all

Yes the USB is what's used for making network Bus's basically connecting 2+ computers together to create a network.

Companies do this to keep tabs on everyone easier... and for less cost i believe.

Yes the USB is what's used for making network Bus's basically connecting 2+ computers together to create a network.

Companies do this to keep tabs on everyone easier... and for less cost i believe.
Yes you CAN have a USB network … though they are SLOW and expensive

Generally 802.3 or 802.11 are way more acceptable for internal networks (or token ring, bus)

Name 2 network topologies. :D (I like asking and not answering questions, even though I'm also studying for a computer exam today - my CDD301 exam, which is advanced hardware).

Name 2 network topologies. :D (I like asking and not answering questions, even though I'm also studying for a computer exam today - my CDD301 exam, which is advanced hardware).
Shouldent have asked that AFTER I named 2 lol

Well i'm assuming he's talking about bus's in general.


my bad

I was originally thinking "difference between bus, serial and parallel architectures"

Ummm Star and... er... bus?

my bad

I was originally thinking "difference between bus, serial and parallel architectures"

no idea then....

But i'm guessing your going to tell me.

my bad

I was originally thinking "difference between bus, serial and parallel architectures"
Cool makes sence now :)


Lets see if I can make text pictures


Bus

0 0 0
|___|____|

Serial

0---------0

Paralell
0========0

(yes I know over simplified but it is hard with text pictures)

Ummm Star and... er... bus?
Good ... (you named star with I dident actualy say)

Along with
token ring
Mesh
(two others)

Adhoc ... (wich is subtly different from mesh)

and some more

Eh who cares

Bus, Star and Ring are really the only common ones.

At least i think so.

Anyways 20 minutes left.... any more stuff?

I'm going to be heading off to class in 5 minutes if there are no more questions.

Otherwise i think i'm going to do pretty well on this exam.

What ius the difference between interrupts and polling?

Interrupts are... damn it... ummm.

Well i have no idea what polling is nor have i heard of it.

And i am vague on interrupts.


Anyways i don't have to think of it right now

Going off now. Wish me Luck. :)

Interrupts are... damn it... ummm.

Well i have no idea what polling is nor have i heard of it.

And i am vague on interrupts.


Anyways i don't have to think of it right now

Going off now. Wish me Luck. :)


good luck

More the physical parts.

As in what is a PCI? Identify parts of a floppy drive? Which OS system is 1337?

Hardware and Software i guess in a nutshell.
which button turns the computer on

which button turns the computer on
Hehehe mac pc ... or some hobbled computers that I have seen :)

What is the difference between interrupts and polling?

And for future reference, if you are curious, interrupts are when a device signals the cpu or OS that it needs (immediate) attention.

Polling is when the OS or cpu checks on a device periodically to see if it needs attention.

An analogy would be your house. An interrupt is when someone rings the doorbell. Polling is when you go check the door every 5 minutes to see if somone is there.

Have to say this thread is pretty neat if you want to learn from the guys who know. I knew most of the stuff here, but some of it ive never even heard of. Im guessing its because of differing teaching between countries.
Just found out today i got an unconditional for Glasgow uni to do games programming 8) Go me!