Chapter 2 Solutions Hardware Designed to Meet the Need



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Succeeding with Technology, Fourth Edition 2-




Chapter 2 Solutions




Hardware Designed to Meet the Need




Review Questions


  1. The ASCII chart is used to decode the bytes that represent keyboard characters.




  1. The binary, or base 2 system, was adopted for computer use because of its ease of use to a machine that uses two-state bits.




  1. The execution of an instruction involves two phases: the instruction phase and the execution phase. These two phases together make up the machine cycle.

Instruction Phase

  1. The instruction to be executed is accessed from RAM by the control unit. The control unit stores the RAM address of the currently executing instruction.

  2. The instruction is decoded, relevant data is moved from RAM to the CPU registers, and the stored address of the current instruction is incremented to prepare for the next fetch.

Execution Phase

  1. The ALU does what it is instructed to do.

  2. The results are stored in registers or RAM.




  1. Digital convergence is the trend to merge multiple digital services into one device.




  1. The FSB, or front side bus, consists of electronic pathways between the CPU and RAM capable of transporting several bytes at once. The more bytes that are transported to RAM via the FSB, the faster processing speed will be.




  1. Factors that affect processing speed include clock speed, word length, and the amount of time it takes to execute an instruction (MIPS).




  1. The two most popular personal computer platforms are IBM-compatible and Apple. IBM-compatible computers use Intel (or Intel-like) processors. Apple computers use the Power PC processor engineered by Motorola, IBM, and Apple, which uses the newer reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture that works more efficiently with a smaller instruction set, but slower system clock.




  1. Random access memory (RAM) is temporary, or volatile, storage that is cleared each time you turn off the computer. RAM stores data and program instructions waiting to be processed and the results of processing as bytes in addressed cells.


Cache Memory

This is a type of high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly than RAM. Cache memory functions somewhat like a notebook used to record phone numbers. Although a person’s private notebook may contain only 1 percent of all the numbers in the local phone directory, the chance that the person’s next call will be to a number in his or her notebook is high. Cache memory works on the same principle: a cache controller makes “intelligent guesses” as to what program instructions and data will be needed next and stores them in the nearby cache for quick retrieval.


Video RAM

This is used to store image data for a computer display. Video RAM acts as a buffer between the microprocessor and the display and is often called the frame buffer. When images are to be sent to the display, they are first read by the processor from RAM and then written to video RAM. From video RAM, the data is converted by a digital-to-analog converter into analog signals that are sent to the display.


Read-only memory (ROM)

This type of memory provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change, like programs and data from the computer manufacturer. Since both the processor and RAM require electricity to store data, both are cleared and empty when a computer is initially powered up. The computer requires a place to permanently store the instructions needed to start up the computer and load the operating system into RAM. ROM fulfills this purpose.


Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory

This provides semi-permanent storage for system configuration information that may change. CMOS is unique in that it uses a battery to store data. CMOS is the reason that a PC is able to maintain the correct time and date even when it is not plugged in. In addition to keeping time, CMOS stores information about a computer system’s disk drive configuration, start-up procedures, and low-level operating system settings.




  1. Graphics memory and a GPU are used to process graphics, taking that substantial load off of the CPU.




  1. Magnetic disk storage varies widely in capacity and portability. Floppy disks are portable, but have a slower access time and lower storage capacity than fixed hard disks. Although more costly and less portable, fixed hard disk storage has a greater storage capacity and quicker access time. The advantages of optical storage over magnetic storage are in capacity and longevity. A CD can store up to 700 MB of data on an inexpensive, lightweight diskette. Data stored on magnetic media may begin to deteriorate in under 10 years, but data on a CD could last over 100 years.




  1. A hybrid drive combines the best features of flash memory and magnetic storage. Up to a gigabyte of flash memory is used as a buffer to cache data that is needed for regular operations. A magnetic hard drive is used to store data as usual. Hybrid drive computers boot very quickly and run very quietly.




  1. Speed and functionality determine the appropriate input and output devices.




  1. A computer keyboard and a computer mouse are the most common input devices, used for entering data such as characters, text, and basic commands. A number of companies are developing new keyboards that are more comfortable, adjustable, and faster to use. For example, Microsoft’s ergonomic keyboard is designed in such a way as to reduce the stress on your wrists common with traditional keyboards.

Printers are common output devices and their speed is typically measured by the number of pages printed per minute (ppm). Note, that a printer’s output resolution depends on the number of dots printed per inch, therefore, a printer with a 600 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution prints more clearly than one with a 300-dpi resolution.




  1. Desktop computers provide standard ports (sockets) for display, keyboard, printer, and mouse connectors, but have not easily accommodated the many other special-purpose cables and connectors. That trend is changing. Today’s computers come with a number of Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports designed to accommodate a wide array of devices. It is not unusual to find six or more USB ports on a new computer into which you can plug the keyboard, mouse, and additional devices of your choice, such as handheld computers, digital cameras, portable MP3 players, network devices, joysticks, memory modules, and many others.

Like desktop PCs, notebook computers include USB ports for convenient expansion. Notebook computers also provide PCMCIA slots that accept PCMCIA cards, usually called PC Cards. PC Cards support a number of devices. For example, network adapters, modems, and additional storage devices, can all be purchased as PC Cards for notebook computers. Notebook computers also include ports to add a standard keyboard, mouse, printer, and display or LCD projector.




  1. The advantages of shopping through online computer retailers include the ability to quickly compare packages from different manufacturers, quick sorting by price, speed, and popularity, and speedy delivery. Disadvantages include very little opportunity for customization, and no ability to really see and try the computer before buying it.




  1. When purchasing your own computer you must analyze your own computing style and needs. Will you need access to information stored on your computer while you are away from your desk? How will you use your computer while you are at your desk and away? Portability is balanced with power and capacity. If you need extreme power while at your desk (for example to run virtual reality simulations or computer-aided design (CAD) software) you will need some type of desktop system; a notebook simply will not do.

Once you have determined your portability needs, you need to consider how your device will interact with other computer systems. Will you be connecting to a corporate network where you work? If so, you will need to choose a device that is compatible and will be able to access the information that you need from work.


When choosing a manufacturer, Apple computer users have it easy. Since there is only one manufacturer of Apple computers, all an Apple user needs to decide on is model. IBM-compatible users need to compare specifications and prices from dozens of manufacturers.
Next, you need to choose a processor, and the amount of memory and storage. In some devices, these choices are easy to make.
The warranty that you select for your device is the most important component. For portable devices, a minimum of a 3-year warrantee is best. Otherwise, consider how long it will be before you upgrade to a new computer, then assume that the computer you are currently purchasing will fall apart the day after the warranty expires.
Finally, consider peripheral devices. What types best suit your needs? If you prefer using a keyboard for text input, and do a lot of it, you may want to consider an ergonomic design that will help prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Discussion Questions


  1. SmartPhone could have a touch screen or a small, input stylus.




  1. Answers will vary, but should mention various ways that the proper input and storage devices can save money, time, and space for an organization.




  1. Magnetic disk storage varies widely in capacity and portability. Floppy disks are portable, but have a slower access time and lower storage capacity than fixed hard disks. Although more costly and less portable, fixed hard disk storage has a greater storage capacity and quicker access time. The advantages of optical storage over magnetic storage are in capacity and longevity. A CD can store up to 700 MB of data on an inexpensive, lightweight diskette and, data stored on magnetic media may begin to deteriorate in under 10 years, but data on a CD could last over 100 years. Solid state storage (flash memory) is inexpensive and able to take a lot of punishment without losing data. However, most solid state storage does not offer the capacity of optical or magnetic storage.




  1. Students could consider the use of DVDs, which can store an entire digitized motion picture. An additional benefit of DVD drives is that they are backward-compatible with CD-ROMs, meaning that they can play CDs as well as DVDs.




  1. The registrar would have much greater needs for data storage and backup than the law office. The registrar might also need much faster data retrieval than the law office.




  1. Answers will vary, depending on the activities chosen by the student.


Try it Yourself


  1. Binary to decimal conversion:




Binary

Decimal

1

1

10

2

11

3

100

4

101

5

110

6

111

7

1000

8

1001

9

1010

10

1011

11

1100

12

1101

13

1110

14

1111

15

10000

16

10001

17

10010

18

10011

19

10100

20



  1. Students should create a spreadsheet which lists, in order from most to least demanding, the system requirements of five programs that they use.




  1. The minimum price for a computer system is $999, and the maximum cost is $2725.00.




Owners’ System

Employees’ Systems

Basic Package, plus:

18" LCD


1024 MB (Memory)

160 GB (Hard drive)

CD-RW/DVD


Basic package, plus:

15" LCD


CD-RW


Cost: $1908.00

Cost: $1279.00


Rationale
In the long run, the partners will realize that storage capacity and memory are of utmost importance. They will have the option of upgrading to DVD storage if it becomes necessary to do so. Processor speed was sacrificed because there is not a significant difference between a 2.66 GHz computer and a 2.8 GHz computer to warrant the expenditure.


  1. Answers will vary depending on the prices of the products and the opinions of the student. Possible products might include:

Monitors

LCDs


19 inch CRTs

17 inch CRTs


Printers

Inkjets


Laser

Multifunctions


Scanners

Flatbed


Sheetfed

Film
Input Devices

Belkin ErgoFit Wireless Optical Mouse

Kensington Comfort Type Multimedia Keyboard

Kensington Expert Mouse

Iogear Memory Mini Mouse

FrogPad USB Keyboard


  1. Fastest supercomputer

The Earth Simulator was developed by the Earth Simulator Research and Development Center (ESRDC, Kiyoshi Asai, Director), which is a collaborative organization of the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, Shuichiro Yamanouchi, President), Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI, Kenichi Murakami, President), and Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC, Takuya Hirano, President).
The Earth Simulator system was installed in the simulator building (with floor space 50m x 65m) at Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences (Yokohama, Kanagawa) of JAMSTEC. This is the world's fastest supercomputer configured with 640 nodes (64GFLOPS/node, 5,120 CPUs in total), each of which consists of eight vector processors (8GFLOPS/CPU), and achieves the peak performance of 40TFLOPS (40 trillion floating-point operations per second). (Source: http://www.nec.co.jp/press/en/0203/0801.html)
Second fastest supercomputer

The Q machine is the latest in the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration Advanced Simulation and Computing program, whose goal is to integrate past and present experimental data in simulations that help assure the continued certification of the U.S. nuclear weapon stockpile. Built by Hewlett-Packard Co., Q supports three-dimensional weapons physics simulations of unprecedented resolution and fidelity.


In August 2000, the NNSA selected HP to build a 30 TeraOPS (trillions of operations per second) system using more than 12,000 Alpha processors. The system is currently configured in two 10 TeraOPS clusters, composed of 1,024 ES45 systems each. (Source: www.hp.com)


  1. Answers will vary, but should look like the following:

Order of importance:




    • Large high-quality display

    • Large amount of memory

    • Fast processor

    • Large-capacity hard disk drive

    • Network/Internet connection

    • High quality printer

    • Flatbed scanner

    • Large-capacity portable storage

    • Digital camera

    • Special-purpose input device

    • Portability


Virtual Classroom


  1. Reports may be similar to the following:

Type of business: Law office

Role: Paralegal

Type of computer: Desktop (2.66 GHz, 18" LCD, 1024 MB (Memory), 160 GB (Hard drive), CD-RW)

Devices: Laser printer




  1. The report may be similar to the following:

System package:



    • 2.66 GHz

    • 18" LCD

    • 1024 MB (Memory)

    • 160 GB (Hard drive)

    • CD-RW

System cost $1860.00

Laser printer: 200.00

Total cost: $2060.00


Teamwork


  1. Solutions may be similar to the following:




Pervasive Computing Lab

Robotics Lab

Personal digital assistants

Mobile phones

Building-wide location-tracking sensor network

A collection of environmental sensors (motion, temperature, door open/close, and pressure)

Fujitsu Tablet computers

Desktop Computers:

Processor speeds:

Memory capacity:

Storage types used on the computers:

Manufacturer’s name:
Two customized RWI B14 robots

Pioneer robot (wheel-based mobile robots equipped with contact sensors, IR, sonar, and vision)

Workstations and PCs

Rapid-prototyping machine



  1. The following Web sites provide information about processors and memory:

http://www.apple.com/powermac/

http://www.cnet.com/



Students can use these sites to get ideas on how to configure unusual computers.


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