NT1310 Unit 4: Hardware Devices

1. A device is a computer if it has an input device, central processing unit (CPU), internal memory, storage, and an output device.
2. Cores are processors that combine two or more central processing units on one chip.
3. Multi-threading occurs when multiple programs are processed at the same time or when several parts of a program are processed at the same time.
4. Because of their size and price, supercomputers a rarely used or seen by the average person. Supercomputers are used for parallel processing or to rapidly process different data at the same time.
5. Although the lines between the different computer classifications have blurred over the years, thanks to higher quality personal computers (PCs), mainframe computers still require their own classification. Mainframes have similar speeds to personal computers; however, they

often have larger memories, more processors than PCs, and are best used in the business setting.
6.

Developers at Apple have combined the convenience of digital watches with cellphone technology to create a watch that user cannot not only keep time with but also makes phones calls, set calendar reminders, check the weather, and track their activity level.
7. Megahertz (MHz, millions of hertz), and Gigahertz (GHz, billions of hertz) measure CPU frequencies, that is the maximum number of CPU pulses per second.
8. Computers are said to process data digitally because the data is processed in binary bits.
9. Volatile memory, for example random access memory (RAM), is the internal memory of a computer that is cleared when either the computer is turned off or is replaced by another program. Non-Volatile memory or read-only memory (ROM) does not change.
10. The main qualities to look for in an LCD monitor are price, size, brightness, contrast ratio and resolution.
11. Cloud Storage stores data in circuitry.
12. DVDs are digital versatile disc, optical discs used to externally store data. DVDs have higher recording and retrieving speeds, are better suited for backing up information, and have higher capacity per device than

CDs.
13. Footprint refers to the amount of space a computer occupies. When working with minimal space, a computer’s footprint should be considered.
14. When purchasing a computer, one should consider its cost, power consumption and noise, hardware footprint, compatibility, and power.
15. Because of their size and storage capacity, flash drives are great options for consumers’ portable storage needs. They can be placed in a shirt pocket or on key chain for safe keeping and easily insert into computers USB ports.