Maristela, Kent Marcuise M.

BSIT I-A
ASSIGNMENT

1. What is computer?
A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of
arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be readily
changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.

2. What are the different computers?
A. Analogue computers
B. Digital computers
C. Hybrid computers
D. Mainframe computers
E. Microcomputers
F. Desktop computers
G. Laptops
H. Netbooks
I. PDAs
J. Minicomputers
K. Servers
L. Supercomputers
M. Wearable computers
N. Tablets

3. What are the three major components of a computer system?
A computer system is actually an interaction of three major components namely,
computer hardware, computer software and humanware. Any of these three depends on
the other to make a computer system function optimally.

Computer hardware cannot operate without software and neither can computer software
operate without hardware. The two components ultimately form a working partnership
when the humanware component is added into the mix.

The three components of a computer system therefore form the basis on which a
computer actually operates.

4. Discuss the four operations the computer undergoes in processing data.

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, significantly impacts overall
computing power and manages most of a computers operations. The CPU contains the
control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit directs and coordinates most of
the operations in the computer. For every instruction, the control unit repeats a set of
four basic operations called the machine cycle: (1) fetching the instruction or data item
Maristela, Kent Marcuise M.
BSIT I-A
from memory, (2) decoding the instruction into commands the computer understands, (3)
executing the commands, and, if necessary, (4) storing, or writing the result to memory.
The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs the execution part of the machine cycle.
Specifically, the ALU carries out three operations:

Arithmetic operations performing calculations, which include addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division
Comparison operations comparing data items to determine if the first item is greater
than, equal to, or less than the other item
Logical operations working with conditions and logical operators such as AND, OR,
and NOT Compare and contrast various personal computer processors on the market
today.

5. Identify & discuss the diff. devices associated with the four operations of computer.

A personal computers CPU usually is contained on a single chip, which some call
a microprocessor. Intel is a leading manufacturer of personal computer processors.
Most high-performance PCs use a processor from Intel called the Pentium

processor.
A second Intel brand, called the Celeron, is designed for less expensive PCs. Two
more brands, called the Xeon and Itanium processors, are ideal for workstations
and low-end servers. Intel-compatible processors have the same internal design as
Intel processors and perform the same functions, but are made by other companies and
often are less expensive. An alternative design to the Intel-style processor, the Motorola
processor, is found in Apple Macintosh and Power Macintosh systems. A new type of
processor designed for lower-costing personal computers and Internet appliances, called
anintegrated CPU, combines functions of a processor, memory, and a video card on a
single chip. Todays processors are equipped with MMX technology, a built-in set of
instructions that manipulates and processes multimedia data more efficiently. Intels SSE
instructions and AMDs 3DNow! are two other technologies that improve a
processors performance of multimedia, the Web, and 3-D graphics. To optimize and
extend battery life for notebook computers, Intel mobile processors use SpeedStep
technology and AMD processors use PowerNow! technology.