18. What is a microprocessor? What are its main functions?

Microprocessors are simply a computer processor that has been configured into the design and function of a microchip. Sometimes referred to as a logic chip, this small component functions as the means of executing the command to start booting up a computer. As part of the process, a microprocessor initiates the activation of all the components necessary to allow the computer to be used, such as waking the operating system.

he basic functionality of a microprocessor is all based on the inherent ability to respond to and generate mathematical and logical operations. This function of small computer processors is made possible with the use of registers. Within the registers resides all the data required by the microprocessor to execute such basic functions as addition and subtraction. The configuration of the registers also allow the microprocessor to handle tasks such as comparing two different numbers, and retrieving numbers from various areas and redistributing them.

19. What three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors?

Three basic characteristics differentiate microprocessors:

Instruction set: The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute.

bandwidth : The number of bits processed in a single instruction.

clock speed : Given in megahertz (MHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.

20. What are the typical components of the CPU? Give their brief characteristics.

At the “heart” of every computer lies the CPU, or central processing unit, which is responsible for carrying out arithmetic and logic functions as well as executing instructions to other components. The components of a CPU work together, and depending on how they are made, determine exactly how fast these operations can be carried out along with how complex the operations can be. Each of the separate components of a CPU on their own are relatively simple. Some of the primary components of a CPU, also known as a microprocessor, are the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), the control unit and the registers.

central processing unit

A central processing unit is generally the most important component in a computer system. It is primarily responsible for the lion's share of the computation and data handling that go on inside a computer.

Microprocessors are simply a computer processor that has been configured into the design and function of a microchip.

An arithmetic logic unit is the part of a computer’s central processor that allows the computer to make numerical calculations and logical decisions.

Many people think of arithmetic and mathematics as the same thing. Arithmetic, however, is defined as the most basic and fundamental category of mathematics. It includes computations that involve adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying numbers that are real, rational, and complex.

21. What is an Optical Disc? Give its brief characteristics.

An optical disk is a compact disk or CD. The formatting of the optical disk will dictate whether it is a DVD, CD, read-only or rewritable. Optical disks have replaced vinyl records, cassette tapes, videotapes and floppy disks.

A digital video disc (DVD), also known as a digital versatile disc, is an optical disc that stores data and video. Optical discs are circular discs that are read and translated by lasers. There are several types and formats, but most DVDs fall into one of three main categories: read-only, writable, and erasable

Vinyl is best-known for being a substitute for leather. It may be called "faux leather" or "fake leather." Vinyl is a kind of plastic resin made from chlorine and ethylene. The name "vinyl" is actually derived from its full name of "polyvinylchloride" (PVC).

Floppy disks are small, removable, media storage devices. They record data onto a thin, circular magnetic film encased in a flat, square plastic jacket. Floppy disks are somewhat antiquated, having been replaced by memory sticks and re-writable CD storage devices.

22. What are three basic types of optical storage devices? Give their brief characteristics.

An optical storage device is an electro-mechanical unit that can save and retrieve (write and read) information on a special disc medium using a laser light. Optical drives are designed to work with several types of media: CDs ("compact disc"), DVDs (digital versatile disc" or "digital video disc") and Blu-ray discs.

There are three basic types of optical disks:

CD-ROM : Like audio CDs, CD-ROMs come with data already encoded onto them. The data is permanent and can be read any number of times, but CD-ROMs cannot be modified.

WORM : Stands for write-once, read -many. With a WORM disk drive, you can write data onto a WORM disk, but only once. After that, the WORM disk behaves just like a CD-ROM.

erasable: Optical disks that can be erased and loaded with new data, just like magnetic disks. These are often referred to as EO (erasable optical) disks.

These three technologies are not compatible with one another; each requires a different type of disk drive and disk. Even within one category, there are many competing formats, although CD-ROMs are relatively standardized.