3.3 Computing Devices

Workstation

Personal Computer (PC)

Server

Mainframe

The speed of microchips doubles every two years.

The size of microchips halves every year.

The number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years.

The cost of microchips decreases by half every two years.

To provide a user interface for applications.

The primary function of the CPU is to execute instructions and process data.

To store data permanently in the hard drive.

To manage the computer's power supply.

Application software

System software

Firmware

Utility software

Machine code is a high-level programming language.

Machine code is a graphical representation of data.

Machine code is a set of binary instructions executed directly by a computer's CPU.

Machine code is a type of software application.

Assembly language

C++

Java

Python

Transistors

Vacuum tubes

Punched cards

Magnetic drums

CPU

Motherboard

RAM

Hard Drive

Application software

Firmware

Malware

System software

The number of transistors will remain constant over time.

Transistor counts will decrease by half every five years.

The number of transistors on a microchip will double approximately every two years.

The number of transistors will double every decade.