The power of a computer is mainly determined by the speed and capacity (size) of each component.

Speed is measured in hertz (Hz) i.e. cycles per second (operation per second). Hertz is the unit of measurement for frequency.

Capacity is measured in bytes (B) where 1 byte = 8 bits (binary digits) = 1 character (i.e. the number of bits you need to encode 1 digital character). Byte is the unit of measurement of digital information. 

A binary digit (bit) is the basic unit of information. It can h [...]

The specification or “spec” is a list of the key components that make up the computer. It is provided by retailers to help buyers decide which PC and which combination of feature they need. When buying a PC it is important to start deciding what you want the PC to do.

When specifying a computer the following are normally quoted:

1.The speed of the processor (MHz – GHz): 

The processor is the brain of the computer and controls most of the work done.

Its speed is related to the number o [...]

The processor, also called CPU or central processing unit, is the brain of a computer. In PCs, it is built into a single chip – a small piece of silicon with a complex electrical circuit, called an integrated circuit – that executes instructions and coordinates the activities of all other units.

A generic CPU includes:

-          The control unit, which examines instructions from memory and execute them;

-          The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic a [...]

When you run a program, the CPU looks for it on the hard disk and transfers a copy into the RAM. RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary or volatile, it holds data while your PC is working on it, but loses this data when the power is switched off. 

However, ROM (Read Only Memory) is permanent and contains instruction needed by the CPU; the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) uses ROM to control communication with peripherals, e.g. disk drives.

The amount of RAM determines the number of programs [...]

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) found in computers.

Its functions are the following:

1.It holds the crucial electronic components of a system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and the memory; 

2.It allows communication between the components; 

3.It provides connectors for the other peripherals. 

The CPU socket is the mechanical component that provides electrical connections between the microprocessor and the PCB. 

The larger chips (CPU and Northbridge) [...]

La società di massa TEST

La fine dell’800 fu segnata dalla nascita della società di massa. Gli elementi che la caratterizzarono furono: l’urbanizzazione, la crescita dei consumatori e conseguente abbandono della produzione per autoconsumo, il sistema di relazioni sociali che si avvale delle grandi istituzioni nazionali e non più delle piccole comunità.

L’aumento della produzione portò alla nascita delle catene di montaggio. L’ostilità si diffuse tra i lavoratori che si sentivano sp [...]