Computer Architecture Research Assignment

Use your text book and the Internet to answer the following questions. Your work should be submitted to the school "hand in work folder" or emailed to Mr. McWilliam. All work needs to be completed independently. You may be asked to orally describe your answers to validate your knowledge and ensure it is your own work.

Part 1: Windows Vista Upgrade

What is the minimum processing speed requirements for a Windows XP user to upgrade to Windows Vista and be able to use all of the Vista features including the Windows Aero user experience? (1 Mark)

What is the minimum memory requirements for a Windows XP user to upgrade to Windows Vista and be able to use all of the Vista features including the Windows Aero user experience? (1 Mark)

What are the minimum secondary storage requirements for a Windows XP user to upgrade to Windows Vista and be able to use all of the Vista features including the Windows Aero user experience? (1 Mark)

What other system requirements are necessary for a Windows XP user to upgrade to Windows Vista and be able to use all of the Vista features including the Windows Aero user experience?
(2 Marks)

Articles such as "Windows graphics systemto be Overhauled" discuss the major changes in Windows Vista in regards to graphics processing. In terms of types of processing (Computer Architecture syllabus #6) describe the type of processing discussed here. (1 Mark)

Word Size refers to the number of bits that a CPU can process at one time. Today most computers are 32 bit or 64 bit computers. Research Windows Vista options for a user who has a 64bit processor. Give each of the following users advice in terms of Windows Vista.

• Tristan has a 32 bit processor and what to upgrade to Windows Vista. He wants the best operating system ever and plans to upgrade to Windows Vista. He has suggested he wants the 64 bit version. Should he buy that version? Explain your answer. (1 Mark)
  
• Michael has a 64 bit processor and wants to upgrade to Windows Vista. He has checked and his RAM and graphics cards meet the specifications. Should he upgrade to the 32 bit version or the 64 bit version? (Explain your answer and give a minimum of one reference supporting your answer) (1 Mark)
  
• Rosalie is buying a new computer with a 64 bit processor. She has the option to purchase it with either the 32 bit version of Windows Vista or the 64 bit version of Windows Vista. She has heard that there could be problems with the 64 bit version and has asked your advice as to what she should do. (Explain your answer and give a minimum of one reference supporting your answer) (1 Mark)

Part II: iPhone
Define the term convergence as it relates to computer architecture. (1 Mark)

Watch the first part of the iPhone Introduction at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/mwsf07/ . Describe how the iPhone is an example of convergence. (1 Mark)

Define the term compatible as it relates to computer architecture. (1 Mark)

Describe an example of compatibility (or incompatibility) as it relates to the iPhone (1 Mark)

Define software and describe the two major types of software (system software and application software) (3 Marks)

What system software is in the iPhone introduction? (1 mark)

What application software is in the iPhone introduction? (1 mark)

Part III: Processor Technologies

You have been hired as a consultant to advise Meg's Music on a new computer system acquisition. Meg plans to use her system to store data about musical instrument stock and her customers. She would like you to explain the new Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor.

She has read the review at http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/cpu/article.php/3261_3652811__1
and has the following questions:

Why is cache important (describe how it works and how it impacts the performance of a computer)? (1 mark)

Describe the different types of cache that are present in the new Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor? (2 marks)

What is a bus? (1 Mark)

Explain the difference between a front side bus and a cache bus. (1 mark)

What type of processing (in terms of item 6 on the Computer Architecture syllabus) does this processor offer? (Be sure to support you answer with an explanation or no credit will be given) (1 mark)


Part IV: PSP
Your little brother has seen a news release about the PSP - PSP 3.10 at http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/news/?id=15111&ncid=AOLGAM000500000000031.

He asks you what firmware is. Explain to him what firmware is in terms of the PSP and just to show what a know it all you are explain to him what firmware is in terms of a computer. (2 Marks)












Resources:

Information Systems Syllabus

Webopedia

DL TV
The Jan 30 Episode discusses Vista at length - especially useful the third section by Lloyd Case which can be accessed on its own.

Upgrade from Windows XP to Vista

64 Bit Computing

Sharkeyextreme.com CPU Review Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor Review