Week 2 Reading Notes

Computer Hardware
Physical components of a computer. Rarely changed, as opposed to software which is often changed. Firmware is software components that are rarely changed (ROM). The motherboard contains all of the pieces of the computer. RAM is the physical memory of a computer (fast-access). Internal BUS ports connect parts to the motherboard. External BUS ports attach peripherals to the outside. Removable media (DVD, CD, Floppy, etc) vs. internal storage (hard drive, solid state drive)

Moore's Law
The number of transistors able to fit on a circuit will double approx. every two years. (Gordon Moore, 1965). Term coined in 1970 by Carver Mead. The most important factor is the density of transistor at a minimal cost, but as more transistors are added to a circuit the chance of failure increases. This started as a projection, but became a goal in IT. New material are making it possible to fit more information on smaller transistors. This cannot go on forever, eventually it will meet a minimum limit, though some predict that transistors will soon be no larger than a few atoms. Improved hardware does not mean improved software.

Related “Laws”

Kryder's Law – hard-disk space
Butter's Law of Photonics – Optical information double every 9 months
Pixel's per dollar

Computer History Museum

I thought that this site was neat. The museum looks like a lot of fun. The website also had good information such as the history of the internet, and a graphic explanation of Moore's Law. The site is very interactive also.