Computer Architecture
The function of a computer is to carry out instructions, this occurs within the Central Processing Unit in loop known as a the Fetch-Execute Cycle.
Using RAID
Some notes from aaaaages ago, not necessarily part of our syllabus.
RAID stands for (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) (or originally, Inexpensive disks, unfortunately that's not the case any more!). Lets break that down into what it really means:
- "Array", so we're talking more than one disk drive here.
- "Independent", these are separate disks that we are linking together via our RAID controller. They could already be on the same bus or data channel - but they are independent devices.
- "Redundant". We're using more disks than we need in our array. Why is that? Well, by combining the resources of several hard drives, we can end up with a configuration that is faster, larger, more tolerant or more secure - depending on our needs.
About Hard Drives
Some notes from aaaaages ago, not necessarily part of our syllabus.
Wikipedia defines a Hard Drive as: "A hard disk (or "hard disc" or "hard drive" or "hard disk drive") is a computer storage device that stores data on rotating magnetic surfaces." Now, I'm less interested in the ins and outs of how the hard drive works and more in the types of hard drives, and their practical applications.
Binary Arithmetic
We can apply the normal rules of arithmetic to binary, just as we can to any other number system - and the only time this can get a little complicated is when considering binary subtraction - or negative binary since strictly the negative sign should not be used.