Know Computing

Advantages, disadvantages, and features of GUI

A graphic user interface (GUI) is a visual interface through which a system or device user interacts with the computer. GUI interface is characterized by having small graphical representation images called icons, uses of buttons, window interface, and menus among other features. The graphical representation makes the interface more user-friendly and simple to learn.

The main benefits of using GUI are user-friendly, simple to learn and users can customize the interface to their preference. However, the system requires more resources to execute and store the graphics. The main characteristic of GUI is WIMP. This is the use of Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers to interact with the system.

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Computer Hardware

Characteristics, advantages, and types of ROM

A Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer memory that is non-volatile. As the name suggests data is written once and read many times on these memories. It is classified as computer primary memory alongside RAM.

They are used to store firmware software for devices such as computers, routers, and gaming devices, among other electronic devices. Data in the ROM is permanently stored. However, some types of ROM allows user to update the content or even delete it completely.

The primary function of ROM memory is to store device firmware data. An example of ROM is a BIOS for the computer which is used to store information used when a computer is booting.

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Computer tips

What are monitor size, resolution, and contrast?

A computer monitor is an output device that is used to display data that is processed by the computer. It is also known as a screen or video display unit. Computer screens have many features such as size, resolution, and contrast, among many others. For optimum use of a monitor, the user is required to make different settings.

Monitor size is measured diagonally from opposite corner to corner. While the resolution is the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen given by width and height. Pixels are color elements that make up an image. monitor contrast on the other hand is the ratio between the brightest white that screen can display against its darkest dark.

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types of router. The router diagram shows cisco and edge router

General articles

Functions, types, and components of the network router

A router is a networking components device used to connect two networks that use different protocols. It is mainly used as a gateway to connect the LAN and WAN or internet networks. They are used to direct traffic from source to destination by choosing the best path for the message. Network routers can be wired, wireless, edge, virtual, or core.

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Computer Hardware

Linear bus topology features, advantages, and disadvantages

A bus or linear bus topology is a type of computer network layout where all devices are connected to a single cable called the linear bus. The cable is also called a backbone or trunk. Bus cable is shared by the devices and allows data to flow in both directions. All devices have an equal chance to transmit data and they keep checking for any message addressed to them.

The main characteristics of bus topologies are that it has a main bus cable where all devices are connected and a terminator at each end of the cable. Bus topology advantage is that it is simple to add a new device to the network and failure of one doesn’t affect others. However, if the main bus cable fails the whole network fails.

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CPU register. it shows the register and their symbols. Registers include PC,AC,MBR,MAR

Computer Hardware

Types of CPU register and their functions

The CPU registers are high-speed access storage areas that are within the processor. They are also known as computer registers. Registers are inbuilt within the processor to increase the speed of access. They are faster than cache and main memory. They are used to temporarily store data that is currently being executed on the CPU.

The main function of the CPU register is to store data and address the processes that are currently being executed in the computer processor. Register are classified into special-purpose or general-purpose. The most common types of computer registers are Program Counter (PC), Instruction Register (IR), Accumulator Register (AR), Memory Address Register (MAR), and Memory Buffer Register (MBR) among others discussed in this article.

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Computer Hardware

Ring topology features, advantages, and disadvantages

A ring network topology is a computer network where each computer is connected to other two adjacent devices creating a circular data path. The data in ring topology can either moves in one direction in what is called a unidirectional ring or bidirectional. Each device on the ring act as a relay point to pass data to the next device hence all computer are connected to each other.

To identify a ring topology devices are connected to make a complete loop where each computer is connected to 2 adjacent devices. The main advantage of this topology is, it eliminates data collision since data flow is unidirectional. however, the network has low transmission speed and the failure of one node affects the whole network.

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Computer Hardware

Features, function, and advantages of sound card

A sound card is a computer expansion card that is fixed on the motherboard to support audio input and output. It is also known as a PC sound card, audio card, or audio interface. It converts digital signals from computers to analog signals to be played on the speakers. Computer sound cards can be internally built within the motherboard or they can be external for more professional audio production.

The main features of a sound card are CODEC, audio input/output, digital signal processor, and amplifier among other components. An audio card is used to convert digital signals to an audio signals and vice versa. The main advantage of using the card are the improved quality of sound and more features than the inbuilt sound card.

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Computer Hardware

Advantages, types, and uses of plotters

A plotter is an output device that converts softcopy vector graphics data into hardcopy on different print materials. It is a printer that interprets computer commands and prints continuous lines using a pen instead of dots like an ordinary printer.

There are different types of plotters such as drum, flatbed, electrostatic, inkjet, and pen among others. They are used by engineers for blueprints and advertisement agencies for billboards and signboards. Businesses can also use them to print big business charts.

Using plotters has benefits such as high-quality print, working on big-size material, and they are fast. However, they are expensive to acquire and maintain and also they are big in size.

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Computer Hardware

Computer network components and their functions

A computer network is an interconnection of two or more computers with an aim of sharing resources and communication. Computer network components are devices that kames up the network to enable it to achieve its objective of sharing and communication.

Networking components include hardware, software, and protocols components that facilitate interconnection. Hardware networking components are routers, switches, firewalls, bridges, gateways, servers, clients, access points, MODEM, and hub among others

In this article, we discuss both the hardware and software requirements of a computer network

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