4-banger

(Re)-Introduction

2009-12-06T01:47:00.007-05:00

As the title indicates, this is an introduction or update to this blog. As you may have noticed, the older posts below all look like definitions. This is because this blog was used for homework entries for a computer course.

If you are any sort of gear head, you would have noticed the title of this blog points to automotive topics. The inspiration for the title came from my early love for Japanese cars, specifically Hondas. In automotive-talk, when people say four-banger they are referring to the 4 cylinder engine found in the car. This blog will be updated with posts relating to automotive news/blurbs. For the blurbs, I will be recalling the specs off the top of my head. If there is any uncertainty, I will make sure to confirm the accuracy of specs etc. but I will not be citing any specific sources. Usually I refer to websites like carfolio.com, seriouswheels.com, or netcarshow.com.

Before I go on, I need to establish one important fact: I do not like American-made cars.

Although there are a few exceptions; for example the C5 and C6 generation Corvettes, the Ford GT40, the Dodge Viper ACR, and the Buick GNX. And lets not forget the classic muscle cars of the 1970's. Otherwise, I generally do not like American cars. The ironic thing is I was not always like this. As a kid, I thought pickup trucks were cool. Heck one time my dad rented an old Lincoln with a moon-roof, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. Even worse, as I grew up and started getting into cars I narrowed down my first car to either a 2002-2005 Dodge Neon or a 2000-2004 Ford Focus. How times have changed. So for anyone reading who is a major fan of American cars, you have been warned.

Anyways, thanks for reading and make sure to check back soon for my next article: Land of the rising sun.

published: 02/14/2010

Bolded words

2005-10-06T14:08:00.000-04:00

protocols: rules that govern the way in which computer networks transmit data

TCP/IP: most common communication protocols on LANs

WAN: wide-area network

intranet: internal company-owned networks

ARPAnet: linking of mainframs

MILNET: split up version of ARPAnet

NSFNET: National Science Foundation Network

backbone: backbone of ISP

packets: small blocks of data

SLIP: serial inline internte protocol connection

DSL: high-speed transmission using telephone lines

ISDN: high-speed transmission using telephone lines

Telnet: remote access software

FTP: file sharing software

IRC: communication software

PostScript: document files, requiring special kind of reader

Acrobat: document files, requiring special kind of reader

GIF: graphic file

JPEG: most common graphic file

PCX: graphic file

TIF: graphic file

WAVE: sound file

MP3: music file

freeware: files that someone has available on internet for downloading

shareware: applications or games created by vendors

zip: software used to compress files

zipping: process of compressing files

unzipping: uncompressing files

Continued networking (again)

2005-10-03T11:22:00.000-04:00

Monday Oct. 3

Pg. 73-77
Qs 23-25

23. Three types of software used on a network are application software, network operating software, and programming languages.

24. The purpose of application software is to help the user accomplish work, for example typing up documents. Network operating software manages the network, and processes large numbers of user requests and other multiple tasks. Programming languages let useres instruct computers.

25. The difference between client-server and peer-to-peer networking operating systems is that a P2P system is less expensive, and is easier to setup compared to a client-server. Client-servers are individual computers, while P2P is just sharing in between users.

internetnetworking: process of connecting different networks together

bridges: hardware devices which facilitate communication among personal computer networks

routers: used to connect networks together

gateways: combination of hardware and sofrware that facilitates communication between different kinds of network data formats

Local Area Networks

2005-09-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

Friday September 30, 2005

Pg. 65-72
Qs 18-20

18. LAN stands for Local Area Network, where local computers are all linked together. LAN is generally limited to a small region

19. Three advantages of PCs wired together in a LAN are that mainframes are very expensive to buy, and cannot be easily upgraded. A LAN is more flexible, because when you want to add another computer, it can be simply added on.

20. A network topology is used to describe the physical organization of computers on a LAN.

Continued networking

2005-09-29T12:44:00.000-04:00

Thursday September 29, 2005

pg 56-64

Qs 11-13, 16, 17

11. The differences between simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex is that simplex transmissions sends data in one direction, while half-duplex transmissions lets information move back and forth between the sender and receiver. Lastly, full-duplex lets data flow in two directions at the same time.

12. Three main types of cable transmission are twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fibre optic cables.

13. Advantage Disadvantage

twisted pair cables simplest form very old

coaxial cables can have video transmission susceptible to interference

fibre optic cables very fast very expensive

16. Four geosynchronous satellites wouold be a waste of money because of the high cost of the satellites.

17. A hub is used to connect several computers together for a network.

Networking

2005-09-26T14:10:00.000-04:00

Pg. 52-63, 90
Qs 2-10
Due Thursday

2. Four main hardware found in a network are personal computers, mainframes, supercomputers, and printers. Three kinds of software found are application software, desktop software, and network operating systems.

3. Two main advantages of networking computers are the fact that large areas can be connected to share information, and information that is created by someone can be shared around the world.

4. Digital signals tend to be faster, and more precise. Analog signals are not as fast, and not as exact as digital signals.

5. Two words used to substitute modem are Modulator and DEModulator.

6. The signals modems must handle are digital and analog signals.

7. The difference between serial and parallel transmission is mainly the number of lines used to transfer the signal. Parallel uses more than one wire, which transfers more bits at a time. Serial is the complete opposite, as it transfers one bit at a time.

8. One advantage for parallel transmission is the speed that the data can travel at, while one disadvantage for parallel transmission is the high cost of it.

9. Both synchronous and asynchronous transmissions are based on timing because synchronous comes in at certain decided times, while asynchronous comes in at any given time to the receiving computer.

10. One specific application for synchronous transmission is a clock.

Ergonomics

2005-09-15T13:42:00.000-04:00

September 15, 2005

1. Ergonomics is a 20th Century phenomenon. Ergonomics is an applied science that coordinates workplace design with the need of workers.

2. It is important to study ergonomics because it can help to reduce stress that cause injuries, and helps to enhance worker comfort and increase work productivity.

3. RSI is stands for Repetitive Stress Injury. It is a soft-tissue injury caused by repeated physical movements. Muscles, nerves, and tendons become inflamed and circulation may be reduced.

4. Symptoms of RSI are fatigue, numbness, and/or tingling in the affected body part. Also pain, and general aching are other symptoms.

5. Some syndromes of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness, tingling, pain, a burning sensation, swelling, or slight weakness in the wrist.

6. Other injuries that can be sustained from poor ergonomics are lower back, neck, shoulder, and eyestrain and headaches.

7. Personal mental note:
- flex hands
- hold hands flat out
- make fist with your hands
- bend wrists down while keeping fists
- hold hands out flat
- repeat steps four more times

8. An ideal workstation is composed of:
- chair with back support
- wrists level in neutral position
- document holder same height as screen
- screen 18-26 inches
- desk accessories placed within easy reach

9. Ergonomic tips include:
- easy reach of desk items
- feet flat on floor
- chair height and keyboard height
- wrists in straight line
- proper back support
- document holder at same height of screen
- eye level with monitor
- head upright
- space knees
- change seating position from time to time
- work relaxed

Software

2005-09-14T11:38:00.000-04:00

September 14, 2005

Pg. 29-35
Qs 1-6

1. BIOS - this stands for Basic Input Output System. BIOS is stored on the motherboard in the ROM.

CMOS - this stands for Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor chip. Hardware configurations are stored in the CMOS.

CUI - this stands for Character User Interface. It is a method operating systems use commands that are typed as words.

algorithm - it is a step-by-step problem solving procedure.

execution - the process of carrying-out a program

2. Three types of software are operating system, application, and computer programs. An operating system runs the entire computer, once it starts up. It manages all the programs and makes it easier for the user to use the computer. Application software helps user perform one or more tasks. Computer programs are used to give a sequence of instructions for the computer to follow.

3. The difference between these three operating systems is mainly that each have different personal functions, but all three do the same tasks and fundamentally function in the same way.

4. In the waterfall model of software development, it goes in the following order:
- Analysis -> Design -> Implementation -> Testing -> Maintenance.
The result of following each of the four steps is that you end up solving the problem the program was designed to solve.

5. The difference between the internal and external documentation is that internal documentation has instructions for the proram within it. External documentation has annother source of instructions, generally a manual.

6. The testing strategy outlined in the book is to run the program with a full range of data. The programmer must run with both valid data and invalid data.

The Silicon chip

2005-09-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

September 13, 2005

Pg. 25-28
Qs 20-22

20. a) A supercomputer is significant because it is capable of many calculations at very fast speeds. It is capable of simulating specific situations for things such as flight simulation.

b) A mainframe computer is used in large businesses like banks and insurance companies, where large amounts of information are stored.

c) Minicomputers are used in a network with mainframe computers. Minicomputers medium-sized computers.

d) A personal computer is the most common computer, as it is designed for single users.

e) A laptop is like a computer, only in a more portable size and the capability of mobility. People can bring a laptop anywhere, and have the same functions as a personal computer.

f) A palmtop is an extremely small computer that are often used as personal organizers, word processors, or for accessing email.

21. A silicon chip is used mainly for the creation of transistors. Silicon has unique properties which make it useful for manufacturing of electronics. When the proper metals are deposited on it, the silicon can become a semi-conductor.

22. Three features of silicon chips are that it is made up of a large number of transistors which in turn are organized into circuits. It can contain many circuits. The silicon chip has also increased the speed at which computers operate, which means computers can work faster and more efficiently. Lastly, silicon chips are very small therefore they can be used in many products.

The four basic characteristics of a computer are:

-input

-output

-memory

-processing

Binary to decimal:

1101 = 13

0010 = 2

1010 = 10

1000000001 = 513

Decimal to binary:

23 = 00010111

13 = 00001101

10 = 00001010

2 = 00000010

Research note Sept. 12

2005-09-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

September 12, 2005

Pg. 16-24

Qs 11, 13-19

11. The main differences between two programming paradigms are structured and unstructured programming paradigm. Structured programming allowed programmers to have an easier time following the logic of their programs. This meant that it was easier for programmers to find and correct errors in their program.

13. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.

14. The main function of the CPU is to direct all data to their proper location. It is like a traffic controller. It is the part of the computer that processes information. The CPU determines the order of which operations are performed and when.

15. The three main sections of the CPU are the ALU (Arithmetic-Logic Unit), the on-chip memory section, and the control section.

16. The function of the ALU is where all the calculations are performed, and decisions made. This is basically where all the data in the storage areas are processed.

The on-chip memory does two tasks; the registers hold the data being processed, and the instruction cache holds the instructions of the computer until they are carried out.

The control section keeps the entire system in order by directing the data to the appropriate places. It is the traffic controller of the CPU.

17. a) main memory – this is important for the computer memory because it is the primary storage

b) RAM – this is what the computer uses mainly, as it is the random access memory where the computer can temporarily store data and use it at any time

c) ROM – this is the computer’s secondary storage, as it is read only memory meaning it stores the data permanently, and is not lost when it is off

d) vacuum tubes – this was what people used to use for memory in older-generation computers

e) magnetic core – these were used for memory in the later-generation computers, shaped like donut rings

f) silicon – this is what we use presently, as the time it takes to access the data is much quicker

g) back-up – this is a second copy of the same information, in case something goes wrong with the original copy

18. The binary number system is fundamental to understanding how a computer functions because binary was the basic machine language computers used, and understanding binary we learn that computers communicate by the operation they are capable of doing. In this case, it is capable of displaying On (1) and Off (0). This is what makes up binary.

19. The difference between hardware and software is that hardware is the parts that are already inside the computer, which enables the computer to function properly. Software is special programs installed onto the computer, which enables the user to do different tasks.

Research Note

2005-09-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

Pg. 47-48
Qs 2-10

2. The Five Generations are:

First Generation computers had vacuum tubes, and had magnetic drum memory. It was in the years 1951-1958. The Second Generation had integrated circuits, magnetic core memory, and was in the years 1959-1964. The Third Generation had better integrated circuits, that were photographic. Also, it had disk input/output. It was in the years 1965-1970. The Fourth Generation had virtual storage, and the debut of microcomputers. This came about around 1970-1980. The Fifth Generation had parallel computers, with optical storage. It was during the time of 1980+.

3. a) computer programming: the sequence of inputting instructions for the computer to follow
b) programming language: a specific language used to give computer instructions
c) syntax: rules of grammar for programming language
d) debug: to search for and get rid of programming errors

4. Two differences between machine and assembly language is that machine language is in computer language, as in bits that encode machine operations. Assembly language is a language that can be read by humans, and is not any kind of special language.

5. Three advantages of assembly languages over machine languages are first assembly can be read by humans, which makes it easier for people to read the programming and examine it. Secondly, since it is easier for people to read, it can also be read faster. People do not have to waste time deciphering the machine language, and can spend more time on the task at hand. The last advantage is that assembly language can express "high-level" language. This type of language sometimes cannot be expressed by machine language, and therefore assembly language can accomplish more. Examples of applications that use "high-level" language are operating systems, or device drivers.

6. The difference between a compiler and an interpreter is that an interpreter executes programs, while a compiler converts the programming to machine language.

7. Five high-level programming languages are: ASP, Bigwig, J, Dylan, and Perl.

8. ASP: This kind of programming is for dynamically-generated web pages. It is good because programming ASP websites is made easier by having built-in objects. Compilers are required for this kind of high-level programming.

Bigwig: This is designed to work on web servers. This runs under the Linux operating system, but not Windows. A compiler is required for this.

J: This high-level programming was developed to avoid the issues with APL programming. J programming is very powerful, and is useful for statistical and mathematical programming.

Dylan: This is an improved version of the programming system CLOS. It has Lisp-like language which means that every component of the system can be modified within the language. This gives it a great amount of flexibility. This will require a compiler and an interpreter.

Perl: This kind of programming is used for a wide variety of programming tasks, such as system administration or network programming. This will require a compiler.

9. Five advantages of having high-level over low-level programming are having a more efficient programming language, it is easier to understand, and also quicker to decipher compared to low-level programming. Also, as mentioned above, high-level programming has a large range of programming language, which means it can express a type of language that low-level programming cannot. The last advantage is that high-level programming can do a larger range of tasks, compared to low-level programming that only does a few simple tasks over and over again.

10. Programming paradigm is a certain style of programming. It determines the view the programmer has on the execution of the program.

Welcome to Computer Engineering

2005-09-06T14:52:00.000-04:00

1. Name: My name is Gary C.
2. Computer Experience: My computer experience is I have taken a computer science course in Grade 10, and also I spend a lot of time on the computer everyday. Also, I have taken the info tech course in Grade 9, which helped to introduce me to all of the Microsoft software.
3. Expectations: My expectations for this course will be something along the lines of computer science in Grade 10. We will start with the basics of computers and computer parts, then move on to programming and hands-on computer stuff. I expect to expand my knowledge of computers, and to get to know stuff about computers even more in depth than before. I am also looking to see if my interest in computer engineering will continue on, and see if it may be my future career.
4.Future school/career plans: For the future, I do not know what my future school will be, and that is the same for my career plans. I still do not know what to do yet after highschool. I am keeping my options open. I am unsure of what I want to do after highschool, but I have a faint idea that it could be something along the lines of engineering.