1. What is the function of the CPU?

The CPU can rapidly access any data stored in memory; but often the memory is not large enough to store the entire data bank required for a particular application. The problem can be resolved by providing the computer with one or more Input Ports. The CPU can address these ports and input the data contained there. The addition of input ports enables the computer to receive information from external equipment (such as a paper tape reader or floppy disk) at high rates of speed and in large volumes.

The CPU unifies the system. It controls the functions performed by the other components. The CPU must be able to fetch instructions from memory, decode their binary contents and execute them. It must also be able to reference memory and 1/0 ports as necessary in the execution of instructions. In addition, the CPU should be able to recognize and respond to certain external control signals, such as INTERRUPT and WAIT requests. The functional units within a CPU that enable it to perform these functions are described below
http://www.ordersomewherechaos.com/rosso/fetish/m102/web100/docs/intro-computer.html

New Terms relating to audio files

stereo: A stereophonic sound-reproduction system.
channel:A specified frequency band for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals, as for television signals. ; A site on a network, as on IRC, where online conversations are held in real time by a number of computer users
track: One of the concentric magnetic rings that form the separate data storage areas on a floppy disk or a hard disk.
frequency: measured in Hertz. It means cycles per second.

6. Do you think Australians should invest in The NBN? Justify your answer.

I believe Austrailia should invest in the National Broadband Network (NBN) because the NBN provides key enabling infrastructure to support Australia becoming one of the world’s leading digital economies by 2020. The NBN will offer high-speed broadband to 93 per cent of Australian homes, schools and business via fibre optic cabling. The remaining 7 per cent of premises will be connected via a combination of next-generation, high-speed wireless and satellite technologies. These next-generation wireless and satellite technologies represent a significant step-change over speeds currently experienced by users of those technologies today. Essentially, the NBN will benefit Australia in various ways, and hence i believe that Australia should invest in it.

http://www.nbn.gov.au/about-the-nbn/

5. The Federal Government is thinking of rolling out a national broadband network (The NBN). Research the NBN and find out:

a) what method of delivery it will use
The new network will be operated on a wholesale-only, open access basis. For the first time in Australia, retail service providers will be able to access infrastructure that is not owned or operated by one of its competitors.
b) the expected speed Providing access to high-speed broadband for all Australians
c) the expected costs From $1.6 billion in 2002-3 to $8.6 billion in 2032-33.

4. Give examples of broadband providers and identify the costs.

examples
BigPond: 50GB for $49.95/ month
Optus: 500GB + for $79.99/month
iinet: 2GB for $19.95/month
iPrimus: 1GB for $15.00/month
dodo: 2GB for $19.90/month

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

2. Outline the methods of delivery of broadband (wireless, cable, ADSL and fibre)? Identify the speed of each method.