Computer Architecture Week 5

This week had us all take a component of computer hardware and research it and present the basic facts of each. The question posed to us is: What were the most valuable pieces of information that you learned from presentations in class tonight? At face value, this is difficult to answer because I feel well versed in all areas that were presented. New information includes the advent of PCI-E slots for video cards. I was not alert to the newest and fastest card types. When putting together a new system I will make sure I give attention to ones that have the newest type. Learning more about flash drives was beneficial. I never realized they can only be rewritten over so many times before failure. Makes me wonder why they don't have come type of counter attached to give the user more info pertaining to this aspect. I really learned the most from my own research about BIOS. I took this on so I could learn more about it, rather than choose something I already understood. The most interesting part of the research centered around the advent of EFI as a replacement for BIOS and how Apple has it easy because they control every facet of the production. PC makers need to come to come type of consensus regarding a coordinated effort to standardize hardware from their manufacturers. Until this happens Microsoft will be at their mercy, mush to Apple's delight.