3.2.9 Outline recent developments in computer system architecture
including processor architecture, primary memory technologies and
secondary memory devices.
Teaching Note:
Technical details are not required unless introduced in the case study.
JSR Notes:
Another assessment statement, which mentions those important words “Case Study”. But other than that, make a mental note of one or two recent developments that you yourself are familiar with. On an IB exam, it’s more than likely going to be a connection to the Case Study, which nabs this assessment statement. But perhaps not, so what have you read up on or seen something interesting about recently on the Internet?
Let me give you some 2009 ideas: cloud computing, high capacity flash, solid-state hard drives, various new wireless standards, quad core CPUs, 64-bit processing, multithreading, FireWire 800, USB 2. But do keep in mind that these are to be recent developments in computer system architecture, not so much software and systems.