Hardware: Take a moment to observe your computer or laptop. Identify and describe at least four (4) distinct hardware components you can see. Explain the function of each component and how it contributes to the overall functionality of your computer.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
When examining a computer or laptop, several distinct hardware components can be identified, each playing a vital role in the overall functionality of the device. Below are four key hardware components commonly found in a computer:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Description: The CPU, often referred to as the brain of the computer, is typically located on the motherboard beneath a cooling fan or heat sink. It is usually a small square chip with many pins or contacts.
Function: The CPU executes instructions from programs and performs calculations necessary for tasks. It processes data, manages system resources, and directs the operation of other hardware components. The performance of a computer largely depends on the speed and efficiency of its CPU, often measured in gigahertz (GHz) and determined by the number of cores it has.
Contribution to Functionality: The CPU is crucial for running applications, performing computations, and overall system performance. A faster CPU can lead to quicker processing times and improved multitasking capabilities.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Description: RAM is typically found on the motherboard in the form of long, narrow sticks (DIMMs or SODIMMs). It is often located near the CPU.
Function: RAM serves as the system’s short-term memory, providing space for the CPU to store and quickly access data and instructions that are currently in use. Unlike storage devices, RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is powered off.
Contribution to Functionality: The amount of RAM directly affects a computer’s ability to multitask and run applications efficiently. More RAM allows for smoother performance with multiple applications open simultaneously, reducing lag and improving user experience.
3. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)
Description: The HDD or SSD is located within the laptop’s casing or mounted in a desktop case. An HDD consists of spinning disks (platters) and read/write heads, while an SSD uses flash memory with no moving parts.
Function: These storage devices are used to save all data permanently, including the operating system, software applications, and user files. The HDD stores data magnetically, while the SSD stores data electronically.
Contribution to Functionality: The type and speed of storage have a significant impact on system performance. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, leading to quicker boot times and faster file access. Adequate storage capacity ensures that users can keep their data without running out of space.
4. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Description: The GPU can be integrated into the motherboard or exist as a separate dedicated graphics card installed in a PCIe slot. It often has its own cooling solution.
Function: The GPU is responsible for rendering images, animations, and videos. It processes graphical data more efficiently than the CPU, especially in tasks that require heavy visual output such as gaming, video editing, and graphic design.
Contribution to Functionality: A powerful GPU enhances visual performance and allows for smoother graphics rendering. For users engaged in graphic-intensive applications or gaming, a capable GPU is essential for achieving high frame rates and resolutions.
Conclusion
Each of these hardware components plays an integral role in making a computer functional and efficient. The CPU governs processing power, RAM facilitates quick access to necessary data, storage devices provide permanent data retention, and the GPU enhances graphical performance. Together, they create a cohesive system that enables users to perform a wide range of tasks effectively and efficiently. Understanding these components helps users appreciate how their computers work and allows them to make informed decisions when upgrading or purchasing new systems.
