Open Architecture is a system whose specifications are made public to encourage third-party vendors to develop add-on products for it. Most microcomputers adopt open architecture. They allow users to expand their systems using optional expansion boards.
Closed Architecture is a system whose technical specifications are not made public. With a machine that has closed architecture, users cannot easily add new peripherals.
• Expansion Slots
Expansion slots are receptacles inside a system unit that printed circuit boards (expansion boards) are plugged into. Computer buyers need to look at the number of expansion slots when they buy a computer, because the number of expansion slots decides future expansion. In microcomputers, the expansion slots are directly connected to the bus.
• Expansion Boards
A printed circuit board that plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard and extends the computer's capability to control a peripheral device. Also called a "card," "interface card," "adapter" or "controller," all the printed circuit boards that plug into a computer's bus are technically expansion boards, because they expand the computer's capability. Typical examples are the display adapter, network adapter (NIC) and sound card; however, all of these circuits may be contained in chips on the motherboard.
No comments:
Post a Comment