9 replies to this topic

[Peter]

I'm Stuck, what it is a buffer and what is a spooler

[Chünz]

Buffers
- Another technique of improving system performance.
- Since peripherals operate a slower speeds than the CPU, the buffer helps the CPU compensate for the differences in operating speed.
- The CPU can transfer print data to the printer buffer (not storing it in it's own memory) so the processor can get on with other tasks.
- The buffer is used to collect and store data from a slow transmitting device (e.g. a keyboard) and hold the data there until a sufficient quantity is build up to be passed onto the processor.

Spolling
- Best example for this is the PRINTER
- It is a technique used to transfer data from the processor (CPU) to a slower peripheral). This allows the CPU to get on with it's own tasks.
- Again, like the buffer it is another method of improving system performance.

Notes from"How to Pass Higher Computing"
- Frank Frame & John Mason
- Buy at Amazon.co.uk.

[Peter]

Buffers
- Another technique of improving system performance.
- Since peripherals operate a slower speeds than the CPU, the buffer helps the CPU compensate for the differences in operating speed.
- The CPU can transfer print data to the printer buffer (not storing it in it's own memory) so the processor can get on with other tasks.
- The buffer is used to collect and store data from a slow transmitting device (e.g. a keyboard) and hold the data there until a sufficient quantity is build up to be passed onto the processor.

Spolling
- Best example for this is the PRINTER
- It is a technique used to transfer data from the processor (CPU) to a slower peripheral).  This allows the CPU to get on with it's own tasks.
- Again, like the buffer it is another method of improving system performance.

Notes from"How to Pass Higher Computing"
- Frank Frame & John Mason
- Buy at Amazon.co.uk.

Thanks!!!

[Phoenix]

Notes from"How to Pass Higher Computing"[/i]
- Frank Frame & John Mason
- Buy at Amazon.co.uk.

I've got this book and i have to say, it'll be the difference between me getting a C and an A (hopefully ) as my teacher has been hopeless this year.

[D_n_y]

Would also add that when spooling, data is normally stored in the hard disk untill the printer requests the data.

[SomethingTypical]

Yea, I was going to say that spooling is the temporary storage of input or output data when a peripheral is shared across a network.

[Ian]

I still don't really understand the difference, could someone help please?

[Phoenix]

I think all you really need to remember is that: -

•A buffer is memory used to store data in transit between a peripheral and the CPU

•Spooling is where data is stored on disk to compensate between the difference in speeds between the processor and the peripheral - so if you're printing something, rather than sending the information to a buffer to deal with it all at once, the data is stored on the hard disc for printing a few seconds later. The way i think of it is that this is why you are able to print say a 10 page document, but close the window and go on to do something else, where is this stored? it's stored on the hard disc - being spooled. Maybe this final definition in italics is wrong, but it's an easy way to remember the correct definition?

[Ian]

That helped, thanks!

[Phoenix]

You're welcome