Ch2: Computer Hardware

Study Notes

Computer hardware encompasses the physical components of a computer system, distinct from software which consists of instructions.
Hardware plays a crucial role as it processes data and executes commands.

CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Acts as the brain of the computer, executing instructions and coordinating hardware activities.
- Key specifications include speed (measured in Hz or GHz), number of cores, and cache size.
Motherboard:
- Main circuit board that interconnects all hardware components.
- Compatibility with other hardware is essential for proper functioning.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
- Temporary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use by the CPU.
- More RAM leads to faster performance, as it allows for quicker data access.
Storage Devices:
- Primary storage (RAM) is ephemeral, while secondary storage (HDD, SSD) holds data permanently.
- Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster compared to Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), affecting performance and data retrieval speed.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):
- Specialized for rendering graphics, can be integrated or dedicated.
Power Supply:
- Converts electrical power to usable energy for computer components.
Input/Output Devices:
- Facilitate interaction between users and the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer).

Hardware components work together to effectively execute user commands and process data, forming an interconnected system.
Each component serves a specific function that contributes to the overall performance and capabilities of the computer.

The CPU fetches, decodes, and executes instructions, constantly processing information.
A multi-core processor can handle multiple tasks concurrently, thus improving system performance.
Contains a control unit that directs operations and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that performs calculations and logical comparisons.

The CPU operates on a cycle involving four basic operations: fetching, decoding, executing, and storing.
Each instruction undergoes this repetitive set of operations, forming the core mechanism by which CPUs operate.