Components of a Computer System Flashcards

Purpose of a Computer

• Processes data efficiently, performing tasks more effectively than humans.

Components of a Computer System

• Comprises hardware and software that collaboratively process data and execute tasks.

Hardware

• Refers to the tangible components of a computer system: CPU, motherboard, monitor, and printer.

Software

• Consists of programs and applications that the computer runs, such as operating systems and applications like word processors or video games.

Types of Computers

• Includes a variety of systems, from small devices (calculators, watches) to large supercomputers.
• General purpose systems (e.g., PCs, tablets) are designed for multiple tasks while dedicated systems focus on a specific function (e.g., traffic control, aircraft navigation).

Embedded Systems

• Defined as computers integrated into other devices (e.g., microwaves, TVs) and typically function as dedicated systems.

Uses of Embedded Systems

• Function as control systems that monitor and regulate machinery to achieve specified outcomes, such as managing water pumps and cycles in dishwashers.

Design and Production of Embedded Systems

• Generally easier to design, less expensive to produce, and optimized for performance on specific tasks compared to general-purpose computers.

Key Components of a Computer

• Power Supply: Provides energy to hardware components.
• Case Cooling Fan: Expels hot air from the system.
• CPU Heat Sink and Cooling Fan: Maintain CPU temperature.
• CPU: Central processing unit responsible for executing data processing.
• Optical Drive: Reads/writes optical disks.
• RAM Sticks: Temporarily store data for quick access.
• Hard Disk Drive: Serves as internal secondary storage.
• Motherboard: Main circuit board linking all hardware components.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Acts as the brain of the computer, processing data and executing instructions.
• Processing power is determined by characteristics such as clock speed, number of cores, and cache size.

CPU Architecture

• Defines the key components of the CPU and their interactions, including main types: Von Neumann and Harvard architecture.

Main Parts of the CPU

• Comprises three essential components: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Cache.

Control Unit

• Oversees the CPU operations and executes program instructions via the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
• Manages data flow within the CPU and to/from the main memory and I/O devices.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Performs arithmetic calculations (addition, subtraction) and logic operations (AND, OR, NOT).
• Can execute multiplication and division through repeated addition/subtraction.

Cache

• High-speed memory located within the CPU, acting as an intermediary between the CPU and RAM.
• Faster than RAM but has limited capacity and higher cost.
• Different cache levels (L1, L2, L3) with varying speeds and capacities, where L1 is the fastest and smallest.

Registers

• Small, quick storage locations within the CPU hold temporary data necessary for processing, offering rapid read/write capabilities.