Week 1 Topic 1: Computer Architecture

• A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a program.
• Computers perform calculations, data storage, and communication.
• Hardware, such as the processor, memory, and storage devices, and software, which includes programs and operating systems, make up computers.
• Some different types of computers are: Personal Computers (PCs), Laptops, tablets, servers and supercomputers.
• Computers have become integral to modern life and are used in education, business, healthcare, and entertainment.

Main Computer Components and Functions

• Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all computer components, enabling communication between the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.
• CPU: Performs calculations and executes instructions from programs: the "brain" of the computer.
• Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that the CPU uses for actively used data and instructions.
• Storage (Hard Drive / SSD): Used to permanently store data, including the operating system, applications, and user files.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Converts electrical power from an outlet into usable power for the computer's components.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles rendering of images, video, and animations; essential for gaming and graphic design.
• Cooling System: Maintains optimal operating temperatures for components.
• Input/Output Devices: Allow users to interact with the computer.

Computer Connectors and Ports

• DVI (Digital Visual Interface): Connects video sources to displays, transmitting uncompressed digital video.
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): Transmits high-definition video and audio from a source to a display; widely used in consumer electronics.
• USB (Universal Serial Bus): A versatile connector for data transfer and power supply between devices.
• DisplayPort: A digital display interface used to connect a video source to a monitor, supporting high resolutions and refresh rates, suitable for gaming.
• VGA (Video Graphics Array): An older analog video connector for transmitting video signals.
• Ethernet (RJ-45): Used for wired network connections, connecting devices to local area networks (LAN) and the internet.

Motherboard

• The primary printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer.
• The central hub connects CPU, memory modules, storage devices, expansion cards, and peripheral devices.
• Provides electrical connections and pathways for data transfer.
• Facilitates communication and coordination between components.
• Includes interfaces for external connections like USB ports, audio jacks, network ports, and display outputs.
• Contains circuitry for power regulation, BIOS firmware storage, and system management functions.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Performs most decision-making, arithmetic, and data manipulation.
• Executes billions of instructions per second.
• Operation controlled by a program (list of instructions).
• Speed measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• Main Components: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers.
• Machine Cycle Steps: Fetch, decode, execute, and store.

Computer Architecture

• Design of a computer system, including components and their organization.
• It encompasses both hardware and software aspects.
• Defines the structure and behavior of a computer system.
• Key Components of von Neumann Architecture.
• The processing Unit contains an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and processor registers.
• Control Unit: Manages and directs operations.
• Memory stores both data and instructions.
• External Mass Storage provides additional data storage.
• Computer Ports facilitate connections to peripherals.
• Input and Output Devices allow user interaction and data display.
• Influences execution speed and effectiveness of running various applications.

Memory

• Encompasses various types of storage for temporarily or permanently holding data and instructions.
• Primary Types of Memory: Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM) & Cache Memory.
• RAM provides fast but volatile storage for active data and programs and is cleared when the computer is off.
• ROM holds essential system instructions and firmware and is non-volatile
• Cache Memory is high-speed storage close to the CPU for frequently accessed data.
• Includes Secondary Storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs).
• Affects system performance and multitasking capabilities.
• Shapes a computer’s functionality and responsiveness.

Memory Addresses

• Numerical identifiers for locations within a computer's memory.
• Each byte of memory has a unique address for data access and manipulation by the CPU.
• Types of Memory Addresses.
• Logical Addresses are generated by the CPU while a program is running and used as a reference to access physical memory.
• Physical Addresses identify the actual physical location of data in memory.
• A page table stores the mapping between virtual and physical addresses in a virtual memory system.

Peripherals

• Computers use internal adaptation mechanisms, primarily adapter cards and ports, to connect with components and peripherals.
• Adapter Cards are inserted into motherboard slots to extend functionality beyond built-in capabilities.
• Ports are physical or virtual interfaces that facilitate connections to external devices.
• Adapter Cards, An internal expansion cards that allow communication with peripherals.
• Ports are interfaces on a computer that enable communication with external peripherals or networks, acting as gateways for data transfer.
• Speed comparisons vary: the fastest are CPU Registers, then CPU Caches, then Main Memory (RAM) then SSD.
• External Peripherals Augment a computer's capabilities beyond core components: input devices (Keyboards, mice), output devices (Monitors, speakers) networking devices etc