Computer Components and Functions Quiz

IT-Workshop Course Information

• Course Code: 100113
• Instructor: Prof. Tapan Kumar
• Institution: Purnea College of Engineering, Purnea
• Affiliation: Bihar Engineering University, Patna (DSTTE, Patna, Govt. of Bihar)

Module 1: PC Hardware (6 Lectures)

• Topics Covered:
  • Identification of computer peripherals
  • CPU components and functions
  • Block diagram of the CPU and configuration of each peripheral
  • Motherboard functions
  • Assembling and disassembling a PC
  • OS installation
  • Basic Linux commands

Block Diagram of a Computer

• Central Processing Unit (CPU):
  • Contains the Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
  • The control unit fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.
  • The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• Main Memory: Stores instructions and data currently being used.
• Auxiliary Storage: Stores data and programs not currently in use.
• Input Devices: Mouse, keyboard, etc.
• Output Devices: Monitor, printer, etc.

Identification of Peripherals

• Peripheral Device: An input/output device used by a computer, but isn't the main CPU
• Classification:
  • Input Devices
  • Output Devices
  • Storage Devices
  • Communication Devices

Input Devices

• Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone
• Keyboard: Enters text and commands.
• Mouse: Controls the cursor on the screen.
• Scanner: Converts physical documents to digital files.
• Microphone: Records audio.

Output Devices

• Examples: Monitors, headphones, printers, speakers
• Monitor: Displays visual information.
• Printer: Creates physical copies of documents and images.
• Speaker: Produces audio.

Storage Devices

• Examples: Hard drive, USB drive, memory card, external hard drive
• Hard Drive: Stores data and files on a computer system.
• USB Drive: Portable storage device that connects to a computer.
• Memory Card: Portable storage device used in digital cameras and smartphones.
• External Hard Drive: Connects to a computer to provide additional storage.

Communication Devices

• Examples: Modem, Network Card, Router
• Modem: Allows a computer to connect to the internet.
• Network Card: Connects a computer to a network.
• Router: Allows multiple devices to connect to a network.

Components in a CPU and its Functions

• Central Processing Unit (CPU):
  • Interprets and executes instructions from the computer's memory.
  • Includes arithmetic and logical operations.
  • Controls data flow.
• Registers: High-speed storage within the CPU.
• Bus Interface Unit (BIU): Fetches instructions from memory.
• Instruction Decoder: Decodes instructions.
• Clock: Internal timing device (measured in Hertz).
• Pipeline: Allows multiple instructions to be executed simultaneously.
• Floating-Point Unit (FPU): Performs mathematical operations on floating-point numbers.

What is a Computer Bus?

• A communication system within a computer or between computers.
• A set of physical connections (cables, circuits) that transfers data.
• Connects memory and input/output devices to the CPU.

Types of Computer Buses

• Address Bus: Identifies memory locations.
• Data Bus: Transfers data between parts of the computer.
• Control Bus: Transfers control information between the CPU and other devices.

Functions of a CPU

• **Fetching Instructions:**Retrieves instructions from memory in a specific order set by the program counter.
• Decoding Instructions: Control unit decodes fetched instructions.
• **Executing Instructions:**CPU carries out calculations, data manipulations, or control flow activities required by the instructions.

Managing Registers

• Registers: Temporarily store data needed for calculations.

Controlling Program Flow

• Program Counter (PC): Part of the CPU that determines the next instruction.

Handling Interrupts

• Signals that stop a program from running to handle urgent requests (e.g., keyboard, timer).

Managing Caches

• Fast memory modules placed closer to the CPU.
• Stores frequently used instructions and data to reduce memory access delays.

Arithmetic and Logic Operations

• Basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Logical operations (comparisons, bitwise operations).

Control Unit

• Coordinates and manages the execution of instructions.
• Controls data flow between the CPU, memory, and other peripherals.

Virtual Memory Management

• Allows processes to use more memory than physically available.

Interrupt Handling

• Handles signals from hardware and software requiring immediate attention.

I/O Operations

• CPU communicates with input/output devices and coordinates data transfers.

Introduction to Motherboards

• Connects hardware components (CPU, RAM, hard drive, video card)
• Provides power.
• Allows components to communicate.

Functions of the Motherboard

• Central Hub: Connects all computer components.
• Power Distribution: Distributes electrical power from the power supply to other components.
• Data Communication: Enables data transfer through buses (data, address, and control buses).
• Input/Output Interfaces: Provides connections for input/output devices (e.g., USB ports, audio jacks, network interfaces).

Motherboard Components (Examples)

• BIOS/UEFI Firmware
• Expansion Slots
• Chipset Integration
• Memory Management

Assembling and Disassembling a PC

• Assembly Steps: Opening the case, mounting the motherboard, installing the CPU, installing the power supply, mounting memory, installing the graphics card, mounting drives, and connecting peripherals.
• Disassembly Steps: Unplugging the computer and peripherals, removing the side covers, disconnecting connectors, unscrewing the motherboard from the frame, etc.

Installation of an Operating System (OS)

• Choosing OS: Considering factors like compatibility, performance and personal preference
• Data Backup: Copying data to another drive, etc.
• Prepare Installation Media: Optical discs, USB drives
• Install the OS: Configures the OS.
• Configure the OS: Customizing settings like language, time, and networks.
• Restore Data and Programs: Returning backed up files and programs.

Basic Linux Commands

• Introduction to Linux: A widely used, open-source operating system, built on the Linux Kernel.
• Linux Kernel (Brain): Manages interaction with hardware.
• Linux Distributions: Bundled software packages and utilities that make Linux functional (examples, Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
• Example Linux Commands:
  • ls: Displays files
  • pwd: Shows current directory
  • mkdir: Creates directories
  • cd: Changes directory
  • rmdir: Removes directories
  • cp: Copies files
  • mv: Moves/renames files and folders
  • rm: Removes files
• Basic File Management Commands
• Process Management Commands
• System Information Commands
• Searching Commands

End of Module 1