Computer Components and Operation

Computer Components and Operation

• Computers combine mechanical and electrical parts to run programs, sets of instructions for tasks.
• Programmers design, create, and test programs/software
• Hardware consists of the physical computer components.

Major Computer Components

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): Runs programs, located on small microprocessors.
• Main Memory (RAM): Stores programs and data while running; quickly accessible by the CPU; erased when the computer is off.
• Secondary Storage: (e.g., hard drives, SSDs, UBS drives, optical discs) Stores data for long periods; where programs are usually stored.
• Input Devices: (e.g., keyboard, mouse, camera) Collect data for the computer. Disk drives can also be input devices.
• Output Devices: (e.g., printer, monitor, speakers) Produce data for other devices. Disk drives/USBs can also be output devices.
• Communication Devices: (e.g., modems, routers, hubs) Connect computers and devices.

Computer Software

• Software: Controls everything a computer does.
• Application Software: Programs for everyday tasks (e.g., word processing, email, web browsers, games).
• System Software: Controls and manages basic computer operations.
  • Operating System: (e.g., Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS) Manages hardware, devices, storage, and program execution .
  • Utility Programs: Enhance computer operation or safeguard data (e.g., virus scanners, backup programs).
  • Software Development Tools: Used for creating, modifying and testing software programs (e.g., assemblers, compilers, interpreters).
  • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Firmware that initializes hardware operations and manages data flow to/from the OS during bootup, acting as an interface between the hardware and the OS. Stored in ROM on the motherboard.

Data Storage

• All computer data is stored as sequences of 0s and 1s.
• Byte: Enough memory to store a letter or small number; comprised of 8 bits.
• Bit: An electrical component representing an on/off switch (positive/negative charge).
• Byte size limits: 0 to 255 (with one byte), 0 to 65535 (with two bytes)
• Data types:
  • Digital: Stores data as binary numbers.
  • Digital Images: Composed of pixels, each converted to a binary number representing its color (RGB).
  • Digital Music: Composed of samples, each converted to a binary number.

Program Execution

• CPUs perform simple operations (reading, adding, subtracting, etc.) on data.
• Each CPU has a unique instruction set.
• Programs are copied from secondary storage to RAM before execution.
• CPU executes programs in a cycle:
  • Fetch: Retrieve the next instruction from memory.
  • Decode: Understand which operation to perform.
  • Execute: Carry out the operation.

Programming Languages

• Low-Level Languages: (Machine Language & Assembly Language) Close to binary code.
• Assembly Language: Uses mnemonics (short words) for instructions, making it easier for programmers.
• Assembler: Translates assembly language to machine language.
• High-Level Languages: Intuitive languages allowing creation of complex programs without needing detailed CPU knowledge (e.g., Python).
• Keywords: Predefined words with specific meanings.
• Operators: Perform operations on data (e.g., Math operations).
• Syntax: Set of rules for writing programs.
• Statement: Individual instruction in a high-level language.

Explore the fundamental components of a computer system: CPU, memory, storage, input, and output devices. Understand how these parts work together to execute programs and manage data. Learn about the roles of hardware, software, and communication devices.