Computer components and their functions

Hardware of Computer

• Monitor is an output device that displays visual output from the computer.
• Keyboard is an input device that allows typing and entering commands.
• Mouse is an input device that helps in navigation and selection.
• CPU (Processing Unit) is the "brain" of the computer that processes instructions.
• RAM (Storage - Temporary Memory) temporarily holds data for fast access while programs run.
• Hard Drive (HDD/SSD) (Storage - Permanent Memory) stores files, software, and the operating system.
• Power Supply (Power Component) converts electricity to power the computer.
• Motherboard (Main Circuit Board) connects and allows communication between all parts.
• GPU (Graphics Card/Processing Unit) handles graphics and video processing.
• Speakers (Output Device) produce sound from the computer.
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a traditional storage device using spinning disks, slower but cheaper.
• SSD (Solid State Drive) uses flash memory, and is faster and more durable than an HDD.
• Three terms used to describe CPU cycles: Fetch, Decode, Execute.
• The purpose of the CPU is to execute instructions from programs and handle calculations/logic.
• The main task of CPU components involves control unit, RAM, address register, program counter register.
• Control unit manages and directs data flow within the CPU.
• Address Register holds memory addresses for data access.
• Program Counter Register keeps track of the next instruction to execute.
• Instruction Register stores the current instruction being executed.
• ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations.
• Accumulator stores intermediate results of calculations.
• Source Code consists of human-readable programming instructions in a high-level language.
• Assembly Language is a low-level language directly corresponding to machine code instructions.
• Direct addressing specifies the exact memory location.
• Indirect addressing refers to a location that contains the actual address.
• Four stages of the CPU Fetch-Execute Cycle: Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store.
• Factors affecting computer performance: RAM size, CPU cache, storage type (HDD vs. SSD), and GPU performance.
• Four events in the Fetch-Execute-Decode cycle: instruction is fetched, decoded, executed, and results are stored.
• ROM is non-volatile (stores permanent data), while RAM is volatile (temporary storage for running programs).
• Increasing RAM allows more programs to run smoothly by not relying on slower storage memory.
• Choosing a Secondary Storage Device requires consideration of capacity, speed, durability, cost, and compatibility.
• Virtual Memory expands RAM using disk storage when physical RAM is full.
• Open source software is free and modifiable. Proprietary software is owned and restricted.
• Secondary Storage stores data permanently, even when the computer is off.
• CPU performance is affected by clock speed and cache memory.
• Clock Speed: Faster speed means quicker processing.
• Cache Memory: Reduces the time to access frequently used data.
• Three common types of storage: Magnetic (HDD), Optical (CD/DVD), and Solid-State (SSD).
• Disk Fragmentation is data scattered on a hard drive slowing performance. Modern SSDs and file systems minimize this.
• Hardware needed for LAN connection: Network Interface Card (NIC), Router, Switch, Ethernet cables, and Wireless adapters.
• Embedded System: A specialized computing system within a device, dedicated to specific functions.
• Examples of Embedded Systems are ATM machines, Smart TVs, Car airbags, etc.
• The Purpose of an Operating System is to manage hardware, software, processes, and user interactions.
• Custom software is tailored to specific needs, while off-the-shelf software is mass-produced for general use.
• New technologies impact businesses, consumers, employees, and the environment in terms of cost, efficiency, and ethical concerns.
• Cache Memory stores frequently used data for faster CPU access.
• Storage Units (smallest to largest): Bit → Nibble → Byte → Kilobyte → Megabyte → Gigabyte → Terabyte.
• The ALU performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
• The Control Unit decodes instructions, manages execution, and sends control signals to other CPU components.
• The Program Counter stores the address of the next instruction and increments after each instruction fetch.
• The Instruction Register holds the fetched instruction before it is decoded and executed.
• The Memory Address Register stores the memory location of the data or instruction to be fetched.
• The Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the actual data or instruction fetched from memory.
• The buses in the CPU do the following:
  • Address Bus: Carries memory addresses.
  • Data Bus: Transfers data.
  • Processor Bus: Transfers instructions and data within the CPU.
• The role of hardware and software in networked digital systems is managing, controlling, and securing access to data.
• Hardware and software contribute to data security by controlling and securing access to data.
• Simple data compression reduces the size of data for storage or transmission.
• Content data contains information, while presentation data determines how it is displayed.
• LAN Hardware includes NIC, Router, Switch, Ethernet cables, and Wireless adapter.
• An Operating System manages hardware, software, processes, and user interactions.
• OS functions include process management, memory management, and file system management.
• CPU speed and generation measures processing power.
• Register (word) size determines how much data a CPU can process at once.
• A bus connects CPU to memory.
• Affect computer performance:
• CPU very fast memory located in CPU speeding up access to used data
• RAM size: smoother multitasking and more programs run ww/o slowing down system
• GPU: graphics can improve
• A Network operating system is designed to manage network communication between devices.
• A Virtual machine lets you run multiple operating systems without impacting the host operating system.
• Fetch: Retrieves info from memory
• Decode: Translate instuction into form CPU can understand
• Execute: Carries to instruction
• Store: CPU writes the result back to memory
• Hard drive storage: non volitile storage that retains data even if computer is of. Typically uses megnetic disks or flash memory to store permenant data
• Control unit: manages and coordinates the activities of the processor
• Secoundary storage: non vilitile storage that retains data even if computer is off (files applications and the OS)
• Network protocol: set of rules and conventions that determine how data is transmitted and received over the network
• Cloud storage: a mode of computer data storage in which digital data is stored on servers in off-site locations
• Local storage: Data storage that is directly attached to a compute device
• Primary storage: about enabling computer operations by managing actively needed files

Test your knowledge of computer hardware. This quiz covers essential components like the CPU, memory, and storage devices; also covers the roles of input and output devices.