Computer Fundamentals Overview

The presentation covers computer hardware, part 1.
A table of contents outlines the presentation's sections.
Sections include: Introduction, Number Systems, Hardware, Software, Networks, and Security

The presentation discusses computer components in detail.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when a buildup of electric charge meets a different charge surface, which can damage components.
To prevent ESD damage, components should be kept in antistatic bags until installation.
Use grounded mats or flooring in the workspace.
Use antistatic wrist straps while working inside computers.

Input Unit accepts data.
Central Processing Unit processes the data.
Memory Unit stores data and programs.
Output Unit communicates processed information.
Computer components work together for input and storage, processing, data conversion, and output communication.

The CPU handles most calculations and controls other components.
The power supply converts standard power to the form the computer needs.
The fan cools the CPU.
The hard drive is the main storage device for computers.
Drive bays hold different kinds of storage devices (e.g., DVD drives, hard drives). Expansion cards provide extra capabilities to computers.
Motherboard is the computer's main circuit board that connects all components.
Correct memory modules connect to the motherboard.
Additional components are shown and explained

The computer's system unit houses the computer's processing hardware, including memory, storage devices, and a power supply.
Peripheral devices, such as printers, connect to these components via interfaces.
A typical desktop computer typically looks like a rectangular box

Different connectors are used to power internal components such as motherboards and disk drives.
Types of connectors include 20 or 24 slotted connectors, SATA, Molex, Berg, and 4-pin/8-pin auxiliary power connectors, 6/8-pin PCIe connectors.

Drive bays are metal racks inside the system unit that house storage devices such as hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and flash memory card readers.
These devices connect to the motherboard via cables.

Computer components, integrated circuits, and other electrical components are embedded in a thin motherboard.
Motherboards are the main circuit board that all device connections are made from.
Components like CPU sockets, memory slots, chipsets, and non-volatile memory chips are found on modern motherboards.
Other motherboard components include a clock generator, slots for expansion cards, power connectors for devices, and connections to hard drives or solid-state devices.

CPU circuits and components are attached to the motherboard.
It performs majority of the computer's processing.
Dual-core CPUs have two processing units in a single CPU, whereas quad-core CPUs have four processing units in a single CPU.
Multi-core processors can perform several tasks concurrently.
Processors are typically created by Intel or AMD, but other companies such as ARM also make processors for devices like tablets and mobile phones.
Key specifications for CPUs and mobile processors include types of processors (server or desktop or mobile), core count, clock speed, and cache memory size and types

Measures processing speed using MHz (megahertz) or GHz (gigahertz).
Higher clock speeds result in quicker processing and provide more instructions per second.
The CPU also processes instructions per second.

The CPU's word size determines how much data it can process at once, usually 32 or 64 bits.
Cache memory chips located near or within the CPU store data rapidly.
Larger cache sizes often lead to faster processing.

A bus is an electronic pathway for data flow within the CPU and motherboard.
The bus's width, measured by the number of wires, dictates the amount of data transferable simultaneously.
Bus speed and width together define the bandwidth, or throughput, which is data transfer rate.
Faster bus speeds achieve higher bandwidths.

Fans help cool the CPU and system unit.
Heat sinks, often made of aluminum with fins, help with heat dissipation.
Liquid cooling systems use tubes of liquid to cool down the computer components.

Expansion slots on the motherboard support insertion of expansion cards.
Expansion cards typically add extra functionality or connect peripheral devices.
ExpressCard modules are specifically designed to add functionality to notebooks.

Ports connect various devices to the computer, such as USB peripherals (keyboard/mouse), monitors, network devices, or displays, headphones microphone, speakers, USB ports, Ethernet ports, or HDMI ports.
Specific types and placements of ports vary depending upon the type of laptop or desktop device.