Computer Fundamentals Overview

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

Computer Hardware - Part I

• 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.

Computer Components - Functionality Viewpoint

• 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.

Von Neumann Machine

• Stored program concept: The program must reside in main memory to be executed.

• Machine instructions are loaded from memory, decoded, and executed.

• A single store in a Von Neumann machine holds both instructions and data.

Computer Components - Devices Viewpoint

• 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

Decimal Number System

• 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

Power Supply

• Advanced Technology (AT) is an original power supply.

• AT Extended (ATX) is an updated version of the AT

• ATX12V is a frequently used power supply.

• EPS12V is another kind of power supply for high-end desktop models.

Binary Number System

• 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

• 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.

Motherboard

• 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 (Central Processing Unit)

• 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

GPU (Graphic Processing Unit)

• The GPU handles processing for images and animations.

• It can be on the motherboard, a video graphics board, or in the CPU package.

CPU Processing Speed

• 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.

CPU Word Size

• 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.

CPU Bus Width, Speed, and Bandwidth

• 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.

Cooling Components

• 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

• 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 and Connectors

• 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.

Moore's Law

• Gordon Moore predicted transistor numbers would double every two years, which has remained a trend in processor and computer component development.