Computer Hardware Basics

Study Notes

Supplies power to all components in the computer system
Contains a transformer, voltage control, and fan
Transformer converts alternating current from the outlet to direct current needed by hardware components

Central circuit board in a computer system
Provides electrical connections for all components to communicate
Has ports and slots to connect peripheral components, expanding the computer's capabilities
May have built-in components such as CPU, graphics cards, RAM, and hard drive

Executes all computer programs using a four-step process: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback
Fetch: retrieves an instruction from computer memory to run a program
Decode: breaks down instructions into smaller parts
Execute: performs desired operations using broken-down instructions
Writeback: outputs results of executed instructions

Quickly accessible locations available to the computer's processor
Measured by the number of bits they can hold (e.g., 8-bit, 32-bit, 64-bit)
Provide the fastest way to access data
Types of registers include data registers, address registers, and general-purpose registers

A memory address is a reference to a specific memory location in a computing system
Addresses are sequences of numbers, with each memory location having a unique physical address
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a form of computer memory stored in an integrated circuit chip
RAM stores data in bits, with memory cells made up of transistors and capacitors
Data can be accessed at random using the "row" and "column" of a cell
Motherboard slots determine the capacity and number of RAM storage