Computer Hardware Basics

• The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer, connecting all components physically and electrically.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• A CPU is a central control module that executes instructions and performs calculations in a computer.

Multi-Core Processor

• A multi-core processor consists of multiple processing units called "cores."
• Each core can independently execute instructions, enabling parallel processing and improving overall performance.

Binary Code

• Binary code comprises a sequence of ones and zeros that forms the building blocks for data and instructions.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• RAM is a short-term memory used by the processor for storing and quickly accessing actively processed data.

Cache Memory

• Cache memory is used for temporary storage of frequently accessed data and instructions to facilitate faster CPU access.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• An HDD is a permanent storage device that retains data after the computer is turned off or restarted.
• HDDs store files, documents, and the operating system when the computer is off.

Non-Volatile Memory

• Non-volatile memory retains data even when the power is off.

Volatile Memory

• Volatile memory does not retain data when the power is off.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

• A network interface card, or network adapter, provides network connectivity to the computer for exchanging information and resources.

Server

• A server is a computer that processes commands/requests from other computers, providing them with resources, services, and data.
• "Server" refers to a service-providing device.

Client-Server Model

• The client-server model is based on distributed computing, where clients and servers interact over a network, potentially located far apart or within the same network.
• "Client" denotes the computer that sends commands and requests to the server, receiving resources, services, or data.

Server Connections

• Stable power, a stable & fast connection, and physical location (data center) are important for connecting servers.
• Data centers are specially equipped facilities designed for housing servers.

IT Roles

• Common IT roles include Software Developer, Technical Support, Data Engineer, and Technology Consultant.
• A "Software Developer" can also be called a Programmer or Software Engineer.

Data Analyst

• Data analysts deal with data to create solutions, business and other.

Techical Support

• Technical Support specialists address customer inquiries; they assist with problem resolution.

Backend System

• A backend system operates on the server and serves all requests handled from the client.

Database System

• The database is part of the backend system.

Frontend System

• The frontend system consists of applications installed on the client-side that interact with the backend system.
• A web browser, like Google Chrome, is an example of a frontend system.

Technology Stack

• A tech stack is an architectural solution, referring to a combination of technologies, software, frameworks, and components working together. It provides specific functionality and support for the development/deployment of applications and systems.

Operating System (OS)

• An operating system represents the system software designed to facilitate interaction between application software, hardware, and the user.

Executable File

• An executable file contains encoded instructions to launch a program/perform specific tasks.
• These files are designed for program execution.

OS Control of RAM

• The OS manages RAM throughout a program's runtime, continuously allocating and freeing memory resources.

Process

• A process is defined as an executable program.

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

• A command-line interface is a method of interacting with a program or OS without relying on a typical GUI.
• In a CLI environment, text commands entered in the terminal are executed, with results displayed on the monitor.

Developers & System Adminstrators

• Developers and system administrators favor using the command line interface.

Virtualization

• Virtualization makes it possible to run multiple operating systems within other operating systems.
• A hypervisor enables virtualization.

Guest OS

• A guest OS is one that operates within a virtual machine.

Hypervisor

• The hypervisor ensures that virtual machine remains isolated and completely unaware of the activities of other virtual machines.

Benefits of Virtualization

• Virtualization promotes efficient hardware utilization by enabling the sharing of resources, like dividing single server for parallel operation.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

• SDN is a network architecture in which the network control plane is separated from the data plane, enabling programmatic configuration of network devices.

Cybersecurity Professionals

• In the field of cybersecurity, prominent specialists include Cybersecurity Analysts and Engineers.

Generative AI Models

• Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), and transformer models are forms of generative artificial intelligence.

Threat Landscape

• The threat landscape relates to application vulnerabilities, potential attackers, and exploitative attacks.

Firewall

• A firewall functions as a block that filters & prevents external entities.

Malware

• Malware is software intended to cause harm or damage.

Ransomware

• Ransomware refers to programs blocking system access, initiates denial-of-service attacks, and bombard a system.

Password Policies

• Robust password policies are crucial for preventing potential threats across all online accounts.

Computer Components

• Hardware and software are parts of any computer.

Hardware

• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer.

Software

• Software provides instruction to the computer.

Components on Motherboard

• Processors, BIOS, CMOS, RAM, and CMOS batteries are found on the motherboard.

Apple Motherboard

• In Apple devices, the motherboard is also called the "logic board".

Processor Speed

• Power of a processor is measured in frequencies.

Processor Purpose

• The processor handles processing computer data.

Volatile Memory

• Volatile memory is short-term.

RAM Performance

• The more RAM, the faster and more powerful the computer.

Long-Term Memory

• HDD (hard disk drive) is utilized for long-term memory,

HDD Connection

• HDDs connect to the motherboard via the SATA interface.

PC Power Requirements

• A personal computer typically needs 500 to 1000 watts of electrical power.

Mobile Device Power

• A mobile device needs between 2 and 6 watts of electricity.

Output Device

• Output devices include printers, monitors, and speakers.

Input Device

• Cameras, microphones, keyboards, and mice are all input devices.

Non-Volatile Memory

• Non-volatile memory is permanent storage method.

Volatile Memory

• Volatile meory is temporary storage method.

Volatile Memory & Power Supply

• Volatile memory only retains data when actively powered.

Non-Volatile Memory and Power Supply

• Non-volatile memory retains the data even when electrical power is not present.

CPU Blocks

• The processor block includes the control unit, and arithmetic logic unit.

Processor’s Memory

• The processor has small amount of memory called a "register."

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• An arithmetic logic unit performs functions of logic.

CPU Register

• Registers are to registers.

Control Unit

• The control unit fetches instructions from the memory, decodes the instructions, and then emits signals based on the results of decoding.

Data Bus

• A data bus transfers data to the memory in the processor.

Steps Preformed by Computer

• The computer must input information, perform a series of actions to process data, and output data.

OS Purpose

• An OS enables communication betwwen computer.

OS Functions

• Important: access management to the hardware, interfaces, file management, applications.

Driver

• Drivers are essentially small portions of code created so hardware can communicate with each other.

Operation System Roles

• Operation system interact with users by providing the interface which makes everything easier.

User Interface Views

• Interface through command, commands using graphics.

Command Line Interface Views

• It can be terminal called command lines.

Command Line

• Command lines provides execution when the user inputs a command.

Graphical User Interface

• Enables application with graphics.

App Definition

• Apps are programs performing business tasks.

Types of Apps

• MS Excel, MS Word and web browsers are apps.

API Definition

• API has a set of instructions for programs.

Large Resource Requirement Software

• Games are larger software requirments.

Small Resource Requirement Software

• Doc editors are small software requirments.

Popular OS List

• Main OS: Windows, MacOS, Android, others.

PC OS list

• Main PC OS are Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Explanation of essential computer hardware components such as the motherboard, CPU, multi-core processors, RAM and hard drives. Covers binary code and cache memory, focusing on their purpose.