Computer Hardware Basics

Study Notes

Hardware Components

CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Executes instructions and performs calculations
- Consists of:
  - Control Unit: retrieves and decodes instructions
  - Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performs arithmetic and logical operations
Memory:
- RAM (Random Access Memory):
  - Temporary storage for data and program instructions
  - Volatile (loses data when power is off)
- ROM (Read-Only Memory):
  - Permanent storage for firmware and BIOS
  - Non-volatile (retains data when power is off)
Motherboard:
- Main circuit board of a computer
- Connects and supports various hardware components

Input/Output Devices

Input Devices:
- Keyboard: enters text and commands
- Mouse: navigates and selects items
- Scanner: digitizes physical documents and images
- Webcam: captures video and images
Output Devices:
- Monitor: displays text and images
- Printer: prints physical documents and images
- Speakers: produces audio

Storage Devices

Primary Storage:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data and program instructions
Secondary Storage:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): stores large amounts of data magnetically
- Solid-State Drive (SSD): stores data electronically, faster than HDD
- Optical Discs: stores data optically (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)
- Flash Drives: portable, rewritable storage
- External Hard Drives: portable, external storage for large amounts of data

Hardware Components

CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Executes instructions and performs calculations
- Comprises Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit retrieves and decodes instructions
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations

Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory):
- Temporary storage for data and program instructions
- Volatile, losing data when power is off
- Data is accessed and written in a random order
ROM (Read-Only Memory):
- Permanent storage for firmware and BIOS
- Non-volatile, retaining data when power is off
- Data is written during manufacturing and cannot be changed

Motherboard

Main Circuit Board:
- Connects and supports various hardware components
- Acts as a communication pathway for components

Input/Output Devices

Input Devices:
- Keyboard: enters text, commands, and data
- Mouse: navigates, selects, and interacts with graphical elements
- Scanner: digitizes physical documents and images into digital format
- Webcam: captures video and images

Output Devices

Output Devices:
- Monitor: displays text, images, and videos
- Printer: prints physical documents and images
- Speakers: produces audio output

Storage Devices

Primary Storage:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): temporary storage for data and program instructions
Secondary Storage:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): stores large amounts of data magnetically
- Solid-State Drive (SSD): stores data electronically, faster than HDD
- Optical Discs: stores data optically (CD, DVD, Blu-ray)
- Flash Drives: portable, rewritable storage for small amounts of data
- External Hard Drives: portable, external storage for large amounts of data

Description

Learn about the fundamental components of a computer, including the CPU and memory types. Understand the role of the Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit in the CPU, and the differences between RAM and ROM.