Computer Hardware Chapter 2

The beginning of widespread commercial use of mainframe computers.

Introduced in 1965, the IBM 360 series made mainframe computers powerful enough to support thousands of users connected to the central system, through remote terminals.

Computers that were specifically designed for one task, but could be used for general purposes.

Mainframe computers were typically accessed directly through specialized terminals, using proprietary communication protocols.

A centralized and powerful computer that could support many users and tasks simultaneously.

Powerful and adaptable computers designed for specific departments or business units, offering decentralized computing.

The rise of personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s triggered the development of productivity tools for individual use, like word processors and spreadsheets.

In client/server computing, client computers connect to powerful server computers, which provide services and capabilities to the clients.

Client computers, like desktops or laptops, access services and data from server computers.

Server computers in client/server computing are powerful machines that provide services, store data, and handle network tasks.

The term "server" refers to both the software application running on the computer and the physical computer itself.

While a mainframe can function as a server, modern server computers are often powerful versions of personal computers, using multiple processors and specialized chips.

Server computers often use multiple processors in a single box or are arranged in server racks for greater processing power.

Measures a computer's performance based on processing speed, data storage capacity, and ability to handle various tasks.

The central box of a computer that houses the main components, including the motherboard, processor, memory, and storage.

The physical structure that encloses a computer's components.

Different types of computers categorized by their size, processing power, and intended use.

The main circuit board of a computer that connects and controls all other components.

The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer; it's responsible for executing instructions and processing data.

Types of computer memory that temporarily store data and programs the computer is actively using.

Specialized slots on the motherboard that allow adding extra components like graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards.

Capture images digitally and store them in memory.

Devices that create or capture original images for a computer.

Use a microphone, sound card, and special software to allow users to operate computers and create documents using voice commands.

Devices that enable computers to receive audio input.

Present visual images of text and graphics on a screen.

Displays electronic versions of traditional printed books.

Devices that send processed data or information from the computer to the user.

Output referred to as soft copy.

Output devices that present visual images of text and graphics for the user.

Output devices that produce images, text, or other information on a physical medium.

A tool that facilitates communication over the internet using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

A 3D image, visible from multiple angles and depths, without requiring special glasses or screens.

The study of how humans interact with objects and environments to optimize comfort, safety, and efficiency.

The system board, also known as the main board or motherboard, acts as the central communication hub for the entire computer system. All components and devices connect to the system board, allowing data to flow efficiently within the system.

Sockets are specialized connectors on the system board that provide a physical point of contact for chips, allowing them to be securely attached.

Chips are incredibly tiny circuit boards etched onto squares of silicon. They contain complex electrical pathways that enable them to perform various functions in the computer system.

Slots on the system board provide connection points for specialized cards or circuit boards, enabling the expansion of a computer's capabilities.

Bus lines serve as pathways on the system board that allow communication between electronic components. They carry data and instructions, enabling different parts of the computer to work together.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also known as the processor, is the brain of the computer. It's responsible for carrying out instructions and processing data.

The CPU's Control Unit is responsible for directing and coordinating the computer's operations. It tells the system how to carry out a program's instructions. The Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations and logical comparisons.

A multicore processor features two or more independent CPUs within a single unit, enabling the computer to handle multiple tasks simultaneously by distributing work across the cores.

Parallel Processing, also known as parallel computing, involves splitting tasks into smaller parts and distributing them across different cores, increasing computational speed and efficiency.

Coprocessors are specialized chips designed to enhance specific computing operations. For example, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) accelerates the rendering of visual content, while a graphics coprocessor assists in handling 3D images and other specialized tasks.

Memory, also called RAM (Random Access Memory), is a temporary holding area for data, instructions, and information that the CPU is currently using. Once the computer is powered off, the contents of RAM are lost.

Cache memory is a very fast, temporary storage area between the main memory (RAM) and the CPU. It stores frequently accessed data, enabling quicker access and processing.

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of memory that stores information permanently. It's non-volatile, meaning the data is retained even when the computer is off. ROM typically contains essential instructions for starting up the computer and accessing certain hardware components.

Flash memory combines features of both RAM and ROM. It can be updated like RAM but retains its contents even when the computer is off, similar to ROM. It often stores crucial startup information, such as the BIOS (basic input/output system) and system configuration.

Expansion slots on the system board allow you to add additional components, such as graphics cards for high-quality visuals, network interface cards (NICs) for connecting to networks, and other specialized cards. These cards enhance the computer's capabilities and functionality.