Computer Hardware Components

Study Notes

Central Processing Unit (CPU):
- Executes instructions and performs calculations
- Consists of control unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers
- Examples: Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 5
Memory:
- Random Access Memory (RAM):
  - Temporary storage for data and programs
  - Volatile, meaning data is lost when power is turned off
- Read-Only Memory (ROM):
  - Permanent storage for data and programs
  - Non-volatile, meaning data is retained when power is turned off
Storage:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD):
  - Mechanical storage device using spinning disks and magnetic heads
  - High capacity, low cost per GB
- Solid-State Drive (SSD):
  - Electronic storage device using flash memory
  - Fast access times, high reliability, and low power consumption
Input/Output Devices:
- Keyboard: Input device for typing commands and data
- Mouse: Input device for graphical user interface (GUI) navigation
- Monitor: Output device for displaying graphics and text

Types of Networks:
- Local Area Network (LAN):
  - Connects devices in a limited geographical area
  - Examples: home network, office network
- Wide Area Network (WAN):
  - Connects devices over a larger geographical area
  - Examples: internet, satellite network
- Wireless Network (WLAN):
  - Connects devices using wireless communication protocols
  - Examples: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Network Topologies:
- Bus Topology: Single cable connects all devices
- Star Topology: Multiple devices connect to a central hub
- Ring Topology: Devices connect in a circular configuration
Network Protocols:
- TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  - Provides reliable, error-checked data transfer
- HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
  - Used for transferring web pages and data

Arrays:
- One-Dimensional Array: A list of elements of the same data type
- Two-Dimensional Array: A table of elements with rows and columns
Linked Lists:
- Singly Linked List: Each node points to the next node
- Doubly Linked List: Each node points to both the previous and next node
Stacks:
- Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) Data Structure: Elements are added and removed from the top
- Operations: push, pop, peek
Queues:
- First-In-First-Out (FIFO) Data Structure: Elements are added to the end and removed from the front
- Operations: enqueue, dequeue, peek

CPU: Executes instructions, performs calculations, and consists of control unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers.
Memory:
- RAM: Temporary storage for data and programs, volatile, and data is lost when power is turned off.
- ROM: Permanent storage for data and programs, non-volatile, and data is retained when power is turned off.
Storage:
- HDD: Mechanical storage device using spinning disks and magnetic heads, high capacity, and low cost per GB.
- SSD: Electronic storage device using flash memory, fast access times, high reliability, and low power consumption.
Input/Output Devices:
- Keyboard: Input device for typing commands and data.
- Mouse: Input device for graphical user interface (GUI) navigation.
- Monitor: Output device for displaying graphics and text.

Types of Networks:
- LAN: Connects devices in a limited geographical area, examples: home network, office network.
- WAN: Connects devices over a larger geographical area, examples: internet, satellite network.
- WLAN: Connects devices using wireless communication protocols, examples: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Network Topologies:
- Bus Topology: Single cable connects all devices.
- Star Topology: Multiple devices connect to a central hub.
- Ring Topology: Devices connect in a circular configuration.
Network Protocols:
- TCP/IP: Provides reliable, error-checked data transfer.
- HTTP: Used for transferring web pages and data.

Arrays:
- One-Dimensional Array: A list of elements of the same data type.
- Two-Dimensional Array: A table of elements with rows and columns.
Linked Lists:
- Singly Linked List: Each node points to the next node.
- Doubly Linked List: Each node points to both the previous and next node.
Stacks:
- LIFO Data Structure: Elements are added and removed from the top.
- Operations: push, pop, peek.
Queues:
- FIFO Data Structure: Elements are added to the end and removed from the front.
- Operations: enqueue, dequeue, peek.