Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Course Information

• Course Title: COM 101 - Information Systems Technology
• Unit: Computer Hardware and Software
• Instructor: Bibhu Ratna Tuladhar
• Instructor Email: [email protected]

Information Systems

• An Information System (IS) is an organized combination of people, hardware and software, communication networks, data resources, and policies and procedures.
• These components are used to store, retrieve, transform, and disseminate information within an organization.

Information Technology (IT)

• IT is the application of technology to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale.
• This includes the use of computers, storage, networking, physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, and exchange electronic data.
• IT also encompasses using physical devices to manage, exercise, store, and retrieve data transmitted electronically.

Computers

• A computer is a programmable, electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, presents the results, and stores the data or results.
• The primary operations of a computer are input, processing, output, and storage.
• Computers also perform communication functions like Internet use, accessing company databases, and exchanging email messages.

Computer Classification

• Computers can be classified based on historical development, purpose, technology used, and size/capacity.
• Types of general purpose computers include digital computers, analog computers, and hybrid computers.
• Special purpose computers are also mentioned, encompassing various categories based on their intended use and performance.
• Computer generations (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth) are also mentioned in relation to development.

Computer Systems

• Computer systems vary in size and complexity, ranging from personal computers to supercomputers.
• Computer systems are categorized into different types including personal information systems, workgroup systems, and organization-wide systems.
• Microcomputers (PCs, laptops), mini or midrange computers (workstations), and mainframe supercomputers are specified.

Components of a Computer

• Each computer system comprises internal and external hardware components.
• Internal hardware includes the motherboard, RAM, hard disk, SSD, and CPU.
• External hardware includes the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, and speaker.
• Additional components such as audio cards, PCI cards, fans, DVD-ROM drives, computer cables, and webcams are also outlined.

CPU, Memory, and Storage Devices

• The CPU (central processing unit) is the primary processor, handling most processing operations.
• Memory (RAM) is volatile, storing data temporarily while the computer is on.
• Storage devices (hard disk, SSD) store data permanently.
• Additional components like cache memory and registers also assist with processing speed.

Computer Memory

• RAM(random access memory) stores data actively being used by the computer.
• Different types of memory include cache memory, registers, ROM (read-only memory), and flash memory.
• Characteristics like speed, volatility (whether data is lost when the computer is off), and functions are highlighted for each type.

Computer Buses

• Buses are electronic paths in computers.
• These paths transfer data between internal CPU/motherboard components (and peripherals).
• Types include memory buses and expansion buses, alongside concepts like bus width and speed that impact data transfer.
• Additional types of buses include PCI and USB, noting their use in different areas of computers.

Storage Technology

• Storage technologies include hard drives (magnetic, solid-state, solid-state hybrid), optical discs (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray), flash memory (cards, USB drives), network and cloud storage, and RAID.
• Specific differences (internal vs. external) in hard drives, and standards (SATA, PCIe, SCSI, USB) are mentioned.
• Different storage types differ by capacity, speed, and cost, with tradeoffs among these features emphasized.

Network and Cloud Storage

• Network attached storage (NAS) devices include multiple hard drives and connect to computer networks.
• Cloud storage allows data access via the internet and involves storage on storage servers owned by another provider.
• Cloud storage and online storage (like services such as those from Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft) are outlined.

Smart Cards

• Smart cards are credit-card sized storage units with computer circuitry that enables functions such as payment or identification.

Storage for Large Computer Systems

• Large computer systems (servers, mainframes) often use multiple hard drives or storage systems to enhance data storage capacity and data reliability.

RAID and Archival Storage

• RAID (redundant arrays of independent disks) is a storage method using duplicate data in order to improve its reliability.
• Archival storage systems move data that is no longer actively used to a dedicated storage system for long-term retention.

Further Exploration

• Virtualization, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, and Cloud Storage Systems.

Input and Output Devices

• Input devices include keyboards (standard, MIDI, on-screen), pointing devices, scanners, and readers.
• Output devices include display devices (flat panel, projectors), printers (laser, inkjet, specialty), and output sounds to devices.

Computer Software

• Software instructions for the computer's hardware; often more expensive than hardware.
• Various types of software (freeware, shareware, proprietary)
• System software and application software

System Software

• System software controls the computer's functions as well as the hardware's actions, enabling a system to effectively run. These programs enable the computer to boot, execute application programs, and facilitate various key tasks.

Application Software

• Software that carries out specific functionality for the user.
• Software may be developed internally or commercially, and may involve a particular package or software suite.

Mobile Software

• Software designed for a specific mobile device operating system, and usually offered through an app store like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Mobile software often incorporates specific functions optimized for easier data input methods.

Software Access

• Software can be accessed by the end user through physical installation, via the internet and cloud access, or through specific hardware.

Software Suites

• Bundled software packages.

Enterprise Resource Planning

• Special system for managing a company's various activities from a single central location, integrating all activities into one package.

Utility Programs

• Programs that maintain or manage the computer system. Includes file management, search tools, uninstallation, compression, and security options.

Test your knowledge on computer hardware components and their functions with this quiz. Explore questions related to servers, CPUs, storage systems, and smart cards, and understand the roles these elements play in computing environments. Perfect for students and tech enthusiasts alike!