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Questions and Answers
What is the smallest piece of memory?
What is the smallest piece of memory?
What is a collection of 8 consecutive bits?
What is a collection of 8 consecutive bits?
What type of storage holds data when the computer is turned off?
What type of storage holds data when the computer is turned off?
What is an example of an optical storage device?
What is an example of an optical storage device?
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What is the primary function of an operating system?
What is the primary function of an operating system?
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What type of software is used to create other software?
What type of software is used to create other software?
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What is the purpose of a virus scanner?
What is the purpose of a virus scanner?
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What is the basic unit of information in computing?
What is the basic unit of information in computing?
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What is an example of a utility program?
What is an example of a utility program?
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What is the primary function of a disk drive?
What is the primary function of a disk drive?
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Study Notes
Main Hardware Component Categories
- Main hardware component categories include:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Main memory (RAM)
- Secondary storage devices
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
Input Devices
- Used to send information to the computer from outside
- Examples of input devices:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Touch screen
- Microphone
- Scanner
- Digital camera
- Disk drive
- CD/DVD drive
- USB flash drive
Output Devices
- Used to send information from the computer to the outside
- Examples of output devices:
- Computer screen
- Printer
- Speakers
- Disk drive
- CD/DVD recorder
- USB flash drive
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- The CPU is the hardware component that runs programs
- The CPU consists of:
- Control Unit
- Retrieves and decodes program instructions
- Coordinates computer operations
- Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)
- Performs mathematical operations
- Control Unit
CPU's Role in Running a Program
- The CPU cycles through:
- Fetch: get the next program instruction from main memory
- Decode: interpret the instruction and generate a signal
- Execute: route the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation
Main Memory
- Holds both program instructions and data
- Main memory is:
- Volatile: erased when the program terminates or computer is turned off
- Also known as Random Access Memory (RAM)
- The CPU can access data and instructions from any memory location
Main Memory Organization
- Bit:
- The smallest piece of memory
- Stands for binary digit
- Holds an electrical charge (positive or negative)
- Byte:
- Is 8 consecutive bits
- Has an address in memory
- There are millions (or even billions) of bytes of memory in a computer
Secondary Storage
- Non-volatile / Permanent: Holds data when the program is not running or when the computer is turned off
- Several forms of secondary storage include:
- Disk drive: stores data magnetically
- Optical: CD or DVD drive
- Flash: USB flash drive
Software Programs That Run on a Computer
- System software:
- Programs that manage the computer hardware and the programs that run on the computer
- Examples: Operating Systems, Utility Programs, Software development tools
- Operating Systems:
- Control the operation of the computer
- Manage connected devices and access to storage devices
- Allow programs to run
- Utility Programs:
- Support programs that enhance computer operations
- Examples: virus scanners, data backup, file compression
- Software development tools:
- Used by programmers to create software
- Examples: compilers, integrated development environments (IDEs)
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Description
Learn about the different types of input devices used to send information to a computer, including keyboards, mice, and more. Understand the main hardware component categories.
