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Questions and Answers
What is the smallest piece of memory?
What is a collection of 8 consecutive bits?
What type of storage holds data when the computer is turned off?
What is an example of an optical storage device?
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What is the primary function of an operating system?
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What type of software is used to create other software?
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What is the purpose of a virus scanner?
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What is the basic unit of information in computing?
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What is an example of a utility program?
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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.
