Computer Hardware: Motherboard, CPU and more

Computer Hardware Basics

• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.
• Includes components that can be installed inside or connected to the outside of a computer.
• System box devices include:

Motherboard

• The core of the computer system.
• Connects all other components.
• Controls everything in the system.

Processor (CPU)

• Known as the "engine" of the computer.
• CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.

Memory (RAM)

• Referred to as RAM.
• Primary memory that holds programs and data currently being used by the processor.

Power Supply

• Feeds electrical power to all parts of the computer.

Expansion Cards

• Examples: video card, sound card, MODEM, Network Interface Card, TV/Radio Card.
• Extends computer functionality.

CPU Details

• The most valuable and expensive part of the computer.
• Complex set of electronic circuitry.
• Executes sequences of instructions representing programs stored in the Main Memory.
• Intel and AMD are major brands

CPU Sockets

• PGA
• LGA
• Slot

Motherboards

• Categorized by size, features, layout, arrangements, and internal components.
• Newer offer integrated interface cards.
• Integrated interface cards examples:
• Sound cards
• VGA Cards
• Network Cards
• Controller Cards

Motherboard Components

• Consists of many parts.
• Key components include:
• Ports
• Slots
• Chip Sets

Ports

• Input and output interfaces for communication with peripherals and computer networks.
• In modern computers, they are on the back side of the motherboard, which is called the back panel.
• Special port requirements can be added as a card via the slots.

Slots

• A socket for expansion cards that provide additional features, like video, sound, graphics, Ethernet, or memory.

Chipsets

• Integrated circuit chips that support CPU interfacing with other motherboard devices.
• Determines the type of processor, RAM capacity, and internal/external devices the motherboard supports.

RAM and ROM

• RAM is Random Access Memory.

The most common types in use are dynamic RAM, of various speeds and sizes. The most common RAM today is DDR 4 RAM. Older versions were DDR3, DDR2, DDR1, and SD RAM.

• ROM is Read Only Memory.
• Data is read only and held permanently (nonvolatile).
• Stores information, such as time, date, memory, and settings.
• The BIOS a.k.a Basic Input Output System
• Built-in software that determines what a computer can do before programs from a disk are accessed.
• Contains code to control keyboard, display, disk drives, serial communications, and other functions.
• Typically placed on a ROM chip.
• ROM aKa, Read Only Memory: used to store the code for the BIOS

BIOS Functions

• POST (Power-On Self-Test).
• Tests and makes sure no errors exist before loading the operating system.
• Bootstrap Loader.
• Finds and loads the operating system.
• BIOS or CMOS Setup.
• Configuration program to configure hardware settings.

Cache Memory

• Used to quickly access data.
• Levels of Cache:
• Level 1 (L1) Cache - fastest, built into the processor using SRAM.
• Level 2 (L2) Cache - slower, larger than L1, also inside CPU
• Level 3 (L3) Cache - slower, larger than L2, found on the motherboard.

Expansion Cards

• Provides additional capabilities, such as enhanced video performance.
• Referred to as add-on cards, expansion boards, internal cards, or interface adapters.

VGA (Video Graphics Array) Cards

• Connects the monitor to the motherboard using the VGA interface.
• Older cards used ISA/PCI.
• Newer cards use AGP or PCI-Express.

Sound Cards

• Connects speakers to the computer.
• Often built into new motherboards.
• Must process multiple sounds simultaneously for configurations like surround or stereo sound.

Network Cards (NIC)

• Connects a computer to a network.
• Commonly available in PCI.
• Some are in USB versions.
• NICs allow computers to communicate via cable or wirelessly.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Non-volatile memory device for permanent data storage and retrieval.
• Consists of platters with data written using a magnetic head inside an air-sealed casing.
• Connects to the motherboard via an ATA, SCSI, or SATA cable.
• Powered by connection to the PSU.

Partition

• Partition
• Logical division of a hard disk to organize content or create separate drives.
• To boot from a hard disk.
• A primary partition is required.
• Empty space after a primary partition.
• Can be turned into an extended partition.
• Extended partitions
• Can create logical partitions.

Format

• Disk formatting.
• Prepares a data storage device like HDD, SSD, floppy disk, or USB flash drive for initial use.
• Formatting may create new file systems

File System

• A system used by an operating system or program to organize and track files.
• A hierarchical file system uses directories in a tree structure.
• Main file systems commonly in use:
• FAT 16
• FAT 32
• NTFS
• FAT.
• File Allocation Table, is used to locate files on a disk. Fat 16
• Used for old versions of Windows 95. FAT NTFS
• Used for new versions of Windows 95, 98, XP, 7. NTFS (New Technology File System)
• Used by Windows NT and XP for storing and retrieving files.
• Better than FAT 32.
• Enables file system security via NTFS permissions.

Operating Systems (OS)

• Manages all software and hardware on the computer.
• Coordinates CPU, memory, and storage access for multiple programs.
• Common desktop operating systems:
• Windows - Microsoft's main operating system. -GUI-based since 1985 with multiple versions.
• Mac OS - Apple's operating system for Macintosh computers.
• Linux - Unix-like operating system designed as a free, low-cost alternative.
• Efficient and performs well.

Computer Security (Cybersecurity)

• Protection of computer systems against theft, damage, or service interruption.
• Requires coordinated efforts and includes:
• Application security
• Information security
• Network security
• Disaster recovery/business continuity planning
• Operational security
• End-user education
• Constant evolution of security risks is a problematic element.

System Threats

• Threat
• A possible danger that exploits a vulnerability to breach security.
• Intention.
  • An accidental or circumstance, competency, action, or event.
  • ISO 27005
  • Defines threat as a potential cause of an incident.
• Vulnerability
• Weakness that allows an attacker to reduce system's information assurance.
• Computer users can protect systems by:
• Keeping up with software security patches.
• Staying informed about vulnerabilities
• Seeking ways to protect against threats.

Malware

• Malware: Software that accesses or damages computer systems without the owner's knowledge.
• Virus creators.
• Started off writing viruses often with intentions limited to pranks.
• Early 1980s creation.

Virus

• A program that alters computer operations without user permission.
• Replicates and executes itself, often damaging the computer.
• Antivirus programs check for known threats to the types of viruses.
• A virus after successful attachment to file, or document.
• Will stay dormant until circumstances happen.
• Can not run the infected program or virus.
• Once a virus infects your computer, it can continue its execution.
• Can attack systems on the same network and is devastating and irritating.
• Stealing passwords or data:
• Spamming your email contacts.
• Logs key strokes.
• Corrupting files.

Spyware

• Malicious computer programs that hack into other systems.
• Enables cyber criminals.
• Spy on the user.
• Steal sensitive data.
• Enable backdoors.

Ransomware

• Computer is slow.
• As are pop-ups spam and frequent crashes.
• Malware scanner
• To fix corrupted file.

Trojan Horse

• Used Greek to enter the Trojan War.
• It means Greek soldiers sneak out.
• Can enable cybe-criminals to spy on you, steal your sensitive data, and. Actions can include:
  • Deleting data
  • Blocking data
  • Modifying day
  • Copping Day
• Disrupting the performance of computers or computer networks
• Unlike computer viruses and worms.
• Trojans, Trojans are not able to self-replicate

Hackers

• Computer Expert.
• Highly Skilles capable of breaking into computers.
• Different meaning.
• Has controversial.
• Moral and ethical connotations.
• In original sense.
• Refers to person in any and hacker subcultures

Types of Hackers

• Divided into three based on illegal status.
  • White Hat
  • Black hat
  • Gray hat
• White hackers break security for system.
• Or work for security companies
• Hackers will violate computers
• Black Hat hackers are malicious for personal gain. Computer systems for personal gain.
• Black Hat hackers is. Hack into a computer.
  • Computer system has a security defect.

Mitigating Techniques

• Increasing awareness of businesses.
• So there is protection.
• No such thing as secure and protective software.
• Training programs that teach.
  • Damage being done by opening files and protecting password Automatic update.
• Software is running.
• updates are current.
• Passwords are long, numbers, and up/ lowercase.
• Protect your cyber setting for an attack surface.
• Make sure you know all the privacy and security needs for browser protection.