Computer Hardware Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system?

To store data

To display output

To execute programs (correct)

To input data

What type of device is used to input data into a computer system?

Input device (correct)

Secondary storage device

Output device

CPU

What is the term used to describe when a computer performs the tasks that a program tells it to do?

Executing (correct)

Compiling

Debugging

Installing

What is the name of the first programmable computer built in 1945?

ENIAC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of secondary storage in a computer system?

To store data permanently Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of a computer system?

CPU, main memory, secondary storage, input devices, and output devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the hardware component that formats and presents data for people or other devices?

Output device Signup and view all the answers

What type of software controls and manages the basic operations of a computer?

System software Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an application software?

Word processing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an input device?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of utility programs?

To perform a specialized task Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the data that a computer produces for people or other devices?

Output Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of system software?

Operating system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of software development tools?

To create software Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Main Memory in a computer?

To act as a temporary storage for data and programs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

It is nonvolatile and retains its contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Main Memory and Secondary Storage Devices?

Main Memory is used for temporary storage, while Secondary Storage Devices are used for permanent storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight of the Army CPU?

30 tons Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the Army CPU?

8 feet tall, 100 feet long Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is erased when the computer is turned off?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of ROM?

To store startup programs and other important system programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Microprocessor and Army CPU?

Microprocessor is smaller and more powerful Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hardware Components

A computer system consists of: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Main Memory, Secondary Storage, Input Devices, and Output Devices.
Figure 1-2 illustrates typical components of a computer system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the part of a computer that runs programs and is often referred to as the processor.
Without a CPU, a computer cannot run software.
Running or executing a program means the computer performs the tasks that the program tells it to do.

ENIAC

The world's first programmable computer, built in 1945.
Designed to calculate artillery ballistic tables for the U.S. Army.
The CPU was 8 feet tall, 100 feet long, and weighed 30 tons.

Microprocessor

Much smaller and more powerful than the ENIAC CPU.
Figure 1-4 shows a modern microprocessor.

Main Memory

The computer's work area, where it stores the program being run and the data.
Also known as Random-Access Memory (RAM).
Data is quickly accessed, but RAM is a volatile type of memory, erased when the computer is turned off.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

A computer can read the contents of ROM, but it cannot change or store additional data.
ROM is nonvolatile, retaining its contents even when the computer's power is turned off.
Typically used to store programs important for the system's operation, such as the startup program.

Input Devices

Common input devices include: Keyboard, Mouse, Touch screen, Scanner, Microphone, and Digital camera.
Can you think of any other input devices?

Output Devices

Any data the computer produces for people or other devices is called output.
Common output devices include: Monitor and Printer.
Can you think of any other output devices?

Software

Everything a computer does is controlled by software.
Two categories of software: System Software and Application Software.

System Software

Programs that control and manage the basic operations of a computer.
Includes: Operating System, Utility Programs, and Software Development Tools.

Application Software

Programs that people normally spend most of their time running on their computers for everyday tasks.
Examples include: Word processing, Spreadsheet, and Database.
Can you think of any other application software?

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the components of a computer system, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU), main memory, secondary storage, input devices, and output devices. Understand the role of each component in a computer system.