M1 - Computer Hardware Overview

Computer Hardware

• Consists of physical components of computers and peripherals
• Includes backend devices like switches, servers, and routers; and end-user devices like laptops, desktops, tablets, and wearables
• Internal components include the microprocessor (brain), graphics/sound cards, hard drives (permanent storage), RAM (temporary storage), motherboard (connects critical pieces), and power supply

External Peripheral Devices

• Not integrated into the machine itself
• Examples include mouse, keyboard, speakers, microphones, disk drives, memory devices, network cards, and monitors

Infrastructure Housing

• Typically data centers or offices
• Features advanced security systems, ventilation, and climate control

Network Infrastructure Hardware

• The hardware, software, layout, and topology enabling network connectivity/communication
• Includes modems, routers, switches, gateways, edge-enabled devices, servers and firewalls

Modem

• Connects a computer to the internet
• Translates analog signals to digital signals
• Provides internet access to homes/offices
• Has a public IP address

Routers

• Manage network traffic by connecting devices
• Route data packets based on source
• Assign IP addresses
• Link modems and switches

Hubs

• A primitive connection point for multiple devices
• Forwards data packets to all connected devices

Switches

• Divide a network connection into multiple connections
• Can route traffic to target destinations but cannot assign IP addresses — more advanced than a hub

Gateways

• Act as intermediaries between networks
• Convert protocols for different networks

Proxies

• Gateways that mediate but don't translate protocols
• Used to block hackers

Protocol

• Rules governing data transmission
• TCP/IP is a common internet protocol

Edge-Enabled Devices

• Enable computing/storage/networking close to data origin
• Decentralizes computing power
• Provides faster network response times

Servers

• Master coordination for computers, programs, and data in a network
• Respond to client requests with data

Signal Modifiers

• Increase signal strength
• Types include electrical, radio frequency, audio, and optical

Firewalls

• Control user access and authentication to networks
• Can be physical, software, or both
• Ensure traffic flows smoothly and prevents unauthorized access

Basic Packet-Filtering Firewalls

• Analyze network traffic packets
• Determine acceptance based on firewall storage criteria
• Allow trusted sources (IP addresses)

Circuit-Level Gateway Firewalls

• Verify packet sources against security rules

Application-Level Gateway Firewalls

• Inspect the packet content
• Resource-intensive and potentially slow

Network Address Translation (NAT) Firewalls

• Assign public IP addresses to machines on a private network (masking their identities)

Stateful Multilayer Inspection Firewalls

• Combine packet filtering and NAT functions

Next-Gen Firewalls

• Apply different firewall rules to different applications and users

Network Topology

• Physical layout of network nodes

Bus Topology

• Linear or tree-like arrangement
• Vulnerable to downtime if the central line fails

Mesh Topology

• Numerous connections between nodes
• Commonly used in wireless networks
• High traffic, costly

Ring Topology

• Nodes connected in a circular path
• Minimizes collisions but can be slow

Star Topology

• Data passes through a central hub
• Easy to identify damaged cables

OSI Model

• Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• Divides network functions into 7 layers

OSI Model - 7 Layers

• Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link, and Physical layers

Application Layer (Layer 7)

• Interface between applications
• Includes HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and EDI

Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

• Transforms data into a format other devices can interpret (e.g. encryption, image/video formats)
• Includes ASCII, JPEG, and MPEG

Session Layer (Layer 5)

• Establishes and maintains communication sessions
• Includes SQL, RPC, and NFS

Transport Layer (Layer 4)

• Controls communication connections between devices
• Includes TCP, UDP, SSL, and TLS

Network Layer (Layer 3)

• Adds routing address headers/footers
• Includes IP, IPSec, NAT, and IGMP

Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

• Formats data packets for transmission
• Adds MAC addresses
• Includes ISDN, PPTP, L2TP, and ARP

Physical Layer (Layer 1)

• Converts messages into bits (0s and 1s) for transmission
• Includes HSSI and SONET

Common Types of Network Architecture

• LANs (Local Area Networks) cover limited geographic areas
• WANs (Wide Area Networks) cover larger areas (multiple offices/internet)
• Software-Defined WANs optimize connectivity
• VPNs provide secure remote network access

Operating Systems (OS)

• Software that controls basic computer functions (scheduling tasks, running applications, controlling peripherals)
• Includes Windows, macOS, and iOS

Firmware

• Software embedded in hardware (motherboard, microprocessor)
• Directs functions
• Typically not updated frequently

Mobile Technology

• Wireless devices connecting to the internet
• Combining hardware, software, and applications (e.g. laptops, tablets, smartphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G)
• Can be end-user devices or network devices

Internet of Things Devices

• Devices connecting to the internet (e.g., Siri, Alexa, TVs, home automation devices)
• Typically require Bluetooth or internet connectivity

Cloud Computing

• Shared computing resources over the internet
• Renting storage space, processing power, or software

Cloud Computing Models

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Outsourced servers, storage, and networking
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides tools and solutions remotely for developing applications
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Company sells applications (often with Business Process as a Service, like payroll or billing)

Cloud Computing Deployment Models

• Public, Private, Hybrid, and Community clouds

Cloud Service Provider (CSP)

• Third-party providers of cloud services
• Often have advanced skills and experience

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO)

• Develops guidance for internal control, enterprise risk management, governance, and fraud deterrence

COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework

• SPRIG framework: Strategy & Objective Setting, Performance, Review & Revision, Information, Communication & Reporting, Governance & Culture
• Includes risk appetite identification, risk prioritization, performance review, and information management

Risks in Implementing CSP

• Competitor adoption, transparency, reliability/performance, application issues, security/compliance, vendor lock-in
• Risk increases when moving from a private to public cloud model or from SaaS to IaaS

Explore the essential components of computer hardware, including internal parts like the microprocessor and RAM, as well as external peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Learn about infrastructure housing and network connectivity hardware, crucial for modern computing environments. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how various hardware integrates to form functional computing systems.