Computer Hardware Unit 2

Study Notes

Unit 2: Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer; performs calculations, controls operations
Components within CPU: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs calculations, Control Unit manages instructions
Types of CPUs: Differ in speed, architecture (e.g., x86, ARM), and core count
Memory: RAM (Random Access Memory) holds currently used data; volatile (lost when power is off)
Storage: Hard drives, SSDs (Solid State Drives), flash memory, optical discs store data; non-volatile (data remains when power is off)
Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone; allow users to enter data
Output Devices: Monitor, printer, speakers; display processed information
Motherboard: Connects all computer components; houses CPU, memory, and expansion slots
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles image processing and display; important for gaming and video editing
Expansion Cards: Add extra functionality, such as sound or network capabilities
Peripherals: Devices connected to the computer but not essential for basic function, like a printer or webcam
Ports: Connections for peripherals (e.g., USB, HDMI, Ethernet)
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Firmware that initializes the computer on startup; controls basic devices
Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides power to all computer components; its wattage must be sufficient for the system
Bus Architecture: Data pathways between components; defines speed and communication limits
Clock Speed: Measures the CPU's processing cycles per second, typically in GHz
Word Size: Indicates the amount of data the CPU can process at once

Unit 3: Computer Software

Operating System (OS): Manages computer hardware, software, and resources; examples include Windows, macOS, Linux
Types of Software: Application software (e.g., word processors, games) and system software (e.g., operating systems, utilities)
Application Software: Programs designed to perform specific tasks; examples include word processors, web browsers, games
System Software: Manages computer resources; includes operating systems (OS), device drivers, and utilities
Programming Languages: Used to develop software; examples include Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Process for creating software, including planning, design, implementation, testing, and deployment
Software Licenses: Legal agreements governing the usage of software; may be shareware, freeware, trialware, open source, or proprietary
Coding: The process of translating human-readable instructions into machine-executable code; software development is fundamentally about constructing effective code that processes algorithms and data
Compiler: Converts source code into machine instructions; a crucial tool in translating higher-level language source code into machine code.
Interpreter: Executes code line by line without prior compilation; a software tool that translates code into machine instructions in real-time.
Software Bugs: Errors in software code that can lead to unexpected behavior or crashes; often fixed through updates or patches
User Interface (UI): The way users interact with software; a good UI is essential for usability and user experience (UX)
Data Structures: Organized ways of storing and managing data in software; essential for efficient program operation
Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for solving problems; the heart of program functions in software.
Data Types: Determine type of information the software can store. Examples include integers, floating-point numbers, strings.

Description

Explore the key components and functions of computer hardware in this quiz. Learn about the CPU, memory, storage, input and output devices, and more. Test your understanding of how these hardware components work together in computing.