Computer Hardware Unit 2

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.