Computer Systems Chapter 1-2

Hardware, Software, and Peripheral Installation

• This presentation covers the installation of hardware, software, and peripherals.

Components of Computer System (Week 1-2)

• Learning outcomes for the chapter include understanding computer systems, differentiating computer components, identifying RAM types, knowing storage drivers, listing optical media types, and recognizing different ports and cables.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is the electronic circuitry that carries out instructions in a computer program. 
• It performs arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations.
• A CPU diagram shows the Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), memory, input devices, and output devices interconnected. 
• The Control Unit directs the computer's memory, arithmetic/logic unit, and I/O devices in response to program instructions.
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit performs arithmetic and logical operations on integer binary numbers.
• Cache is a memory that is quicker than RAM, and registers are where data is represented before processing.

CPU Sockets

• CPU sockets come in two main types:
  • Pin-grid array
  • Land-grid array.
• Multiple types of CPU sockets exist.

Manufacturers of Personal Computer Processors

• Intel and AMD are two major manufacturers of computer processors.

Specific CPU Socket Types

• Socket 478: A ZIF-type socket for Pentium 4 and Celeron 4 processors, introduced in October 2001.
• Socket LGA775: Used for Core 2 Duo/Quad, Pentium 4 Prescott, Pentium D, and Pentium Extreme Edition processors, which uses the land grid array.
• Socket LGA1156: Used for the Core i Series processors (September 2009). Uses a land grid array.
• Socket LGA1366: Used for high-end Intel Core i Series processors (November 2008). Uses a land grid array and an external chipset called an I/O Hub (IOH).
• Socket LGA1155: Introduced in January 2011, supporting Sandy Bridge processors, Turbo Boost overclocking, PCIe 3.0 lanes, and dual-channel memory. It shares a cover plate with Socket 1156.
• Socket LGA2011: Introduced in November 2011, supporting Sandy Bridge (second-generation) Core i Series processors (Sandy Bridge-E), including Turbo Boost overclocking, 40 PCIe 3.0 Lanes, quad-channel memory addressing, and fully unlocked multipliers. Uses a land grid array format.
• Socket AM2: AMD introduced this socket in May 2006, replacing Socket 754, 939, and 940.
• Socket AM3: Introduced in February 2009, and supports processors with integrated DDR3 memory controllers.
• Socket F (1207FX): Introduced in August 2006 for AMD's Opteron server processors. Uses 1207 pins arranged in a 35x35 grid.
• Socket FM1: Introduced in July 2011, used for accelerated processing units (APUs) and CPUs based on the Llano core. Includes Ax-3xxx series APUs and some Athlon II CPUs.
• Socket FM2: Introduced in September 2012, supports DDR3 memory and is used with the Ax-5xxx series APUs.

Types of Memory

• RAM (Random Access Memory): Primary memory; used for programs and data; volatile—data lost when power off.

  • SRAM (Static RAM)
  • DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores essential system information; non-volatile—data persists without power.

  • ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory

• Common RAM types include FPM (Fast Page Mode - 1990), EDO (Extended Data Output - 1994), SDRAM (Single Data Rate RAM - 1996), RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic RAM - 1998), DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate - 2000), DDR2 SDRAM (2003), DDR3 SDRAM (2007), and DDR4 SDRAM (2012).

RAM Module Information

• Different memory manufacturers exist. Memory type, density and speed/frequency all differ. Latency is the speed at which memory responds to requests.

Types of ROM

• UV-ROM (Ultraviolet Erasable ROM): Erasable using UV light, for reprogramming.
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): Programmed using high voltage. Erasable by UV light for reprogramming.
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): Can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times. Only one location can be changed at a time.
• Flash memory: An updated EEPROM; allows numerous locations to be updated at the same time.

Examples of ROM

• BIOS uses flash memory
• CDs, DVDs, flash drives, memory cards, and SSDs are examples.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• HDDs use spinning platters coated with magnetic material.
• A head moves over the platters to write and read data as magnetic spots.
• HDDs are organized into tracks, sectors, and cylinders. Files can be read/written as magnetic north/south spots.
• Internal hard drives are found in the computer, and external hard drives are removable.

Hard Disks

• Use rigid platters to provide large storage capacity. Data is stored by altering electromagnetic charges.
• Data organization includes tracks (concentric rings), sectors (wedge shapes), and cylinders (tracks through platters).

HDD Operation

• Hard drives use actuators, logic boards, platters with magnetic surfaces, and read/write heads to store/retrieve information.

HDD Characteristics

• Density: Amount of data stored per area on a disk.
• Head crashes: When read/write heads touch the disk.
• HDD types: Internal and external.

Performance Enhancements

• Disk caching
• RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Drives)
• File compression/decompression

Optical Discs

• Optical discs use lasers to store data. Ones and zeroes are represented by pits and lands.
• Optical discs include compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs (BDs).
• CD ROMs, CD-Rs (recordable), and CD-RWs (rewritable)
• DVD ROMs, DVD+Rs, DVD-Rs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RWs, and DVD-RAM

Specialized Ports

• S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) port
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port is for high-quality video and audio transmission. There are both mini and micro versions.
• MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) Port

Legacy Ports

• Legacy ports include serial, parallel, keyboard, and mouse ports.
• These ports have largely been replaced by more flexible and faster universal serial bus (USB) ports.

Solid State Storage

• Solid-State Drives (SSDs) use solid-state memory instead of spinning platters.
• SSDs are faster, more durable, and more expensive than hard disk drives.

Flash Memory Cards/USB Drives

• Flash memory cards are small, solid-state storage devices that are widely used with notebook computers.
• USB drives are small enough to fit on a key ring and connect to computers' USB Ports for data transfer, information sharing and internet access.

Ports and Cables

• Ports are the sockets on a computer's exterior. Included are: VGA (video graphics adapter), DVI, USB, Fire Wire, Ethernet, Serial, Parallel, Network

Different Types of Computer Component Ports

• VGA, AT Keyboard, DVI, Ethernet, USB, PS/2, Serial, Audio, Parallel and Power In all are types of ports used for different types of input output processing.