Introduction to Computer Components and Functions

Introduction to Computer & Number Bases

• A computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of stored instructions. It accepts input data, processes it according to rules, produces output information, and stores it for future use.
• Computer functionalities include taking input data, processing it into usable information, generating output, and storing data/instructions in memory.

Functionalites of a Computer

• Input devices allow interaction with the computer.
• Processing data is handled by the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
• Output devices translate the processed information into formats humans understand.
• Memory is used to store data and instructions.

Computer Components

• Computers are built from hardware and software.
• Hardware refers to the physical parts, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, data storage, hard drive, system unit, graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard, and chips.
• Software refers to the set of instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Input

• Input devices receive commands from users and translate them into data the computer can process.
• Examples of input devices are keyboards, mice, joystick, scanners, webcams, and microphones.

Processing

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for data processing.
• The CPU controls all hardware and software components.
• It acts as the "brain" of the computer.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is electronic circuitry that executes instructions based on binary input (0s and 1s).
• Main components of the CPU:
  • Control Unit (CU)
  • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Registers (Immediate Access Store)

Control Unit (CU)

• Controls and monitors data input and output from computer hardware.
• Receives instructions from software and runs processes.
• Ensures data is sent to the correct components at the correct time with integrity.
• Coordinates hardware activities through regular electrical signals.

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

• The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations on data.
• Includes calculations (e.g., 5 * 4 = 20) and comparisons (e.g., 25 > 10).

Registers

• Registers are high-speed, limited-space memory located on the CPU.
• Stores and accesses values needed for immediate calculations handled by the ALU.

Output

• Output is the final step in computer interaction; it transforms processed data into a usable form.
• Examples of output devices: monitors, speakers, and printers.
• Output is displayed when actions are taken, like clicking a mouse to display file content on the monitor.

Memory

• Computers use memory to store data temporarily or permanently.
• Two main types of computer memory: primary and secondary.

Primary Memory

• Primary memory (RAM) is vital for program execution. Temporary storage for program instructions and data.
• Data is lost when the power is turned off or the program closes.
• Crucial for quickly accessing data.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• High-speed memory used for temporary data storage during computer operations.
• Directly related to computer performance.
• Volatile memory meaning data is lost when power is disconnected.

Secondary Memory

• Designed for long-term storage of data and programs.
• Secondary memory (e.g., hard disk drive (HDD)) permanently stores information even when the power is off.
• Data stored on these devices is more persistent than in primary memory.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Secondary storage that permanently holds data and programs.
• Non-volatile, meaning its contents are preserved when the computer is switched off.

Ports

• Ports are physical outlets to connect external devices (input/output) to a computer.
• Allow communication between the computer and the input/output devices.
• Keyboards, mouses, and monitors are examples of peripherals connected through ports.

Mainboard

• The motherboard is a printed circuit board that houses crucial hardware components, such as the CPU, hard drives, and USB devices.
• Components are connected through ports on the mainboard.
• This allows for communication among various components to function as a whole effortlessly.

Buses

• Buses are high-speed wiring that connects computer components for data transfer.
• Three types of buses: data, address, and control.
  • Data buses have bidirectional communication.
  • Address buses have unidirectional communication and deliver memory addresses.
  • Control buses are unidirectional and send control signals.

Software

• Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer how to operate.
• Stored on external long-term memory.
• Read into RAM to use.
• "Running" or "executing" a program is the process of storing and performing instructions; Software is divided into two categories:

Software Types

• System software manages computer operations. Operates internally and is responsible for the entire system. Links between hardware and end users. Examples include Windows, DOS, Apple, and UNIX.
• Application software carries out specific tasks that users need. Examples: Word processors, spreadsheets, media players, graphic design tools, and video editing applications.

Introduction to Number Bases

• Number bases represent different ways of using the same numbers.
• The decimal system (base 10) is common in everyday arithmetic.
• Other common number bases include binary (base 2), octal (base 8), and hexadecimal (base 16).

Decimal Number System

• Uses 0 through 9.
• Each digit has a place value based on powers of 10.

Binary Number System

• Uses only 0 and 1 to represent data.
• Each digit has a place value based on powers of 2.
• Foundation of computer data.

Decimal vs Binary

• Comparing how decimal numbers are formed and represented versus numbers in the binary system.

Examples

• Converting binary numbers to decimal numbers to demonstrate the concept of number conversion.

Exercises

• A set of binary numbers to convert to their decimal equivalents.