Introduction to Computing 1: Computer Hardware

Introduction to Computing 1: Computer Hardware

• CSE1100 course lecture on computer hardware.
• Computers were first designed and built in the 1940s by Alan Turing and John von Neumann.
• A computer is a machine that stores instructions (programs) and data in memory, executing these instructions.
• Computers are composed of both internal and external components.

Operations of a Computer

• Take Input: Entering data and instructions into the computer system.
• Store Data: Saving data and instructions for later processing.
• Processing Data: Performing arithmetic and logical operations to convert data into useful information.
• Output Information: Presenting processed information to the user, e.g., a printed report or visual display.
• Control the Workflow: Directing the order and manner in which operations are performed.

General Computer Architecture

• A computer's architecture includes the CPU, Memory Unit, Control Unit, and Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU), connected to Input and Output units.

The System Unit

• The system unit is the case containing the computer's electronic components used for data processing.
• Sometimes called the chassis.
• Components within the system unit include the processor, memory, adapter cards, ports, drive bays, and the power supply.

Components of the System Unit

• Processor: The brain of the computer responsible for executing instructions.
• Memory: Stores data and instructions currently in use.
• Adapter Cards: Add specialized functionality to the computer, e.g., sound, video, network cards.
• Ports: Connections for external devices.
• Drive Bays: Holds storage devices like hard drives.
• Power Supply: Provides power to the system unit components.

The Motherboard

• The motherboard is the main circuit board in the system unit.
• It houses adapter cards, the processor chip, and memory chips.
• Also known as the system board.

What is a Chip?

• A chip is a small piece of semiconductor material where integrated circuits are etched.
• Integrated circuits contain many microscopic pathways that carry electrical current.
• Chips are packaged for attachment to circuit boards.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate the computer.
• Control Unit: Directs and coordinates computer operations.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations.
• Also called the processor or microprocessor.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Control Unit

• The control unit fetches the next instruction from memory.
• Translates instructions into commands understood by the computer.
• Carries out the instruction.
• Writes instructions back into memory.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Machine Cycle

• The CPU's repeated operations comprise a machine cycle.
• Fetches, decodes, executes, and stores (writes the results back to memory).

Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Pipelining

• Pipelining allows the CPU to fetch the next instruction before completing the machine cycle for the first instruction.
• This leads to faster processing.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Register

• Registers are temporary, high-speed storage areas for data and instructions within the CPU.
• Store data location from where the instruction was fetched and the location of the instruction while it is being decoded.
• Store data as the ALU performs calculations on it.
• Stores results of calculations.

The Electronic Clock

• The system clock regulates timing and speed of computer operations.
• It generates electronic pulses (ticks) that set a pace.
• Measured in gigahertz (GHz) – one billion cycles per second.
• Processor speed is also measured in MIPS (millions of instructions per second).

Buses

• Buses are sets of wires that facilitate communication between computer components.
• System buses connect the processor and memory.
• Bus width determines the number of bits transmitted at one time.
• Word size is the number of bits a processor can interpret simultaneously. 

CPU Connections to Main Memory

• The CPU communicates with main memory using three buses: address bus, data bus, and control bus.

Memory

• Memory is used for storing data.
• Each byte is stored in a unique location called an address.
• Memory holds operating system, application programs, and data.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• RAM is volatile memory; contents are lost when power is off.
• RAM chips are read from and written to by the processor.
• More RAM leads to faster computer response.

Types of RAM Chips

• Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Stores data as an electric charge that quickly leaks.
• Static RAM (SRAM): More expensive than DRAM, but stores data reliably and is faster.

How much RAM is needed?

• The amount of RAM required depends on user intentions and the types of applications.
• Users needing basic software might need 128-256MB.
• More intensive users may need 1GB or more.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

• ROM is non-volatile memory. Information is permanently stored, not lost when power is off.
• It is often referred to as firmware.
• Types of ROM include PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM).

Flash Memory

• Flash memory is non-volatile. It can be electronically erased and reprogrammed.
• It's used in various devices like PDAs, digital cameras, and music players.

CMOS

• CMOS is complementary metal-oxide semiconductor memory.
• It retains date, time, and startup information using battery power when the main power fails.

Access Time

• Access time is the amount of time it takes the processor to read data from memory.
• Measured in nanoseconds (one billionth of a second).
• This is crucial in overall computer performance.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of computer hardware as outlined in the CSE1100 course. Explore the historical background of computing, the operations of computers, and the general architecture that defines computer systems. It's an essential starting point for understanding how computers function and their core components.