Untitled Quiz

Introduction to Computer Components

• End users do not need in-depth knowledge of computer mechanics.
• Studying hardware and software enhances skills in installation, diagnosis, evaluation, and problem-solving.

Hardware and Software Relationship

• Hardware: Physical parts of a computer, including monitor, keyboard, memory, and hard drive.
• Software: Instructions that guide hardware operations requiring input, processing, storage, and output.
• All hardware functions rely on a binary system composed of bits (0 and 1).

Computer Hardware Components

• Input/Output (I/O) devices are typically external; processing and storage devices are internal.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The processor that reads inputs, processes data, and writes to storage.
• Necessary elements for I/O and storage devices include cables, controlling software, and power supply.

I/O Device Connections

• Connections can be wired or wireless.
• Ports: Access points for connecting devices.
• Common input devices include keyboards and mice; common output devices are monitors and printers.

Internal Computer Components

• Most storage and processing occurs inside the computer case.
• Motherboard: Main circuit board containing the CPU and critical components.
• Internal devices include floppy drives, hard drives, power supplies, and circuit boards for communication.

Motherboard Details

• The motherboard is vital for device communication, housing the CPU and expansion slots.
• Components categorized into processing, storage, communication, and power.

Processor and Chipset

• CPU: Main chip for data processing.
• Chipset: Group of microchips managing data flow.
• Major manufacturers include Intel, AMD, VIA, SiS, and Cyrix.

Storage Devices

• Primary Storage (RAM): Temporary memory utilized by the CPU; types include DIMM, RIMM, and SIMM.
• Secondary Storage: Permanent data storage; examples include hard drives, CDs, and floppy disks.
• RAM is volatile, meaning data is lost when power is off.

Hard Drive Technology

• Hard drives (fixed disks) contain rotating disks read by an arm with a read/write head.
• IDE and ATA Standards specify motherboard-hard drive connections; both Serial ATA (faster) and Parallel ATA standards exist.

Communication Among Devices

• Bus System: Network of pathways for data transmission.
• Data Bus: Carries binary data; widths can vary (8, 16, 32, 64 bits).
• Clock speeds are measured in hertz; common values range from 166 MHz to 4 GHz.

Expansion Cards

• Expansion cards connect the CPU to peripherals and are mounted in specific slots.
• Types include video, sound, network, and modem cards; functions can be identified by their ports.

Power Supply System

• Vital component converting AC to DC voltage and cooling the case.
• Can reduce voltage from 220 volts to 12 volts or lower; overheating above 185°F risks component failure.

Instructions on the Motherboard

• BIOS: Basic Input/Output System stored on ROM chips; encompasses system BIOS, startup BIOS, and CMOS setup.
• CMOS RAM: Holds date, time, and hardware configuration settings powered by a battery.

Plug and Play (PnP)

• PnP standard streamlines hardware installation; PnP BIOS configures devices, complemented by PnP-compliant operating systems.
• ESCD: Extended system configuration data, enhancing manual configuration storage features.