Understanding Computer Hardware

• Computer hardware includes the physical components of a computer system.

Hardware Components

• Input devices send data to the computer.
• Processors fetch, decode, and execute data into information.
• Memory holds data and instructions for the CPU.
• Output devices display information/results.
• Secondary storage devices store data/information for later use.

Computer System Hardware

• The CPU processes data and information using input and output.
• The BIOS is part of the Basic Input/Output System.

Processing Hardware

• Processing transforms raw data into information
• The processor and main memory are the main processing hardware.
• The processor, also known as the CPU, interprets and executes instructions.
• A CPU fetches and decodes instructions held in ROM or RAM.

Processor

• A processor interprets and executes instructions and is also called the microprocessor.
• The speed of the processor determines how fast instructions can be executed.
• A CPU performs arithmetic, logical, and control input/output (I/O) operations.
• Microprocessors provide temporary storage for addresses and data.
• Microprocessors perform arithmetic and logic operations.
• Microprocessors control and schedule all operations.
• Examples of Intel CPUs include Celeron, Pentium, and Pentium 4, ranging from 500 MHz to 3.0 GHz.
• Examples of Apple/Motorola CPUs include Power G3 and G4, ranging from 500 MHz to 700 MHz.
• Examples of AMD CPUs include K6, K7, Duron, Athlon, and Athlon 1.5 GHz.

Memory

• Memory refers to physical devices that store programs, sequences of instructions, text, images, and videos.
• Computer memory stores data to be processed and instructions required for processing.
• Memory is of three types: Cache, Primary/Main, and Secondary.

Cache Memory

• Cache Memory is a smaller, faster memory that stores copies of data from frequently used memory locations (RAM).
• It acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory.
• Cache memory holds parts of data and programs frequently used by the CPU.
• Microprocessors can access cache memory more quickly than regular memory.

Primary Memory

• Primary Memory is divided into ROM and RAM.
• ROM stores the boot program and low-level information that enables the computer to start up and recognize its hardware parts.
• ROM stores it's data permanently even after the computer is turned off.
• ROM is non-volatile memory.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

• BIOS helps identify device, and helps in operating system code transfer fo RAM
• Contains hardware information
• Faster than secondary memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Is an area in a computer which can be stored for data and accessed bu the processor
• Erased when power is turned off
• Is called read/write memory or auxiliary memory
• Computer cannot run without Primary Memory (RAM/ROM)
• RAM is volatile memory, it stores information until the comptuer turns off

Input devices

• Used to enter data by encoding using a keyboard
• Reading through the scanners and pointing like the mouse
• Input hardware converts data into a form easy for computer to understand

Input Device examples

• Camera
• Joystick
• Mouse
• Mic
• Touch Tablet
• Keyboard
• Flatbed scanner

Output Devices

• Are used to display products to the computer system after processing
• the output computer processing provides infomration requireed by the user
• this information is presented to the user in differing forms, depending ont he output

Output device examples

• Monitor
• Speakers
• Laser Printer
• Multimeida projector

Input / Output devices

• Optical Pen
• Scanner
• Bar code Reader
• Keyboard
• Joystick
• Head Phones
• Touch Screen
• Screen

Storage Devices

• Storage device is a device for storing information/data
• Hardware used to store data for future use

Storage Device Examples

• magnetic hard disk
• floppy disk
• flash drive
• external drive
• memory
• Optical CD-ROM
• Optical Digital versatile Disk

Hard Disk

• A hard disk has multiple software applications and data files
• Hard drive typically provides more semi permanent storage
• The drives have large high capacities
• PC's may rnage from 80GB to 1TB of storage
• Large companies can have as high as Peta Bytes or Zeta Bytes storage for space

CD-ROMS

• ROMs are compact discs that are read only
• Memorys storage devices store data that is read or written with lasers
• Can store 650 MB to 700 MB of Data

CD-R / CD-RW

• CD-R is for recorable discs that are used to record data but cannot be rewritten
• CD -RW is readwriteable , can eb earased and rewritten without loss of storage, like a hard disk, or USb

DVD and Rewritable DVD

• DVD- Digital Versatile Disc, or OPTICAL discs that share same overall dimensions of a CD, but bsignificantly higher capacities.
• DVD+RW- Allows you to store data or Video on the 4.7gb
• Still in its infancy