Lecture 8: Introduction to Computer Hardware PDF

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE An Overview of Core Components and Their Functions WHAT IS COMPUTER HARDWARE?  Definition: Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that interact with each other to perform tasks. These c...

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE An Overview of Core Components and Their Functions WHAT IS COMPUTER HARDWARE?  Definition: Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that interact with each other to perform tasks. These components are responsible for processing data, storing information, and providing the interface for user interaction.  Categories of Computer Hardware:  Input Devices: Devices that allow users to input data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).  Output Devices: Devices that output the results from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).  Processing Devices: Components responsible for executing tasks and calculations (e.g., CPU, GPU).  Storage Devices: Components that store data, both permanently and temporarily (e.g., HDD, SSD, RAM).  Motherboard & Power Supply: The motherboard connects all components, and the power supply provides energy for the entire system. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)  Definition: The CPU is the heart of the computer, responsible for executing instructions from programs and handling calculations.  Key Functions:  Fetch: Retrieves instructions from memory.  Decode: Interprets instructions into a format that the CPU can execute.  Execute: Performs the necessary actions based on the instructions.  Store: Writes results back into memory or registers.  CPU Components:  Control Unit (CU): Coordinates the operation of the CPU, directing the execution of instructions.  Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles all arithmetic and logical operations.  Registers: Small, fast storage areas that temporarily hold data and instructions during execution. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)  Clock Speed: Measured in GHz, clock speed defines how many cycles per second the CPU can perform. A higher clock speed generally means faster performance.  Core and Threads: Modern CPUs have multiple cores, allowing them to handle more tasks simultaneously (multitasking). Each core can handle multiple threads. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)  Definition: RAM is volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions the CPU needs to access quickly. Once the computer is powered off, data in RAM is lost.  Types of RAM:  Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Requires constant refreshing to retain data. It’s slower but more common and less expensive.  Static RAM (SRAM): Faster and more reliable than DRAM, but more expensive. Often used for cache memory.  Function: RAM allows the CPU to access data quickly, improving the overall performance of the computer, particularly in multitasking environments.  Capacity: RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). A higher RAM capacity allows for smoother multitasking and handling larger files or applications simultaneously.  STORAGE DEVICES  Function: Storage devices provide long-term data storage, allowing information to be saved and retrieved over time.  Types of Storage:  Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional magnetic storage device that uses spinning platters to read and write data. Typically cheaper and offers larger storage capacity but slower access speeds.  Solid State Drive (SSD): A newer technology that uses flash memory to store data. SSDs are much faster, consume less power, and have no moving parts. STORAGE DEVICES  Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): Optical drives use lasers to read and write data on discs. These are now largely obsolete, replaced by SSDs and cloud storage.  External Storage: USB flash drives and external hard drives offer portable storage, allowing users to transfer data between devices.  Capacity & Speed: SSDs have much faster data transfer rates than HDDs, significantly improving system performance, especially for boot times and application loading MOTHERBOARD  Definition: The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer that connects and communicates with all other components. It allows the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals to interact.  Key Components of the Motherboard:  Chipset: Manages communication between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. Determines the motherboard’s compatibility with other components.  Bus: A pathway that allows data to travel between the CPU, memory, and other devices. Common types of buses include PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) for expansion cards and RAM buses.  Memory Slots: Slots where RAM modules are installed.  Expansion Slots (PCIe): Slots for adding expansion cards, such as graphics cards, sound cards, or network interface cards.  Power Connectors: Provides electrical power to the motherboard and its components. INPUT DEVICES  Definition: Input devices allow users to interact with the computer and provide data or commands.  Common Input Devices:  Keyboard: A primary input device for text and command entry.  Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with graphical elements on the screen.  Scanner: Converts physical documents into digital format for the computer to process.  Microphone: Captures sound and converts it into digital signals for the computer.  Emerging Input Devices:  Touchscreen: Allows users to interact directly with the display by tapping or swiping.  Gesture Recognition: Some systems use cameras and sensors to detect user gestures. OUTPUT DEVICES  Definition: Output devices allow users to view, hear, or otherwise perceive the results from the computer.  Common Output Devices:  Monitor: Displays visual output from the computer, including user interfaces, images, and videos.  Printer: Converts digital documents into physical copies, typically using ink or laser.  Speakers/Headphones: Output audio, allowing users to hear sounds or music generated by the computer.  Other Output Devices:  Projectors: Used for displaying images or videos on large surfaces.  Haptic Devices: Provide tactile feedback to users, like vibrations or force-feedback. PERIPHERAL DEVICES  Definition: Peripheral devices are external hardware components connected to the computer to expand its functionality.  Types of Peripheral Devices:  External Storage Devices: USB drives, external hard drives, and SSDs for portable data storage.  Webcams: Capture video and images for communication or recording.  Game Controllers: Devices used to control video games, such as gamepads, joysticks, and steering wheels.  Printers & Scanners: These devices are considered peripherals that provide physical output or digitize physical content. POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)  Function: The PSU converts electrical energy from the AC outlet into the appropriate DC power required by the internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, and storage devices.  Key Features:  Power Rating: PSU ratings are measured in watts (W). The PSU must supply enough power for all connected components.  Efficiency: Modern PSUs are rated with efficiency grades (e.g., 80 Plus certification) that indicate how well they convert power without wasting too much as heat.  Modular vs. Non-Modular: Modular PSUs allow users to connect only the cables they need, reducing cable clutter, while non-modular PSUs have all cables permanently attached. COOLING SYSTEM  Function: Cooling systems are crucial to prevent computer components from overheating, which could lead to performance degradation or failure.  Types of Cooling Systems:  Air Cooling: Uses fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat from the CPU and GPU. This is the most common form of cooling.  Liquid Cooling: Uses liquid-filled tubes to transfer heat away from components more efficiently, often found in high-performance gaming PCs or workstations.  Thermal Paste: A substance used between the CPU/GPU and heat sinks to improve heat transfer efficiency. BUS AND DATA TRANSFER  Definition: A bus is a communication system that transfers data between the various components of the computer.  Types of Buses:  Data Bus: Carries the actual data being transferred.  Address Bus: Carries addresses to locate data in memory.  Control Bus: Manages control signals that direct operations within the CPU, memory, and other components.  Bus Speed: The speed of the bus affects how fast data can be transferred. Faster buses (e.g., PCIe) allow for faster communication between components like the CPU, memory, and expansion cards. CONCLUSION  Summary: Understanding computer hardware is essential for grasping how computers work, how to improve performance, and how to troubleshoot effectively. The continuous advancements in hardware technology are driving innovations in fields like AI, cloud computing, and quantum research.  Looking Ahead: As hardware continues to evolve, we can expect even greater performance, efficiency, and integration in modern devices, from personal computers to next-generation supercomputers. ASSIGNMENT:  Drawing Computer Hardware Components  Objective: To understand and visually represent the key components of a computer system, including input, output, storage, processing, and power components. INSTRUCTIONS:  Instructions:  Draw the Following Components:  Input Devices: Example: Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone.  Output Devices: Example: Monitor, Printer, Speaker.  Processing Unit:  Central Processing Unit (CPU) with its subcomponents (Control Unit, ALU, Registers).  Motherboard showing slots and connectors.  Memory:  RAM (Random Access Memory).  Cache Memory.  Storage Devices:  SSD (Solid-State Drive).  HDD (Hard Disk Drive). INSTRUCTIONS:  System Bus: Include Data, Address, and Control Buses.  Expansion Cards: Example: Graphics Card, Network Card.  Cooling System: Example: CPU Fan, Heat Sink.  Power Supply Unit (PSU): Depict its connections to the motherboard and components.  Peripheral Devices: Example: USB Drive, External Hard Drive.  Diagram Layout:  Create a labeled diagram showing how the components connect to one another.  Use arrows and lines to indicate the flow of data and power.  Medium:  Draw by hand or use digital drawing tools (e.g., MS Paint, Photoshop, or Canva).  Submission Format:  Hand-drawn: Submit scanned copies or clear photographs.  Digital: Submit the file in PDF or PNG format. EVALUATION CRITERIA (TOTAL: 20 MARKS):  Accuracy of Components (10 Marks): Correct depiction and labeling of all required components.  Clarity and Neatness (5 Marks): Clear and tidy presentation of the drawing.  Creativity (3 Marks): Use of colors, design, and layout.  Explanation (2 Marks): Short descriptions for each component.  Deadline: 13th Jan Submission Method: [[email protected]] THANK YOU