Computer Hardware Basics PDF

Computer Hardware Concepts GE-FL-TFL - Technology for Less What is a Computer? Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. What is a Computer System? A computer system is a complete and functional ha...

Computer Hardware Concepts GE-FL-TFL - Technology for Less What is a Computer? Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. What is a Computer System? A computer system is a complete and functional hardware and software setup with everything needed to implement computing performance. What are the uses of Computer System? Uses of Computer Systems in the Modern World Personal Use: Internet browsing, gaming, social media. Business Use: Office productivity, data management, communication. Scientific Use: Simulation, data analysis, modeling. Industrial Use: Process control, automation, robotics. Personal Computer Basics Components of Personal Computer Hardware - refers to the physical components of computer Types: Input Devices Output Devices Storage Devices Software - refers to the instructions that makes computers work Types: System Software Application Software Hardware  Keyboard Hardware Mouse Trackball Lightpen Input Devices Touchscreen are used to accept data and instructions that are Scanner needed by the computer Joystick to operate. Gamepad Game Controller Webcam Digital camera Digital video recorder (DVR) Microphone Hardware Computer Speakers Output Devices Monitor is a hardware component of a computer system that Headphones displays information to Optical Mark reader users. Printer Projector Plotter Software Software System Software software that control and support operations of a computer system. Examples:All OS, Browsers, Programming languages Operating system - is the most basic program in a computer that is initially loaded by a boot program Application Software are programs that are used to accomplish specific tasks not related to the computer itself but for the users like creating, processing or manipulating data. Software Examples of Application Software: Packaged Software Word Processing Software Spreadsheet Database Management System Multimedia Educational Software Application Suite Text Editors Hardware Storage Devices Microprocessor is a single semiconductor chip that integrates the main five functional units of a computer: arithmetic/logical, control, storage, input, and output. It serves as the “superintendent,” or also called central processing unit (CPU), of the computer. Microprocessor it has two principal sections: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Control Unit (CU). Microprocessor Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the section of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic operations include tasks such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical operations involve comparing two items of data to determine their equality or inequality. Microprocessor Control Unit (CU) directs sequence of operations, interprets coded instructions, and initiates proper commands to other parts of the computer. Memory Types of Computer Memory Primary It is also known as internal memory and main memory. This is a section of the CPU that holds program instructions, input data, and intermediate results. Example: ROM and RAM Secondary is a memory that is stored external to the computer. It is mainly used for the permanent and long-term storage of programs and data. Example: Hard Disks, CDs, DVDs, Pen/Flash drives, SSD, etc, Tertiary Memory is a type of Memory that is rarely used in personal computers and due to this, tertiary memory is not considered to be an important one. Primary Memory Random Access Memory (RAM) The RAM is a memory chip that stores data that can be edited and changed. It is the largest part of a computer’s memory which can both read and write information Primary Memory Read Only Memory (ROM) The ROM is a permanent, non-volatile, memory chip used to store instructions and data including computer startup instructions. Storage Devices is a hardware component that allows you to store and retrieve digital information on your computer. It provides a means to store data, such as documents, photos, videos, and software, for later use. Types Examples Primary Storage Devices ROM, RAM Magnetic Storage Devices Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, Magnetic Tape, Tape Cassette, SuperDisk Flash memory Devices Pen Drive, SSD, SD Card, Memory Card, Multimedia Card Optical Storage Devices CD, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc Cloud and Virtual Storage Cloud Services like Google and Microsoft Storage Devices Primary Storage Devices Read only Memory Random Access Memory Storage Devices Magnetic Storage Devices Floppy Disk Hard Disk Storage Devices Magnetic Storage Devices Magnetic tape Tape Cassette Storage Devices Magnetic Storage Devices Super Disk Storage Devices Flash Memory Devices Pen Drive SD Card SSD Storage Devices Flash Memory Devices Memory card Multimedia Card Storage Devices Optical Storage Devices CD DVD Blu-Ray What is Hardware Security? Hardware Security refers to the protection of physical devices, such as computers, servers, network components, and embedded systems, from unauthorized access, tampering, or attacks. It encompasses various strategies, techniques, and mechanisms aimed at safeguarding the hardware components themselves, as well as the data and software that operate on them. Components of Hardware Security Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) is a dedicated microcontroller designed to secure hardware through integrated cryptographic keys, which help ensure the integrity of a system. Components of Hardware Security Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are devices that manage digital keys, perform encryption, and protect sensitive data by providing a secure environment for cryptographic operations. Components of Hardware Security Secure Boot A security standard ensuring that a device boots only using software trusted by the manufacturer, preventing malicious software from being loaded. Components of Hardware Security Physical Security Mechanisms- Locks, tamper-evident seals, surveillance systems, and access control systems are essential to prevent unauthorized physical access to hardware. Side-Channel Attack Protections- Countermeasures like noise generation or hiding operations to prevent attackers from using indirect ways, like monitoring power usage or electromagnetic emissions, to extract sensitive information. Why is Hardware Security important? 1. Protection Against Physical Attacks 2. Resilience to Malware and Software Attacks 3. Protection of Sensitive Data 4. Supply Chain Security 5. Critical Infrastructure and IoT Devices 6. Prevention of Side-Channel Attacks 7. Regulatory Compliance