Week 1 - Session 1 - Fundamentals of computer systems.pdf

Week 1: Fundamentals Fundamental ofof computer systems Computer Systems Fundamentals in computing  Agenda In this week, we will cover the following topics. Session Topics Evaluation (Formative) Session 1: 1. Components...

Week 1: Fundamentals Fundamental ofof computer systems Computer Systems Fundamentals in computing  Agenda In this week, we will cover the following topics. Session Topics Evaluation (Formative) Session 1: 1. Components of a computer Fundamentals of 2. Internal components computer 3. Components 7. Roots of unity of a processor systems Quiz to evaluate the 1. Introduction to programming content Session 2: languages Programming 2. Types of programming languages languages 3. Translators Session 1  Learning outcomes On successful completion of this session, you will be able to: Know the difference between software and hardware Identify the classification of software Explain the concepts about processor, CPU, memory unit 1. Components of a computer  1. Components of a computer A “computer system” is made up of hardware and software. (i) Hardware Computer hardware is the collection of physical, electronic and electrical components that make up the computer system. For example, these include the motherboard, a keyboard and a monitor. These can be divided as: ❖ Input devices ❖ Output devices ❖ Storage devices  1.1. Input devices An input device transmits data from the user to the computer processor. A computer is only of value if it is possible to give data and processing it. All input devices send data from the device over a cable or wireless transmission to the computer. Input devices are important because they allow you to interact with and add new information to a computer. If you want to add new information to the computer (e.g., text, command, document, picture, etc.), you wouldn't be able to do so without an input device.  1.1. Output devices An output device is a device which converts information processed from the computer to the user. Usually, most output peripherals are meant for human use, so they receive the processed data from the computer and transform it in the form of audio, video, or physical reproductions  1.1. Storage devices A storage device is any type of computing hardware that is used for storing, porting or extracting data files and objects. Storage devices can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently. They may be internal or external to a computer, server or computing device  1.1. Storage devices Cloud storage is a cloud computing model that stores data on the Internet through a cloud computing provider who manages and operates data storage as a service. It's delivered on demand with just-in-time capacity and costs and eliminates buying and managing your own data storage infrastructure.  1.2. Software (ii) Software It is the set of instructions that make the computer hardware usable. These sets of instructions are known as “programs”. Therefore, a computer program is a piece of software. This can be divided into: Operating system (OS) Application software WINDOWS MAC (Apple) LINUX  1.2. Software: Operating systems Operating system (OS) software is the set of instructions that make the hardware of the computer available for use. The OS characteristics are: it allows the user to communicate with the computer. It controls the movement of data around the computer. it turns instructions that people can understand into instructions that a computer can recognize.  1.2. Software: Application software Applications software It is a software designed to carry out a specific task to be used by people. For example, the user might want to write a letter, create a report or create a slide show presentation. Example: Word, power point, Excel, photoshop.  2. Internal components  2.1. Internal hardware components Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered by the program or operating system. These include the following: (i) Motherboard: This is a printed circuit board that holds the central processing unit (CPU) and other essential internal hardware. It holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a system such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory.  2.1. Internal hardware components (ii) CPU or Processor: The CPU (or central processing unit) is the brain of the computer that processes and executes digital instructions from various programs; It determines the computer's performance and efficiency in processing data. (iii) RAM (Random Access Memory): It is temporary memory storage that makes information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory, so stored data is cleared when the computer powers off.  2.1. Internal hardware components (iv) Hard drive: Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store both permanent and temporary data in different formats, including programs, device files, photos, etc. (v) Heat sink: This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away from components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure they continue to function properly. 3. Components of a processor  3. Components of a processor The processor or CPU is the brain of a computer. It executes instructions which allows programs to run. There are two main computer processors manufacturers: Intel and Advanced Micro devices (AMD). These two companies produce most of the processor used in desktop, laptops and notebooks. 3. Components of a processor Control unit The Control Unit is a component which controls and coordinates the operations of the CPU. It has the following jobs: Managing the flow of data between the CPU and other devices Accepting the next instruction - Decoding instructions Storing the resulting data back in memory 3. Components of a processor Registers Registers are small amounts of high-speed memory contained within the CPU. They are used by the processor to store small amounts of data that are needed during processing, such as: The current instruction being decoded The address of the next instruction to be executed The results of calculations 3. Components of a processor Arithmetic Logic unit The ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) carries out all the arithmetical and logical operations. Arithmetic Section Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations. Logic Section Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting, and merging of data. 3. Components of a processor Buses A bus is a high-speed internal connection. Buses are used to send control signals and data between the processor and other components. 3. Components of a processor CPU Control Instructions Unit Processor Registers Arithmetic INPUT and logic OUTPUT unit Memory unit 3.1. Memory Unit This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM). Functions of the memory unit are: It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing. It stores intermediate results of processing. It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to an output device. All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.  3.1. Memory Unit Memory Unit can be divided into: 1. Primary / Main memory: Primary memory is the computer memory that is directly accessible by CPU. It is comprised of RAM and provides the actual working space to the processor. Primary memory is temporary. Example: RAM 2. Secondary Memory / Mass Storage: The contents of the secondary memory first get transferred to the primary memory and then are accessed by the processor; Secondary memory is permanent. Example: Hard disk.  3.1. Memory Unit 3. Cache Memory Cache is a small amount of high-speed random-access memory (RAM) built directly within the processor. It is used to temporarily hold data and instructions that the processor is likely to reuse. When the CPU requests data or data is required, it will automatically turn to the cache memory for accessing data fast and economically. This is required because system RAM is a bit further away from the CPU, and all of this has a huge impact on performance and latency when data needs to be accessed frequently.  3.2. Fetch-decode-execute The main job of the CPU is to execute programs using the fetch-decode-execute cycle (or instruction cycle). This cycle begins as soon as you turn on a computer. During the fetch execute cycle, the computer retrieves a program instruction from its memory. It then establishes and carries out the actions that are required for that instruction. Fetch – Fetch the instruction from memory Decode – Understand the instruction Execute – Execute the instruction  3.3. Properties of a processor The clock speed is used as an indicator of the processor's speed. It is measured in clock cycles per second or its equivalent. It refers to the frequency at which the clock generator of a processor can generate pulses, which are used to synchronize the operations of its components. Speed of modern CPUs is commonly advertised in gigahertz (GHz).  3.3. Properties of a processor A multi-core processor is a computer processor with two or more separate processing units (CPUs), called cores, each of which reads and executes program instructions, as if the computer had several processors. 2 cores (Dual-core) is the sweet spot for most budget users. 4 cores (Quad-core) CPUs allow you to render video (slowly) or play games (at lower resolutions) in addition to all your regular work or school tasks 8 cores (Octa-core) are great if you are a pro gamer or video editor engineering  End of the session The student learned how to: Know the difference between software and hardware Identify the classification of software Explain the concepts about processor, CPU, memory unit Independent study: The student will do a QUIZ to reinforce the information explained in this session.