PCI Ch2-computer hardware.pdf

Ch2: Computer Hardware Understanding computer hardware is foundational for anyone navigating the digital age. This chapter is covering essential concepts of computer components by Ibtisam Ibnuramlee Computer Hardware Definition Components Function Com...

Ch2: Computer Hardware Understanding computer hardware is foundational for anyone navigating the digital age. This chapter is covering essential concepts of computer components by Ibtisam Ibnuramlee Computer Hardware Definition Components Function Computer hardware refers to Components include the CPU Hardware processes data and the physical components that (Central Processing Unit), executes instructions. make up a computer system, motherboard, RAM (Random which can be seen and touched. Access Memory), storage devices (HDD, SSD), and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer). What is Computer Hardware? Physical Components Interconnected System Computer hardware refers to the physical Hardware components are interconnected and components of a computer system. These are work together to execute a user's commands the tangible parts you can touch, unlike software and processes data. They form a complex system which is the set of instructions the computer that enables the computer to function. runs. Hardware vs. Software Hardware Software Provides the physical platform for software to run Acts as the conductor, telling the hardware its instructions. It's the foundation upon which components what tasks to perform and how to software operates. interact with each other. It's the brain that controls the hardware.  Major Components of Computer Hardware C P U : The "brain" that executes instructions. Key specs are speed, cores, and cache. M e m o r y ( R A M ): Temporarily stores data and instructions for the CPU. Faster performance with more RAM. S t o r a g e (H D D /S S D ): Permanently stores data and programs. SSDs are faster than HDDs. M o t h e r b o a r d : Connects all components. Provides slots and connectors. G P U: Specialized for rendering graphics. Integrated or dedicated. P o w e r S u p p l y : Converts electricity to power the components. I n p u t /O u t p u t D e v i c es : Allow interaction with the computer. Understanding Computer Components 1 CPU (Central Processing Unit) Acts as the brain of the computer, executing instructions and coordinating the activities of other hardware components. 2 Motherboard Serves as the main circuit board connecting all components. Discusses the importance of compatibility between the motherboard and other hardware components. 3 RAM (Random Access Memory) Temporary storage for data and instructions currently in use by the computer. Explores the concept of memory hierarchy and its impact on computer speed. 4 Storage Devices Differentiates between primary storage (RAM) and secondary storage (HDD, SSD). Compares storage capacities, speeds, and costs of different storage devices. Inside the case Inside case The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer A computer chip contains integrated circuits Motherboards The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1 Brain of the Computer The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for carrying out instructions and computations. It's the heart of the system. 2 Fetches and Executes Instructions The CPU fetches, decodes, and executes program instructions. It's constantly working to process information and perform tasks. 3 Measures of Speed The speed of a CPU is measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz). A higher GHz value indicates faster processing of instructions. 4 Multiple Cores Modern CPUs often have multiple cores, allowing them to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving performance. Processors The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer A multi-core processor is a single chip with two or more separate processor cores Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) Processors  Processors The control unit is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations Processors For every instruction, a processor repeats a set of four basic operations, which comprise a machine cycle What is a machine What iscycle? a machine cycle? Four operations of the CPU comprise a machine cycle Step 1. Fetch Obtain program instruction or data item from memory Memory Step 2. Step 4. Store Decode Write result to memory Translate instruction into commands Processor ALU Step 3. Execute Control Unit Carry out command Processors The processor contains registers, that temporarily hold data and instructions The system clock controls the timing of all computer operations The pace of the system clock is called the clock speed, and is usually measured in gigahertz (GHz)  Processors What is the system clock? Controls timing of all computer operations Generates regular electronic pulses, or ticks, that set operating pace of components of system unit Pace of system clock is clock speed Processor speed can Each tick Most clock speeds are also be measured in is a in the gigahertz (GHz) millions of instructions range (1 GHz = one clock cycle billion ticks of system per second (MIPS) clock per second)  Processors What is a register? Temporary high-speed storage area that holds data and instructions Stores location from where instruction Stores was fetched Stores data instruction while it is while ALU being decoded computes it Stores results of calculation 18 Processors A processor chip generates heat that could cause the chip to malfunction or fail Require additional cooling Heat sinks Liquid cooling technology Cooling pads  CPU To learn more about the CPU  Data Representation Analog signals are continuous and vary in strength and quality Digital signals are in one of two states: on or off Most computers are digital The binary system uses two unique digits (0 and 1) Bits and bytes  Data Representation The circuitry in a computer or mobile device represents the on Eight bits grouped together as a or the off states electronically by unit are called a byte. A byte the presence or absence of an represents a single character in electronic charge the computer or mobile device Data Representation The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Specialized for Graphics The GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, and complex image manipulation. It's designed to process visual data efficiently. Many Cores GPUs contain many cores optimized for processing large amounts of visual data efficiently. This allows them to handle complex graphics tasks with ease.  Memory Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data Stores three basic categories of items: Data being The operating processed and the system and other Applications resulting programs information  Memory Memory stores information the computer needs to function. We can generally divide memory into two types: Primary Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory): Holds data currently being used by the CPU. RAM is volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer shuts down. Secondary Memory (Storage Devices): Provides permanent storage for data and programs. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).  Memory Computers and mobile devices contain two types of memory: Volatile memory Nonvolatile memory Loses its contents when Does not lose contents power is turned off when power is removed Examples include ROM, Example includes RAM flash memory, and CMOS Memory Primary Memory (RAM) 1 Data in Use RAM holds data currently being used by the CPU. It's like the computer's short-term memory. 2 Volatile Memory RAM is volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer shuts down. It's temporary storage for active data. 3 Size Matters RAM size is measured in Gigabytes (GB). Having sufficient RAM is crucial for smooth multitasking and program performance. Secondary Memory (Storage Devices) Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) Solid-State Drives (SSDs) Traditional storage devices using magnetic platters Use flash memory chips for storage, resulting in to store data. Offer large storage capacities at lower faster data access times compared to HDDs. SSDs costs but are slower than newer options. are becoming increasingly popular despite their typically higher cost per gigabyte. preencoded.png  Memory Two common types of RAM exist: Dynamic RAM Static RAM (SRAM) (DRAM)  Memory RAM chips usually reside on a memory module and are inserted into memory slots  Memory Memory cache speeds the processes of the computer because it stores frequently used instructions and data Read-only memory (ROM) refers to memory chips storing permanent data and instructions Firmware  Memory Flash memory can be erased electronically and rewritten CMOS technology uses battery power to retain information when when the power to the computer is off  Memory Access time is the amount of time it takes the processor to read from memory Measured in nanoseconds  RAM To learn more about the RAM  Adapters An adapter card enhances functions of a component of a desktop or server system unit and/or provides connections to peripherals Sound card and video card An expansion slot is a socket on a desktop or server motherboard that can hold an adapter card  Adapters With Plug and Play, the computer automatically can recognize peripheral devices as you install them  Adapters A USB adapter enhances functions of a mobile computer and/or provides connections to peripheral devices  Peripherals To learn more about Peripherals Bus A bus allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with one another – Data bus – Address bus Word size is the number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time  Bus A computer might have these three types of buses: System Backside bus bus Expansion bus  Power Supply The power supply or laptop AC adapter converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power  Battery Mobile computers and devices can run using either a power supply or batteries Batteries typically are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries  Power Supply To learn more about Power Supply Input/Output Devices Keyboard Used for typing text and entering commands. Mouse Controls a pointer on the screen for selecting and manipulating objects. Monitor Displays visual information with varying screen sizes and resolutions. Printer Creates physical copies of digital documents. Computer Software Definition 1 Software refers to programs and applications that run on computer hardware to perform specific tasks. 2 Types Types include system software (e.g., operating systems), application software (e.g., productivity tools, media players), and System Software 3 utility software (e.g., antivirus programs, Manages hardware resources and provides disk cleanup tools). a platform for application software. Examples include operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and device drivers. 4 Application Software Designed to help users perform tasks (e.g., word processing, web browsing, graphic design). Discusses categories of application Utility Software 5 software and their specific uses in different Supports system management and industries. maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance and security. Covers examples such as antivirus software, backup utilities, and file management tools. Compatibility and Interoperability Compatibility Emphasizes the importance of software compatibility with hardware components and operating systems. Interoperability Discusses challenges and solutions related to software interoperability in diverse computing environments. Teaching Computer Hardware and Software Theoretical Concepts Introduce the definitions, components, and functions of hardware and software. Practical Exercises Engage students in hands-on activities to explore hardware components and software applications. Real-World Applications Connect the concepts to real-world scenarios and demonstrate how hardware and software are used in various industries. Conclusion Hardware Physical components of a computer system. Software Programs and applications that run on computer hardware. Compatibility Ensures that hardware and software work together efficiently. Benefits of Teaching Hardware and Software 1 Foundational Knowledge Provides students with a strong understanding of how computers work. 2 Critical Thinking Encourages students to analyze and solve problems related to computer systems. 3 Problem-Solving Abilities Develops students' skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues with hardware and software. 4 Career Opportunities Prepares students for careers in technology and related fields. Teaching Note Summary This teaching note provides a structured approach to cover the intricacies of computer components and software types, ensuring students develop a robust understanding of how hardware and software interact to drive modern computing solutions.