Week 2 Lecture_ Computer Hardware and Devices _FIT_MR.TONIO.pdf

Prof. Tonio Week 2 Lecture: Computer Hardware and Devices 1. Introduction to Computer Hardware In its simplest form, computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These are t...

Prof. Tonio Week 2 Lecture: Computer Hardware and Devices 1. Introduction to Computer Hardware In its simplest form, computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These are the tangible parts of a computer, as opposed to software, which is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. Understanding the hardware is essential because it’s the foundation upon which everything else in computing is built. Every computer system, regardless of size or power, relies on a few core hardware components to function properly. These include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, and various input/output (I/O) devices. In this lecture, we will explore each of these components in detail. 2. Central Processing Unit (CPU) Page 1  Prof. Tonio ❖ The CPU, often called the “brain” of the computer, is responsible for executing instructions. It performs all the calculations and processes required for a computer to operate. ❖ CPUs are made up of millions (or billions) of tiny transistors that switch on and off to process data. ❖ The CPU follows the fetch-execute cycle, where it fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it, and executes it. This happens millions of times per second. Key components of the CPU: Control Unit (CU): Directs the operation of the processor. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles arithmetic and logical operations. Registers: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU used for temporary data storage during execution. ❖ Clock Speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz), the clock speed indicates how many cycles (or instructions) the CPU can execute per second. A higher clock speed generally means better performance, but other factors like the number of cores also matter. Multi-core Processors: Many modern CPUs have multiple cores, which allow them to process several tasks simultaneously. A quad-core processor, for example, can work on four tasks at once, increasing overall efficiency. 3. Random Access Memory (RAM) ★ RAM is the short-term memory of a computer. It stores data that the CPU needs quick access to while performing tasks. ★ Unlike hard drives or SSDs, RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the computer is turned off. ★ The more RAM a computer has, the more data and applications it can handle simultaneously, leading to faster and more efficient performance. RAM Capacity: Modern computers typically come with RAM ranging from 4GB to 64GB or more, depending on the requirements of the user (e.g., basic web browsing vs. gaming or video editing). Types of RAM: ○ DRAM (Dynamic RAM): The most common type, requiring frequent refreshing to retain data. Page 2  Prof. Tonio ○ SRAM (Static RAM): Faster and more reliable but more expensive, used in smaller quantities for CPU caches. 4. Storage Devices While RAM handles short-term memory, computers also need long-term storage to hold data permanently. There are several types of storage devices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): ○ These are traditional storage devices that use spinning magnetic disks to store data. ○ While HDDs offer large storage capacities at lower costs, they are relatively slow because of the mechanical nature of the read/write process. ○ Common in desktops and some laptops, HDDs are being gradually replaced by faster storage technologies. Solid-State Drives (SSDs): ○ SSDs use flash memory (no moving parts), which makes them significantly faster than HDDs. ○ They are more expensive per gigabyte but offer faster boot times, quicker data access, and greater durability because they have no moving parts. ○ SSDs have become the standard in most modern laptops and high-performance desktops. Other Storage Types: ○ USB Flash Drives: Portable storage devices, ideal for transferring files between computers. ○ Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive store files on remote servers, allowing access from any internet-connected device. Page 3  Prof. Tonio 5. Motherboard The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer and acts as the central hub connecting all other hardware components. It distributes power to various components and allows communication between the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. Key components of a motherboard: Chipset: Manages communication between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. Expansion Slots: Allow users to add additional cards, like a graphics card or sound card. I/O Ports: Connect external devices like keyboards, mice, and monitors. Motherboards vary in size and functionality. Smaller motherboards are found in laptops, while larger ones, with more expansion slots, are used in desktops and gaming rigs. 6. Input and Output Devices Every computer needs a way to interact with the outside world. This is where input and output devices come into play. Input Devices: ○ These allow users to provide data to the computer. Common examples include: Keyboard: The primary input device for typing commands and data. Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Touchscreen: Combines input and output, allowing users to interact with devices by touching the screen. Microphone: Captures audio input for applications like video conferencing or voice commands. Scanners: Digitize physical documents or images into the computer. Output Devices: ○ These allow the computer to communicate the results of its processing to the user. Common examples include: Page 4  Prof. Tonio Monitor: The primary display device, used to visually output information from the computer. Printer: Converts digital documents into physical copies. Speakers: Output audio from applications, media, and system notifications. Projectors: Output visual information to larger audiences, commonly used in classrooms and conference rooms. Combination Devices: Some devices serve as both input and output. For example, a touchscreen accepts touch as input while simultaneously displaying information as output. 7. Peripherals In addition to the basic input/output devices, computers can be enhanced with various peripherals. These are external devices that connect to the computer to add new functionalities: External Storage Devices: Portable hard drives and USB drives provide additional storage capacity or backup solutions. Webcams: Used for video communication and conferencing. Game Controllers: Specialized input devices for gaming, such as joysticks and gamepads. Graphic Tablets: Allow artists to draw digitally with precision. Many of these devices connect via USB ports, though other ports like HDMI (for monitors) and Thunderbolt (for high-speed data transfer) are also common. 8. Trends in Hardware Technology The field of computer hardware is constantly evolving, driven by advances in technology. Some current trends include: ➔ Miniaturization: Devices are becoming smaller and more powerful. Smartphones, tablets, and ultra-thin laptops are capable of performing tasks that once required bulky desktop computers. ➔ Increased Efficiency: Newer CPUs and GPUs are not only faster but also more energy-efficient, which is particularly important for mobile devices and data centers. Page 5  Prof. Tonio ➔ Integration of AI: Modern hardware is being designed to handle Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning tasks, with specialized chips like Google’s TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) being developed to handle these processes more efficiently. ➔ Quantum Computing: While still in its early stages, quantum computing promises to revolutionize computing power, tackling complex problems that current hardware can't handle. Page 6