Introduction to Computing Module 1

Module 1

Computer

An electronic device that accepts information and instructions from a user, manipulates the information according to the instructions, displays the information in some way, and then stores the information for retrieval later.

Desktop Computers

One of the most common types of computers used every day at work, school, or home.

Desktop Computers — Customizability

Repairs, upgrades, and ease of access when it comes to parts.

Desktop Computers — Portability

Cannot be carried anywhere and needs a stable power source.

Desktop Computers — Power

Power is scaled to its parts. Some parts may cost more, but offers more computing power.

Laptop Computers

One of the most common types of computers used every day at work, school, or home.

Laptop Computers — Customizability

Most of its parts are soldered into the board, limiting its repair and upgrade options.

Laptop Computers — Portability

Can be carried anywhere with little space taken.

Laptop Computers — Power

Has weaker hardware to reduce power consumption and avoid overheating.

Hardware

The design and construction of the hardware of a particular computer referred to as its architecture or configuration.

Software

Intangible components of a computer system, particularly the programs, or list of instructions for the computer to do specific tasks.

Input Devices

Devices that send raw data information to the computer.

Processing Devices

Process sent raw data instructions into information.

Output Devices

Disseminate data and display information.

Storage Devices

Retain or store data and information.

System Software

Oversees the core components of a computer system. It allows hardware and other software to work in harmony. It handles file management, program execution, and system resource allocation.

Application Software

Designed to perform specific jobs like writing, painting, studying, or gaming.

Programming Software

Allows coders to write and test programs. It is used to create other software.

Open Source & Proprietary Software

This group looks at who owns and can access software.

Open Source Software

Tools that are free for anyone to use, change, and help improve.

Proprietary Software

Tools owned by companies. A license is needed to use them.

Adobe Creative Suite

An example of proprietary software.

Handheld Computers

Computers that can fit in your hand and pocket, much smaller than your typical laptop.

Handheld Computers — Characteristics

Primarily rides on your hand; barely customizable except for external components such as cases, stickers, and keychains; most mainstream computer used today.

Standalone Computers

Computers that are used to do specific tasks to create an ease of access for the user.

Standalone Computers — Characteristics

Can be seen everywhere; only able to do specific tasks.

Wearable Technology

Computers worn around your body that are able to perform a limited set of tasks.

Wearable Technology — Characteristics

Growing more prominent each year; can easily be accessed through gestures, key presses, and sometimes voice commands.

Supercomputer

Computers that deal with complicated computing, data management, and research centers.

Supercomputer — Characteristics

Take up large spaces; can be found around the world in discrete places; need specific ways to cool due to the immense heat they create.

Processor

The chip that handles processing basic instructions and computations that drive a computer. In other words, this is the brain of your computer.

Cores

Physical cores that handle processing of data.

Threads

Logical cores that feed the physical cores data.

NPU — Neural Processing Unit

Specialized processors designed to optimize computations for neural networks, enabling efficient processing in real time. With their ability to efficiently handle workloads like image recognition, voice processing, and natural language tasks, NPUs are an integral part of modern central processing units (CPUs) and System-on-Chip (SoC) designs.

TPU — Tensor Processing Unit

Hardware AI accelerator application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) developed by Google to accelerate tensor-based computations, which are foundational to deep learning. Their design is optimized for mathematical operations like matrix multiplication and parallel computing, making them ideal for tasks such as training large-scale neural networks and performing batch processing.

Google

Organization that developed the TPU.

Motherboard

Handles sending messages through different components of your system to react to changes. This is the central nervous system of your computer.

Micro-ATX

Cheapest type of boards in the market.

E-ATX

Used for larger workstations to take advantage of its extra PCI-E ports.

ATX

Most common motherboard for workstations.

Mini-ATX

Smaller than all form factors but expensive.

RAM Sticks

Short-term memory the CPU needs to access files and move data around faster. Treat them as bags where you store books that you will be using later in class.

DIMM RAM

Used primarily on desktop computers.

SODIMM RAM

Used for laptops and smaller form-factor computers.

Graphics Card

Large components attached to the PCI-E slots of the motherboard that handle displaying rendered work, sound, and workloads that require repetitions. Treat them as workers in a factory line that repeat a specific process.

Image Rendering

Bigger images mean more time to process. GPUs help lighten the load as their cores are specialized in rendering images faster.

Real-Time Graphics

Games that rely heavily on 3D real-time graphics also benefit from a dedicated GPU.

Machine Learning & Data Science

Graphics cards can help solve large computing tasks faster, helping the processor's workload.

Power Supply

Powers and regulates the whole system, making sure each component is getting their power.

Power Rating

Found in every power supply in the market. This shows the efficiency of a power supply when used in certain loads.

SATA

Used for connecting directly to power HDD and SSD.

PCI-E

Feeds power to the PCIe graphics card or other expansion cards if required.

CPU

Feeds power directly to the processor.

ATX 24-PIN

Cable used to power the RAM, fans, USB, PCIe, etc.

Chassis

Covers and cools your system. It also protects it from dust and outside variables.

Small Form Factor

Optimized for smaller machines and comes with a hefty price tag.

Mini Tower

Cheapest of them all, as its size and cooling are both mediocre at best.

Mid Tower

Consumer-grade size, able to fit under your desk.

Full Tower

Tall cases that offer a large amount of airflow with slots for fans and drives.

Negative Airflow

More exhaust fans than intake fans, creating a vacuum of heat in the system.

Positive Airflow

More intake fans than exhaust fans, or intake fans that are more powerful than exhaust fans.

Passive Cooling

Uses large metal coolers that conduct heat away passively.

Water Cooling

Uses a water pump to pump water against the processor to cool it down.

Air Cooling

Uses traditional fans that push the heat away from the metal cooler.

NVMe

Connected directly to the motherboard, offering greater speeds than its competitors.

SSD

Works the same as typical hard drives but relies on chips to hold the data.

HDD

Classic storage devices that usually have a longer shelf period and are easy to recover.

Computer Maintenance — Beep Codes

Certain motherboards have built-in speakers, or a speaker has to be installed directly onto the motherboard. The speaker beeps for errors regarding the hardware. If the beep is successful, it would only beep once.

1, 2, 3 Beeps

Memory / Graphics / Motherboard. Reseat or replace memory; troubleshoot motherboard.

4 Beeps

Timer failure. Troubleshoot motherboard.

5 Beeps

Processor failure. Troubleshoot CPU and motherboard.

8 Beeps

Display memory failure. Troubleshoot graphics card or motherboard.

10 Beeps

CMOS shutdown. Troubleshoot motherboard; replace CMOS battery.

Continuous Beeps

Memory / Video failure. Troubleshoot memory, graphics, or motherboard.