C1. Computer Basics

Personal Computer

A machine that is used to create documents, send email, and explore the world wide web.

Desktop Computer

A computer that is small enough to fit on a desk.

Supercomputers

A computer that is large enough to fill entire rooms and can perform quadrillions of calculations per second.

Computer

A device that receives, stores, and processes information.

Hardware

The physical components of the computer, such as the monitor.

Software

The programs that execute on the computer, carrying out tasks such as word processing or accessing the web.

Von Neumann Architecture

Identifies three essential components that work together to function as a computer.

• Named after John von Neumann in the early 1950s

  • Include: Memory, CPU, and Input/Output.

Input/Output devices

Allow users to communicate with the computer by entering commands and then viewing the results.

Memory

Stores information for the computer to process.

Programs

Instructions specifying the steps necessary to complete specific tasks.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Carries out programmatic steps in order to process data.

Stored-program computers

Can initiate different tasks by retrieving different programs from memory.

• Computers that use the Von Neumann arch are called this.

Digital devices

They store and process information as binary digits, or bits.

Bits

A unit of data that corresponds to one of two potential values, which we may think of as 0 and 1.

• Also known as binary digits

Byte

A collection of 8 bits

Kilobyte (KB)

1,024 Bytes

• A thousand

Megabytes (MB)

1,048,576 bytes

• A million

Gigabyte (GB)

1,073,741,824 bytes

• a billion

Terabyte (TB)

1,099,511,627,776 bytes

• a trillion bytes

Cache memory

Usually built into the CPU chip itself, utilizes high-speed circuitry to provide extremely fast access to data.

• A memory technology

RAM memory

Stands for Random Access Memory

• Packaged on separate chips, communicates with the CPU using lower-speed circuitry.

  • Data stored cannot be accessed as quickly

Main memory

Cache and RAM together form this, which is holding all the data that the CPU is actively using.

Volatile

Meaning that it requires a constant flow of electricity to maintain its stored values

Hard drive

A metal disk that stores bits as magnetized and non-magnetized spots.

• The disk rotates under a sensor, which detects the spots and interprets them as bits.

Solid-state drive (SSD)

Stores data as electrical charges in a series of memory cells made up of non-volatile electronic circuitry.

CD (compact disk)

A plastic and aluminum disk that stores up to 700MB of data as patterns on its reflective surface.

Flash drive

They utilize the same technology as solid-state drives, and can store massive amounts of data and provide fast access.

Input devices

Allow the computer to receive data and instructions from an external source, such as a person entering commands at a keyboard.

• Examples:

  • Keyboards

  • Microphones

  • Scanners

Output devices

allow the computer to display or broadcast its results.

• Examples:

  • Monitors

  • Printers

  • Speakers

Operating system

A collection of programs that controls how the CPU, memory, and IO devices work together to execute programs.

Kernel

Manages the CPU’s operation, controlling how data and instructions are loaded from memory and accessed by the CPU.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Uses intuitive, visual elements to simplify the process of viewing files and executing programs.