Intro to Computing Module 2 - Computer Hardware

Hardware

The tangible, physical components of the computer system

Software

The invisible instructions and programs that guide hardware operations

Motherboard

The main circuit board that connects all components and allows them to communicate with each other

Power supply

Converts outlet power into usable electricity for all computer components

Case/Chassis

Protective housing that contains and protects all internal components

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Function: Executes instructions and performs calculations, processing data at incredible speeds.

• Speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz); for example, 3.5 GHz means 3.5 billion cycles per second.

• Modern Feature: Modern CPUs have multiple cores to handle several tasks simultaneously.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs all calculations and logical operations

Control Unit (CU)

Directs operations and manages data flow within the CPU

Registers

Tiny, ultra-fast memory locations for immediate data storage

Random Access Memory (RAM)

where the computer temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs to access immediately.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

• Function: A specialized electronic circuit and processor designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation and rendering of images, videos, and complex animations for display.

• Purpose: Indispensable for efficiently handling visual data and outputting it to a display device.

• Core Task: Accelerates the rendering of visual information into a frame buffer.

Storage devices

where your computer permanently keeps its operating system, applications, and all your files.

Hard Disk Drive (HDDs)

Traditional magnetic storage.
Offer large storage capacities.
Slower data access speeds

Solid State Drive (SSDs)

Newer flash memory technology.

Significantly faster and more reliable.

Input Devices

These convert human actions into data the computer can understand. Examples include keyboards, mice, and scanners. They are your primary tools for telling the computer what to do

Output Devices

These present processed data back to the user. Monitors display visuals, printers create hard copies, and speakers produce sound. They allow the computer to communicate its results back to you, enabling meaningful interaction

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The unsung hero, converting the electrical power from your wall outlet into usable, stable power for every internal component—from the motherboard and CPU to the GPU and storage drives.