lec 2: computer components

central processing unit (CPU)

small integrated circuit

functions include math/logical, addressing of memory, storage of temporary data, instruction decoding and execution

CPU multicore devices

contain more than 1 CPU, increases computer through put; software and O/S are designed to maximize the benefits

components of CPU

arithmetic logic unit

processor registers

control unit

cache memory

system clock

master time keeper

prod pulses to synchronize events and tasks

clock rate/speed is frequency at which pulses are produced

measured in Hz (typically GHz for modern PC processors)

system clock regulates

rate of instruction execution in the CPU

motherboard components

CPU socket

RAM slots

CMOS battery

Power connectors

expansion slots

cooling fans

heat sinks

cache memory

short term data storage on cpu; small volume, very fast

cpu memory

found on motherboard; stores data needed for immediate use

read and write in cpu memory

read is data transferred from memory

write is data stored/sent to memory

solid state drive (SSD)

no moving parts and is quieter

faster than hard disk drive

no cooling req

hard disk drive

uses magnetic disks to store data; has moving parts; limited temp tolerance

external memory devices

allows portability bw locations/machines, backups, disaster recovery

USB drives, RAIDs, external hard drives

memory

generally inverse relationship bw memory speed and quantity

software

programs and data used by a computer

instructions for the computer

different layers/types of software

BIOS (basic input/output system)

firmware, instructions for starting up computer, initializes hardware components, loads operating system (o/s)

operating system

manages system hardware and software resources

provides services/functions for computer programs

translates bw user’s world and computer’s world

ex: windows, macOS, android, iOS, linux

applications

software program designed for user for a specific purpose

ex: world of warcraft

video display systems

video display terminal: cathode ray tube (CRT) viewing screen;

big and heavy

LCD & OLED video display systems

LCD: liquid crystal display- backlight, color filters

organic light-emitting diode display- no backlight, “burn-in” can be a problem

peripheral devices

hardware; not core component of computer

categorized based on direction of info flow relative to the computer

peripheral devices: input devices

computer receives data; e.g. mouses, keyboard, webcam, game controller

peripheral devices: output devices

computer sends data: e.g. printer, monitor, headphones

peripheral devices: input/output devices

computer sends and receives data

e.g. external storage, modem, router