Anatomy of a Machine: Demystifying Computer Hardware

Flashcards covering computer anatomy, biological functions of a computer, CPU architecture, memory hierarchy, RAM vs. ROM, storage types, motherboard infrastructure, and power/expansion components.

Motherboard

The main and largest circuit board in the system, serving as the literal foundation where all processing and memory are located and connected.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The processing unit that performs all vital translations and calculations for the system.

Hertz

The universal unit used to measure CPU speed, represented in MHz, GHz, or THz.

Control Unit

One of the three lobes of the CPU that serves as the manager of data flow (or traffic cop).

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The internal calculator of the CPU responsible for translations and math.

Registers

The ultra-fast, short-term internal CPU working memory representing the absolute smallest memory capacity (in $64\text{-bit}$ blocks) that holds minimal data exclusively for current processing.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Fleeting working memory consisting of small circuit boards with Integrated Circuits (ICs) that remembers programs and files actively in use and is volatile (cleared when turned off).

Static RAM (SRAM)

Fast, expensive RAM that holds less memory per chip and is primarily used internally with the CPU.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Slower, less expensive RAM modules attached to the motherboard, available in types such as SDRAM, DDR (1, 2, 3), and EDO DRAM.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Fast, permanent, non-volatile storage that holds the BIOS instructions necessary to boot and run the system.

Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

The boot instructions stored inside ROM necessary to wake up and run the system.

Programmable ROM (PROM)

A permanent ROM type that is written once and cannot be altered.

Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)

A type of ROM that can be erased via physical UV light exposure.

Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM)

A type of ROM where data can be erased and rewritten electronically.

Flash Memory

A modern sub-type of EEPROM technology.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Mechanical long-term storage with moving parts offering higher capacity and lower cost, but prone to physical failure.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Long-term storage with no moving parts, faster read/write speeds, and lower failure rates, typically $256\,\text{GB} - 4\,\text{TB}$ in modern laptops.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A power box that keeps the computer running and meticulously controls the electricity flow to all components.

Expansion Cards

Smaller circuit boards that attach to the motherboard to connect peripheral devices, such as Video cards, Sound cards, and Network cards.

Ingest

The biological function of a computer responsible for reading data and feeding info to the system (Input).

Think

The biological function of a computer responsible for translating and calculating data (Processing & Memory).

Remember

The biological function of a computer responsible for holding data securely in a location (Storage).

Communicate

The biological function of a computer responsible for sharing resources with other distinct entities via modems, routers, and Bluetooth (Networking).

Express

The biological function of a computer responsible for displaying results for users (Output).