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Week 2+3 - Topic 2 Hardware and Software

Anatomy of a Computer

  • Hardware Components Include:

    • Input Devices: Devices that provide data to the computer.

    • Processing: The CPU processes information.

    • Data Storage: Hardware that stores information.

    • Output Devices: Devices that produce output from the computer.

CPU and Memory

  • Components of CPU:

    • Arithmetic/Logic Unit: Performs mathematical calculations and logical operations.

    • Control Unit: Directs operations of the CPU.

    • Registers: Small storage areas for immediate data in the CPU.

  • Memory Role: Provides working storage for the CPU to hold instructions and data.

Clock Speed

  • Definition: Series of electronic pulses affecting machine cycle time.

  • Measurement: Often measured in gigahertz (GHz), with current computers operating between 1-4 GHz.

Processing Types

Multiprocessing

  • Definition: Simultaneously executing two or more instructions.

  • Coprocessors: Speed up processing by executing specific instructions.

  • Multicore Processors: Have multiple independent processing units (cores).

Parallel Computing

  • Definition: Executes same task on multiple processors.

    • Massively Parallel Processing Systems: Link thousands of processors to solve problems efficiently.

    • Grid Computing: Collection of computers working together on a problem.

Memory Types

Main Memory

  • Definition: Temporary working area for the CPU.

  • Storage Units:

    • Byte (B): Represents one character of data.

    • Data Capacity Units:

      • Kilobyte (KB): 1,000 Bytes

      • Megabyte (MB): 1,000^2 Bytes

      • Gigabyte (GB): 1,000^3 Bytes

      • Terabyte (TB): 1,000^4 Bytes

      • Petabyte (PB): 1,000^5 Bytes

      • Exabyte (EB): 1,000^6 Bytes

      • Zettabyte (ZB): 1,000^7 Bytes

      • Yottabyte (YB): 1,000^8 Bytes

Types of RAM

  • Temporary and Volatile: Random Access Memory (RAM) loses data when powered off.

  • Types:

    • Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): Used for high-speed registers and cache.

    • Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): Used for main memory.

    • Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM): Faster variants that reduce power usage in devices.

  • Read-Only Memory (ROM): Permanent, nonvolatile memory storing critical instructions.

Secondary Storage

Definition and Advantages

  • Definition: Devices that store data permanently.

  • Advantages Over RAM:

    • Nonvolatility: Retains data without power.

    • Greater Capacity: More space than RAM.

    • Economical: Cost-effective for large storage needs.

Types of Secondary Storage Devices

  • Magnetic Disks: Hard drives and magnetic tape.

  • Optical Devices: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray disks.

  • Solid-State Devices (SSD): Faster, more energy-efficient storage with no moving parts.

Enterprise Storage Options

Storage Area Networks (SAN)

  • Definition: High-speed networks that integrate different storage devices.

  • Functions: Disk mirroring, data backup, and sharing resources across an organization.

Cloud Computing

  • Definition: Renting storage via the internet.

  • Examples: Services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive.

Input and Output Devices

Overview

  • Input Devices: Allow data entry into the computer.

  • Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanners, RFID devices.

  • Output Devices: Allow users to receive results.

  • Examples: Monitors, printers.

Specialized Input and Output Devices

  • Includes technologies like motion-sensing input, voice recognition, and automated teller machines (ATM).

Computer System Types

Single-user and Multi-user Computers

  • Single-user: Designed for one person at a time.

  • Multi-user: Supports multiple users simultaneously.

Mobile Computers

  • Types Include: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, including ultrabooks.

Thin Clients, Desktops, and Workstations

  • Thin Client: Minimal resource computer, managed centrally.

  • Desktop: Single-user versatile system.

  • Workstations: More powerful and designed for intensive tasks.

Servers and Supercomputers

Server Definition

  • Computer used by many for specific tasks (network applications).

Types of Servers

  • Mainframe: Large systems shared by hundreds of users.

  • Supercomputers: High-performance systems for complex tasks.

Server Farms and Data Centers

Overview

  • Server Farm: Contains numerous servers for efficiency.

  • Data Center: Climate-controlled facilities for organizational data.

Green Computing

Goals

  • Environmentally responsible design and manufacturing of computing equipment.

EPEAT System

  • Evaluates electronic products based on environmental criteria.

Overview of Software

Definitions

  • System Software: Controls hardware functions (OS, utilities).

  • Application Software: Helps users perform specific tasks.

Software Sphere of Influence

  • Personal: Supports individual needs.

  • Workgroup: Collaborates for common goals.

  • Enterprise: Affects entire organizations.

Systems Software Functions

  • Roles: Control hardware, manage memory tasks, provide networking, and protect data.

  • User Interfaces: Command-based and graphical user interfaces (GUI).

Operating Systems Overview

Key Functions

  • Kernel: Controls critical OS processes.

  • Memory Management: Ensures efficient program execution.

  • Multiprocessing and Multitasking: Allows simultaneous program runs.

Current and Personal Computing Operating Systems

  • Windows 10, macOS, Linux Distributions: Offer different functionalities based on spheres of influence.

Utility Programs

Definition

  • Programs that perform maintenance and repair tasks for systems.

Application Software Overview

Types

  • Proprietary vs. Off-the-shelf: Tailored solutions versus mass-produced options.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

  • Subscription model delivered over the internet.

Personal Application Software

Categories

  • Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases: Key components of personal productivity tools.