Computer systems is a 10-credit unit Introduction Computer systems is a 10-credit unit In this unit you will learn: Different hardware components that exist inside a typical computer. Important software such as the operating system Crucial utilities such as antivirus suites and firewalls. Practical tasks which you will learn Build computer systems Tackle hardware and software maintenance Configure and test a computer system to ensure that it meets user needs. 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

2.1 Understanding the components of computer systems This section will cover the following grading criterion. P1 To pass in P1 you need to understand and explain the function of computer hardware components (that is, what they do). 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Internal system components A typical computer system consists of base unit (or tower), monitor, keyboard and mouse. 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Peripherals Peripherals are devices that connects to the system unit using cables or by using wireless technologies. For example: Monitor Keyboard Printer Scanner Speaker 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Motherboard Most modern motherboards are based on particular form factor (describing its dimensions and layout) called Advanced Technology Extended (ATX). Standardized form factors ensure compatibility between different motherboards, cases and components. 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Northbridge The Northbridge is a chip that controls many communications in the motherboard such as the communications between the CPU, AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) and the memory. Southbridge The Southbridge is an integrated circuit on the motherboard that is responsible for the hard drive disk controller, I/O controller and also controls integrated hardware such as the sound card and video card if they are present on the motherboard. PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect) etc… 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

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Components of Motherboard RAM: slots: were memory modules are fitted. Usually two or four slots. Processor socket: where the Central Processing Unit (CPU) chip is fitted. Typically socket name may reflect that number of pins (for example: Socket 754, Socket 939 or Socket 1366) 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Primary and secondary Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE) connector. This connects to a hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD and so on. In addition this board supports SATA drives. Northbridge chip, manages data traffic between the faster motherboard components (RAM, CPU and graphical subsystem). Southbridge chip, manages data traffic between slower components on the motherboard. 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express expansion slots the most recent standard for specialized cards (for example: graphic cards) Basic Input Output System (BIOS) chip. Is a small collection of programs that are stored in Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) or (Most Commonly this days) Flash memory. The motherboard chipset is the combination of the Northbridge and Southbridge processors. 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com

BIOS Chip contains all the code required to control the devices For example: Keyboard, display, disk drivers, serial communications and other critical functions. Monitor hardware and take action (i.e. shut down the PC) to prevent any damage occurring to the hardware. Temperature, hard drive status etc... It has a BIOS set-up program which lets the user configure the basic operation of the hardware. Demo…….. Another function of BIOS is POST (Power on self test) It is possible to update BIOS code by downloading new images over the internet. BIOS is to seek an operating system on an available drive. Once found, the operating control is passed to the operating system as it is loaded into RAM. This is called boot process… 9/20/2016 http://websitebaba.com