Computer Based Technology: Microcomputer Hardware

Definition: The physical equipment that makes up the computer. A computer’s specific combination of hardware components is referred to as its configuration.

Basic Hardware Components

Input device : transmit information into the computer translate data that people can understand into a form that the computer can process. eg-keyboard, mouse

Central Processing Unit The core element that carries out all the calculations and control the total system. Memories stores information for manipulation by the CPU It control instruction and set of data are stored in two types of memory

Each type of CPU has its own machine language. The CPU consists of a Control Unit and Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU). The control unit controls the operation of the peripheral devices and the transfer of information between the units that make up the computer. The Arithmetic/Logic Unit performs calculation.

Read-Only Memory (ROM) Memory refers to the computer chips that store information for quick retrieval by the CPU. Contains critical information and software that must be permanently available for computer operation, such as the operating system that directs the computer’s actions from start up to shut down.

Consists of the control instructions that have been wired permanently into the memory. Eg – programming languages - internal monitoring functions ROM is called nonvolatile memory because the memory chips do not lose their information when power to the computer is turned off.

Random-Access Memory (RAM) Is used to store the information and instructions that operates the computer’s programme. It is also known as volatile memory because the information within the computer chips is lost when power to the computer is turned off. Flexible part of the memory Unfortunately, it is limited in size and needs to be constantly cleared and refill

Particular programme or set of data being manipulated by the user is temporarily stored in it. Then, it erased to make way for the next programme. A computer memory’s size describe in terms of how many bytes it can store at one time.

Hard disk drive Store information in magnetic particles embedded in a disk. Usually a permanent part of the computer, hard disk drives can store large amounts of information and retrieve that information very quickly. Hard drives come in different capacities When it comes to hard drives, bigger is better, within reason. This would allow you to install quite a few programs and still have room left for your data

Storage The computer’s operating system, application programmes and data files are stored outside its CPU when not in use. Most common storage mechanism – the magnetic disk, Recordable CD-ROMs

Output device the output devices – CTR, (cathode-ray tube), liquid crystal ( CLD), printer Translate the process information from the computer into a form that people can understand.