Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th edition Unit D: Digital Electronics and File Management

Objectives Discuss data representation Introduce integrated circuits Explore processors Explore computer memory: RAM Explore other types of computer memory Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 2

Objectives (continued) Explore file management Examine folders Explore computer files Work with files Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 3

Discussing Data Representation Form in which data is stored, processed, output, and transmitted Binary number system Has only two digits: 0 and 1 Digital data Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video that has been converted into 0s and 1s Each 0 or 1 is one binary digit, or bit Byte: a series of eight bits Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 4

Discussing Data Representation (continued) Digitized images are a series of colored dots, called pixels Each pixel is assigned a binary number based on the color of that pixel Digital sound files To digitize sound: Sample an analog sound wave at various points Convert those points into digital numbers Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-3: Digitizing sound Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 6

Introducing Integrated Circuits Integrated circuit (IC) An incredibly thin slice of semiconducting material (or semiconductor) Are packed with microscopic circuit elements Also called computer chip, microchip, and chip Chip packages vary in shape and size DIP (dual inline package) DIMM (dual inline memory module) PGA (pin-grid array) Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-4: An integrated circuit Figure D-5: Packaging for integrated circuits Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Introducing Integrated Circuits (continued) Integrated circuits are connected to the motherboard Motherboard: computer’s main circuit board Processor: one type of chip or integrated circuit CPU (central processing unit): the main processor in a personal computer Intel is the world’s largest chipmaker AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) is Intel’s chief rival in the PC chip market Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-6: Chips on a motherboard Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Processors Central processing unit (CPU) Contains the circuitry to perform the central processing tasks of the computer Clock speed: pace at which processor executes instructions Bus: electronic pathway that carries electronic signals between electronic parts Bus speed: identifies how fast electronic signals move along the bus pathway Word size: number of bits that a processor can manipulate at one time Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Processors (continued) Cache: high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly Instructions for processors Source code: human-readable version of a program Translation of source code into 0s and 1s: Done by a compiler or an interpreter Overclocking: a technique for increasing the speed of a computer part Very risky Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM RAM (random access memory) Holds operating system instructions that control the basic functions of a computer Also a temporary holding area for: Program instructions Data waiting to be processed, displayed, or printed Results of processing until they can be stored more permanently Performance of a computer is directly related to how much RAM is available Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM (continued) How RAM works Content of RAM is changed by changing the charge of capacitors Capacitors: hold the bits that represent data RAM differs from hard drive storage RAM is temporary storage Important to have the most RAM possible RAM speed Faster RAM generally means faster performance Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-16: How RAM works Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory Virtual memory: an area of the hard drive Used when RAM is reaching its capacity ROM (read-only memory): memory that holds the computer’s startup routine Permanent and nonvolatile RAM is temporary and volatile Contains the bootstrap program, which: Tells a computer what to do during the boot process Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory (continued) Boot process Six major events take place: Power up Start boot program Power-on self-test Identify peripheral devices Load operating system Check configuration and customization Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory (continued) ROM BIOS (basic input/output system) A small set of instructions stored in ROM EE PROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) A nonvolatile chip that requires no power to hold data Holds computer configuration settings, such as: Date and time, hard drive capacity, number of CD/DVD/BD drives, RAM capacity Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring File Management Computer file (or file): a named collection of data that exists on a storage medium Folder: a logical representation of where you store your files on a computer File specification (or a path): identifies a computer file’s location Most operating systems provide file management programs Windows provides Windows Explorer Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-24: Files are stored in folders Figure D-25: A file specification Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-26: Windows Explorer Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Examining Folders To create a new folder: To work with folders: Use New Folder button of Windows Explorer To work with folders: Select the folder(s), then copy, move, rename, or delete Folder Properties dialog box Provides general information about files and folders stored in that folder Folder Options dialog box Used to view or change a folder’s options Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-31: Properties dialog box for My Documents folder Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Computer Files Filename: identifies a file Must adhere to filenaming conventions Save and Save As commands Save command: saves a file using its current name and location Save As command: allows you to select a name and storage device for a file File extension (or filename extension) Separated from main filename by a period File formats Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Exploring Computer Files (continued) Possible reasons for problems opening a file: Don’t have the software application needed File might have been damaged File extension might have been changed File might use a file format for a newer version of the software than you have Other information stored with files: File size Measured in bytes, kilobytes, or megabytes File date Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Working with Files Use descriptive names Maintain file extensions Group similar files and consider using the default folders Do not mix data files and program files Do not store programs or data files in the root directory (C:\) of hard drive Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Working with Files (continued) Be aware of storage locations Organize your folders from the top down Access files from the hard drive Follow copyright rules Delete or archive files you no longer need Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Talking Points: Is Your Computer Making You Sick? Radiation risks Repetitive stress injuries Can be avoided by following ergonomic guidelines Ergonomics: study of safe and efficient environments, particularly working environments Eye strain Back pain Sedentary lifestyle Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Figure D-41: Ergonomic workstation guidelines Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition

Summary This chapter introduced: Data representation Integrated circuits Computer memory How computers create and store data in files and folders Practical information about how to organize and manage files Issues that may affect the health and well-being of computer users Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 30