1. Computer Architecture

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)- micro processor The Personal Computer

3. CPU The CPU is the brains of the computer. Every action the computer does passes through the microprocessor.

4. CPU This is what makes different computers different. Windows microprocessors include Pentium, Athelon, Centrino. Macintosh microprocessors include PowerPC, G3 and G4.

5. Input Devices Anything that can give the computer information

6. Output Devices Anything that the computer can send information to.

7. Anything that can send and receive information. Input & Output Devices Disk drive Modem CD

8. Bit - A bit is the basic unit of information in the binary numbering system, representing either 0 (for off) or 1 (for on). 8 bits = 1 byte. Byte - contraction of BInary digiT Eight. A group of 8 bits that in computer storage terms usually holds a single character, such as a number, letter, or symbol. Bits & Bytes

9. Kilobyte – kilo is a 1,000 in the metric system. Because computing is based on powers of 2, in this context kilo usually means 2 10, or 1,024. Megabyte - 1 million bytes. Bits & Bytes (cont’d)

10. Gigabyte - 1 billion bytes Terabyte - 1 trillion bytes ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange Bits & Bytes (cont’d)

11. Memory chips are a collection of switches, they are on or off. This allows digital information to be stored (ON is 1, OFF is 0). Computer Memory

12. Computer Memory Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM is temporary memory. It requires electricity to maintain it. If the electricity is interrupted (power outage for example) or you turn the computer off, RAM is cleared to zeros. The switches are all turned off, or go to zeros.

13. Computer Memory Random Access Memory (RAM) The computer’s system software is loaded in RAM at start up. Any applications (such as Microsoft Works) are loaded into it. Any documents you create are loaded in.

14. RAM is finite, you only have so much, but more can be added. Computer Memory Random Access Memory (RAM)

15. Computer Memory Read Only Memory (ROM) ROM is permanently set, the switches are preset at the factory. You can not change it. ROM holds information that should not be changed like the layout of the keyboard.

16. Computer Memory When you buy a computer, RAM is the memory that will be specified.

17. Hard Disk CD-ROM (R & RW) USB “Flash drives” DVD Storage Devices