1. Unit 3: Hardware Components & Software Concepts
Computing in the Modern World
HARDWARE CONCEPTS

2. GPS Standard
BCS-CMW-4: Students will describe the major hardware and software components of a computer and their interactions.

3. What is a computer?
Electronic device that accepts, processes, produces results, and stores data
Data
Collection of unprocessed items
Text, numbers, images, audio, and video
Information
Conveys meaning and is useful
Ex. Data is input to create a grade report

4. Information Processing Cycle
Input
Process
Output
Storage

5. Components of a Computer
Hardware
Electric, electronic, and mechanical components
Input devices
Output devices
System unit
Storage devices
Communications devices

6. Input Devices
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone
Scanner
Digital camera
Web cam

7. Output Devices
Any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
Printer
Monitor
Speakers
Portable media player

8. System Unit
A case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data

9. Motherboard Sometimes called system board
Main circuit board of the system unit
Many electronic components are attached to the motherboard
Expansion slots
Processor chips
Memory slots

10. Processor or CPU
Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer

11. Processor Control Unit Types of components it directs
Component of processor that directs and coordinates operations
Like a traffic cop: it interprets each instruction issued by a program and then initiates the appropriate action to carry out the instruction
Types of components it directs
Arithmetic/logic unit
Registers and buses

12. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs arithmetic operations and comparisons
Basic calculations
Add, subtract, multiply, division
Comparing one data item to another
Greater than
Equal to
Less than

13. Machine Cycle
For every instruction, a processor repeats 4 basic operations (machine cycle). 1. Fetching, 2. decoding, 3. executing, and 4. storing

14. System Clock Controls the timing of all operations Clock speed
Pace of clock
Gigahertz (GHz): one billion ticks of the system clock per second
Faster clock speed=more instructions the processor can execute per second

15. Comparison of Processors
Leading chip manufacturers
Intel
AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)
IBM
Motorola
Today’s high performance PC’s: Intel Core
Less expensive PC’s: Pentium or Celeron

16. Processors Multi-core processor Increases overall performance
Single chip with 2 or more processors
Dual-core: 2 separate processors
Quad-core: 4 separate processors
Increases overall performance
Especially noticeable when running multiple programs
, antivirus software, spyware remover, IM, media player, CD burning software, and photo editing software

17. Memory
Store instructions, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processed data
One or more chips on motherboard
Stores 3 basic categories
Operating system
Application programs
Data being processed by application programs

18. Byte Character, basic storage unit of memory Each byte has an address
Unique number that identifies the location of the byte in memory

19. Memory Sizes

20. RAM Random access memory Examples:
Main memory
Volatile: loses its contents when power is removed
Examples:
Operating system interface
Browser windows
Paint program
More RAM = faster response from computer
Software applications usually have a minimum requirement for RAM for the application to run properly. EX. Vista, Microsoft Office

21. Cache Pronounced cash Temporary storage for faster viewing
Ex. Web pages, images, media

22. ROM Read-only memory Permanent storage
Non-volatile: not lost when power is removed
Cannot be modified
Ex. ROM chips in printers contain data for fonts
Ex. When your system boots up

23. Flash Memory Nonvolatile Fast Examples
Downloading music on iTunes to your iPod
Storing phone numbers on your phone
Pagers
Digital cameras

24. Expansion Slots/Adapter Cards
Motherboard
To enhance functions or provide connections to devices

25. Ports
Port: a point in which peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit. Connectors: joins a cable to a port

26. Connectors