Module 2 Chapter 3 Computer hardware Flashcards
What are the different categories of computer hardware?
Central processing unit, RAM, ROM, and Peripheral devices
CPU
A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is responsible for converting input data into output information. Basically the central processing unit is where the user inputs information to be translated into instructions for the computer to output it.
How does data travel through the CPU?
Through a bus which are embedded wires
What is a processor core
A unit on the processor with the circuitry necessary to execute instructions. More core means they perform better or process more information but are more expensive.
What is a processor cache?
Stores data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved for use.
The control unit and Arithmetic logic unit
Manages the flow of instructions within the CPU while the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs the arithmetic operations
What steps do the CPU have to complete to run programed instructions, make calculations, and decisions?
Fetching, decoding, executing, storing
What is RAM?
Random Access memory which is stored on one or more chips connected to the motherboard. It temporarily stores data needed by the operating system and apps used.
How RAM works?
When starting an app, the app’s instructions are transferred from the hard drive to RAM. When power is removed, all contents of RAM are lost. (volatile)
What is Volatile?
When power is removed, all memory loses its contents.
What is Non-volatile?
Memory that does not lose its contents when power is removed.
What is ROM?
Read-only memory that is permanently installed on the motherboard. It contains the BIOS which tells your computer how to start. ROM provides communication between the operating system and hardware devices.
What is the BIOS
It tells your computer how to start and contains the power-on self test (POST) which tests all computer components for proper information. If it does not pass then your computer will display error and not start up.
What is firmware and what happens to it?
Firmware is the instructions on the ROM chip which are often updated to enable your computer to perform more tasks or adjust how it communicates with other devices.
Virtual memory
When RAM is too full, the computer temporarily stores data onto a storage medium like the hard drive until it can be swapped into RAM
Swap file or Paging file
The area of the hard drive temporarily used to store data that cannot fit on your computer
What are the types of RAM?
Dynamic RAM, Static RAM, Magnetoresistive RAM, Flash memory
What is DRAM
Dynamic ram is where memory needs to constantly be recharged or contents will be erased (volatile)
SRAM
Static Ram memory can be recharged less requently than DRAM. More expensive (Volatile)
MRAM
Memory uses magnetic charges to store contents and can retain its contents in the absence of power (non-volatile)
Flash memory
Fast type of memory that can retain its contents in the absence of power, non-volatile, less expensive
Examples of external storage devices
Internal and external hard drives, solid state drives, optical media
How do computers represent data?
The binary system with 0 and 1
What is the binary system?
Indicates the absence or presence of an electronic charge measured in bits (binary digits)
How many bits make a byte?
8 bits are made into a byte
How many characters can a byte represent?
A single character
What is ASCII
An 8-bit coding scheme to represent uppercase and lowercase letters, mathematical operators and logical operations.
Unicode
16 Bit coding scheme that is an extension of ASCII. Supports over 65k symbols and characters
Solid state drive
A hard drive without moving parts. Faster, durable
Magnetic hard disk drive (HDDs)
Greater storage capacity, less expensive, contains moving parts and you cant move the computer while it is running
Optical media
CDs, DvD, Blu-ray discs. A type of external hard drive in which you can store additional data
Cloud storage
Storing electronical files on the internet like google drive, dropbox
Hardware factors to consider when purchasing a computer
Platform, Hardware (processor cores, RAM, storage) Form factor, add on devices
Examples of input devices
Keyboard, mouse, microphone, stylus, touch pad, pointing device, trackball, cameras, scanners, game controller, joy stick
Output devices examples
Speakers, headphones, printers, projectors, voice synthesizer
Device driver
Program that controls a device attached to the computer. Printers, monitors, video card.
Clock speed
Measures the speed at which the processor can execute instructions.
Bus width
Determines the speed at which data travels
Benchmark test
Ran by a lab or organization to determine processor speed and other performance factors.
Maintenance
Clean the monitor, keyboard of dust and debris, make sure vents and media input are free of dust,
Surge supressor
Prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components
