Module 6: Components of Coputer Hardware Flashcards
Define the basic structure of the computer system
CPU, Memory, I/O subsystem, and Bus
CPU: Executes program instructions and commands components in computer
Memory: Stores programs being executed and data program is using
I/O Subsystem (peripheral devices): Input, output, storage (disk drives, USB, ect), and network
Bus: allows info to move between each component
The System Unit (Collection of PC components)
Case
Internal bays and slots that grip internal components
Buses: circuitry and electrical channels that enable communication among electronic components
Bays (external openings)
Lights and indicators
THE CPU
Carries out instructions of a computer program (referred to as “chip”)
Two parts of the CPU
CU (Control Unit): Retrieves instructions and raw data input
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Processes data (math calculations, logical operations, conversion of keyboard text to output display)
CPU determines speed of “System Clock”
Controls speed at which instructions are processed
Megaherts –> Millions of processes per second
Gigaherts –> Billions of processes per second
Multiple processors increse performance
Available RAM and the wiring of electrical circuits also affects responsiveness
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Short term memory
Dynamic RAM (dRAM) is called main memory
Static RAM (sRAM) is cache memory
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Retains contents indefinitely
BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
BIOS is software that is typically stored in the ROM chip on the motherboard
Tests memory of CPU and initializes hardware components so OS can be loaded from hard disk
Hard Drive
Seperate from RAM/ROM
Purpose is to store data when computer is turned off
RAM/ROM= Primary memory
Hard Drive = Secondary Memory
Hard Disk and ROM are “non-volitile”
Connecting periphrial devices
Bays
Slots
Ports
Bays: house CD and DVD drives
Slots: house modem cards, wireless access cards, and other PC cards
Ports: Connect input, output, storage, and communication devices
