Section 3: Computer Hardware And History Flashcards
The first generation of computers
(1946-1959) ENIAC is the first real computer and is warehouse sized because of the vacuum tubes used to create it.
Second Generation of Computers
(1959-mid 60s) Transistors are used in mainframes that are room-sized. COBOL and FORTRAN are the primary assembly languages.
Third Generation of Computers
(mid 60s-early 70s) The beginning of modern computing, silicon chips cost six figures and integrated circuits are introduced.
Fourth Generation of Computers
(early 70s-now) Microprocessors led to desktops and laptops. Input devices like GUIs, mice, and handhelds arrive. Windows is born.
Fifth Generation of Computers
(now - ??) AI is used to anticipate our needs. Machine learning and quantum computing advance.
Central processing unit (CPU)
Responsible for processing all information from programs. The speed of the CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
Random-Access Memory (RAM)
Temporarily stores information created by programs and makes it immediately accessible
Hard drive
Storage device for storing permanent and temporary data. There are two kinds of hard drives. Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid state drives (SSD). HDDs write binary on spinning magnetic disks.
SSDs use static flash memory chips.
Graphics processor unit (GPU)
Processes huge amounts of graphic data
Expansion card
Inserted on a motherboard to add functionality to a computer system via the expansion bus, which moves information between internal hardware and peripheral devices
Modem
Takes information from one system to the internet service provider (ISPs)
Router
Directs traffic
External hard drives
Storage
IPOS model/Von Neumann model
(The three basic components of a computer)
CPU: supports data processing.
Storage: stores ephemeral programs and data in use temporarily for quick access and primarily stores it in RAM.
Peripheral devices: supports the input and output operations of the system
Cache memory
Stored in the CPU and is a kind of static random access memory. (SRAM)
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM)
Powering the computer off releases all of this kind of memory
The three parts of the CPU
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): contains circuitry for mathematical operations
Control Unit: contains circuitry which coordinates activity
Processor Register: contains data storage cells called registers
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Stores instructions for crucial activities such as starting the computer
Buses/ bus lines
The wires that serve as electrical roadways transmitting information between the CPU and other components of the computer
Address bus
Carries the destination address of where the data is to be processed
Data bus
Carries data between the processor, memory unit, and the input/output devices
Control bus
Carries commands from the CPU; controls and coordinates all activities within the system
Motherboard
Main circuit board holds the CPU, RAM and ROM
System clock
Send out a pulse of electricity at regular intervals. The more pulses, the faster the computer. Measured in megahertz or gigahertz.
Expansion slots
Sockets on the motherboard where expansion cards can be installed such as graphics cards, storage, network, etc.
Ports
Sockets that allow cables to be plugged into the computer
Secondary storage
Holds data and information permanently
Bit
The smallest unit of storage, set to zero or one.
8 bits = 1 byte
1 MB = 1024 KB
Super computer
The largest and fastest computer type, built as a system of thousands of processors
Mainframe computer
Supports many functions at the same time
Workstation
A single use computer meant for technical applications
Micro computer
Personal computers
