Unit 1 Aries Technology Course
Unit 1.1 Computers are all around us... (since 1950s) Personal computers are called PCs Access to technology creates an unfair gap between haves and have nots in the world
four hardware types System unit (the computer s brain) input devices - put info into the computers somehow (mouse, keyboard, etc) output devices - allow info to come out of the computer (monitor, printer, etc) peripheral devices - plug in to do different things (like modems or drives)
Motherboard: Circuit board that acts as the central nerve centre provides instructions to all peripheral devices RAM sockets, CPU interface, computer chip set
CPU Central processing unit processor or micro processor interprets data and executes programs RAM (Randam Access Memory) is a collection of chips - the working memory - keeps track of all of the applications you are using at the moment.
Expansion sockets accepts internal modems, video, graphics, etc.
input:
Output Devices
Peripherals
Take care! Heat and cold are bad for computers, as is water
Can t run the computer without power and electricity DC only Different voltage for different countries
Airflow and fan essential for cooling computers
A UPS is an uninteruptable power supply - used for servers, etc. that cannot go down You must use a surge protector with a high enough rating, or you are wasting your time
Form Factor what the computer s case looks like Tower, desktop, slimline motherboards determine size - like the Mac Mini Chassis is the frame upon which all parts are attached Brackets hold things in place, cover keeps out dust
Motherboard
CPU controls all! Central Processing Unit
Expansion slots allow for additional functionality sound cards graphic cards tv tuner cards wifi network cards
APG accelerated graphics port APG Peripheral Component Interconnect
BIOS Basic Input/output system (integrating system) determines what tasks a computer can perform without having to access info from elsewhere CMOS chip Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: contains BIOS - when changes are made, CMOS stores them.
RAM - Random Access Memory SIMMs - single in-line memory modules 32 bit path DIMMs - dual in-line modules
Microprocessor from the moment the computer is on, it is responsible for performing all computer function numeric calculations and is linked to all other computer components Inside are these bits that store data and act as on/off switches
Electricity is measured in hertz (Hz). Electricity is delivered in electronic pulses, or bursts - hertz = number of times each second that a microprocessor can process these electric pulses
Cache The place where data is stored until the microprocessor is ready to process it
Memory primary 1)RAM, 2)ROM, 3)virtual, 4)cache secondary storage RAM = collection of data chips - workspace (disappears when computer switches off) ROM = permanent instructions cache = frequently used data (it s small) virtual = uses free space to provide temporary RAM
Hard Disk: inflexible metallic disk, tightly sealed large storage capacity two to ten platters magnetically sensitive concentric circles called tracks very fragile and sensitive on hub or spindle Computer s main source of secondary storage
SCSI controller Helps the hard drive to control itself, interpret computer commands Small Computer System Interface = allows for 7 to 15 devices to be used at once IDE Integrated Drive Electronics = smaller and faster
Parallel ports are replaced Serial ATA or SATA easier to configure
Expansion bus on the motherboard printed circuit boards accepts expansion cards
PCIe multiple data lanes = x1, x2, x4, x8, x12, x16, x36
AGP Accelerated Graphics Port - direct connection between the motherboard and the display adaptor
Expansion Cards add functionality to a computer sound display video capabilities memory