Computing Hardware

Computing Hardware

1. CPU

   • Cache memory is special high speed memory used by a computer.
     • Data that is in use is transferred into the cache memory to make access to it faster.
   • The CPU carries out all the processing in a computer.
   • The program he CPU needs to process are stored in the main memory.
     • The CPU fetches the next instruction it needs to process, decodes it to find out what processing to do and executes it.
   • Processor speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) (billions of cycles per second).
     • This is the number of fetch-execute cycles a processor can perform per second.

2. Memory

   • Read Only Memory
     • It is typically used to store the bootstrap loader.
     • Its content cannot be changed easily.
     • It is usually several megabytes in size.
   • Random Access Memory
     • It is typically used to store programs and data that the computer is currently using.
     • Its content can be changed easily.

3. Input and Output devices

   • Definitions
     • Input Device - Used to show the results of data that has been processed by computer system.
     • Is any hardware device which connects to the computer and is controlled by the CPU.
   • Input Devices
     • Keyoard
     • Mouse
     • Webcam
   • Output Devices
     • Speaker
     • Monitor
     • Printer

4. Secondary Storage

   • Internal Hard Drive
   • Portable Hard Disk
   • Optical (CD/DVD)
   • Solid State Drive
   • USB Flash Drive