Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware

1. CPU

   • central processing unit
   • responsible for handling instructions it receives from hardware and software
   • processor speed measured in gigahertz (GHz) this is the number of fetch-execute cycles a processor can perform per second
   • dual-core means it contains two CPUs quad-core means it contains four CPUs
   • The CPU carries out all the processing in a computer.

2. Cache Memory

   • 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.
   • Similarities with RAM: Both volatile (lose all data when power is switch off). Both used as main memory (primary memory), cache is used to store data waiting to be processed.
   • Differences with RAM: Cache memory is faster, works at the same speed as the CPU. Is also lot smaller (MBs rather than GBs).

3. Binary Logic

   • AND, OR, NOT
   • Logic gate: A Circuit that produces an output based on the inputs
   • Truth table: A method for recording all the possible input combinations and determining the output for each
   • Logic Circuit: A circuit made by combining a sequence of logic gates
   • Boolean Algebra: A Method for expressing mathematically a logic circuit

4. Secondary Storage

Images and files in the map