Computing 1.1+

Computing 1.1+

1. 1.1 Systems architecture

   • Key words
     • Hardware: Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer
       • Peripheral: A perpheral cdevice is any auxillary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard
         • BIOS: Basic Input Output System: A small program stored on the ROM chip to load the OS correctly
           • CPU: Central Processing Unit: The device used to control and execute commands within the computer
             • GPU: Graphics Processing Unit: Used for processing graphics
               • Hard Drive: Area of storage used to retain documents and programs. Long term memory
                 • MOtherboard: Used to connect all components of a pc
                   • RAM: Random Access Memory: Stores data and instructions currently in use by the CPU
                     • ROM: Read Only Memory: Stores instructions to correctly load the OS

2. 1.2 Memory

   • Key words
     • Primary Memory: Memory used to store data and instructions that are required by the cpu
       • Dynamic RAM: Contains 1 transistor and capacitor that hold charge briefly
         • Static RAM: Used 5 transistors which are wired together to represent each bit
           • Bootstrap Loader: A small program that loads the OS
             • Flash Memory: Electrons are forced into a layer between two barriers which hold the charge by using an electric current
               • Virtual Memory: When RAM is full a section of the hard drive can be used to store programs and instructions
                 • Volatile / Non Volatile: Storage which does and does not lose its content when the power is turned off
                   • RAM vs ROM
                     • RAM
                       • Volatile
                         • Stores user data
                           • Memory can be written to/read from
                     • ROM
                       • Non volatile
                         • Stores BIOS/Bootstrap
                           • Memory can only be read from

3. 1.3 Storage

   • Key Words
     • Secondary Storage: A non-volatile storage medium which stores files and programs. SSD HDD
       • Magnetic Devices: Magnetic Disks are read and written to with a moving head inside the disk drive
         • Solid State Devices: SSD has no moving parts. It retains an electronic charge using logic gates
           • Optical devices: Optical media includes CD, DVD and Blu-Ray disks.