Hardware

Hardware

1. CPU

   • This executes programs using fetch decode execute cycling,
     • A CPU is often though of as a brain of the computer as it processes program instructions it is also know as a microprocessor.
       • Common things like clock speed effects the time of the CPU because the faster the clock the more commands and programs the CPU can execute making the computer faster

2. Memory

   • This stores program operations and data while the program is being executed, there are different types of memory, eg. RAM etc
     • RAM
       • RAM is computer memory which is lost when the computer is switched off
       • RAM is a temp storage area used whilst the computer is on and is being written to and read from
     • ROM
       • ROM keeps its data even when the computer is inactive
       • ROM is read only and cannot be changed by user or program
   • Cache
     • an type of memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible
     • Flash
       • Flash memory is a kind of memory that retains data in the inactivity of power .
   • Virtual Memory
     • It's allows us to run more programs than we have physically memory to run.

3. Storage

   • Stores programs and files long term even if not in use, devices include hard drives or USB memory sticks.
     • Secondary Storage
       • We need secondary storage because if our computer were to crash we would need backed up data which is secondary storage
       • it is also for storing large files that the main storage could not handle.
       • The reason why secondary storage must be reliable is if your computer crashes and you have a disk that has all of your data on it, you must be able to use it without worrying about losing data and losing documents

4. Binary Logic

   • AND
     • And gates will only output when both inputs are in place.
   • OR
     • OR gates will output if one input is put in
   • NOT
     • Not gates will output the opposite to the input.
   • The reason why computers use binary code is because it is easier for the computer can process and read

5. Input and Output devices

   • we need an input and output otherwise the computer and CPU would not be able to run.
   • Suitable Inputs and Outputs
     • Mouse
       • Keyboard
         • monitor
           • Printers
     • Inputs and outputs for needs
       • Eye mouse
       • braille keyboard