Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware

1. Binary Logic

   • The basis of binary is that computers utilise the numbers 0 and 1 to store data. The smallest that these are able to be is called a bit and obviously it is represented by a 0 or 1. In these there are things called logic gates which do different actions depending on which you choose.
     • OR Gate: an OR gate will output a high output if any of the inputs that are taking in are high.
     • AND Gate: In the case of the AND gate the output will only be high if all of the inputs are high as well.
     • NOT Gate: A not gate is different from the other two examples as it only receives one input, it will give a high output if the input is low.

2. The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

   • For a computer to be functional you need the CPU, this is what takes in inputs and gives out outputs. If you don't have this a computer then it would not be able to function. It goes through a cycle called "Fetch-Decode-Execute". The CPU's performance depends on a multitude of things, these are called: Cores, Clock speed, Cache size, Processor type. The first performance factor is the Cores, inside a CPU there are things called cores and these contain ALU, Control Unit and registers. CPU's not most likely have 'Dual' or 'Quad' cores, simply the more cores the more powerful the CPU. The next factor of the CPU is the Clock Speed, this is what shows us how fast the CPU is able to run. This is either measurd in megahertz or gigahertz, these correspond witch how many cycles the CPU can handle in a second. The third part of the CPU is the Cache, this piece of hardware is located closer to the CPU than RAM, this is important as it holds instructions an data that the CPU may use again.

3. Memory

   • This part of the hardware starts with RAM and ROM and the difference between the two. Memory is either volatile or non-volatile. Volatile memory only stores information to run programs while the computer is on. This means that ROM is non volatile so that it retains the memory and RAM is volatile so that is resets when the computer is. RAM is the main place for storing instructions and data whilst a program is being executed. ROM is a flash memory chip that contains a small amount of non-volatile memory. Non-volatile means that its contents cannot be changed and it retains its memory after the computer is turned off.

4. Input and Output devices.

   • Input and output devices are things that connect to the PC via (most of the time) USB port, for example a keyboard and mouse. Things like a keyboard and mouse are examples of computer controlled input devices as they allow input via mouse control and creating words from the keyboard. This also goes for output devices also, for example for speakers allow you to hear media through your device as well as a printer allowing you to print something of your choosing.

5. Secondary Storage

   • Secondary storage is a type of data storage that is non volatile and does not loose that when the computer is shut down.

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