Computer Hardware

Computer Hardware

1. Hardware

   • RAM - Random Access Memory
     • Volatile
       • Loses memory when powered off
     • Read-Write access
   • Hard Disk Drive
     • Used to store files such as images and software applications
   • Motherboard
     • This board allows all of the computer components to communicate
   • CPU - Central Processing Unit
     • Controls fetch, decode, execute cycles

2. The CPU

   • Clock Speed - Number of fetch, decode, execute cycles per second
   • Cache Size - the greater this is, the more frequently used instructions can be stored for quicker access
   • Number of Cores - The more cores there are, the more tasks can be run simultaneously

3. Storage

   • Primary - Main storage (RAM), allows for quick access by CPU
   • Secondary - Auxilary memory - non volatile (does not loose memory) - Hard drives

4. Fetch-Execute Cycle

5. Input and Output Devices

   • Input: Keyboard Mouse Microphone Joystick
   • Output: Monitor Speaker Printer GPS

6. Logic

   • Gates
     • AND - Gives value of 1 if both inputs are 1
     • OR - Gives value of 1 if at least one of the inputs is 1
     • NOT - Gives opposite value

Images and files in the map