Internal functioning of a computer

Internal functioning of a computer

1. Integrated circuits: Part of the system unit, which are thin pieces of semi conductive material compounds of cables, transistors, capacitors, logic gates and resistances.

   • The integrated circuits are found in the microprocessor, the memory and the support circuits.
     • Microprocessor
       • Is the most important integrated circuit. It is also known as the CPU (Central Process Unit). Its function is to process the instructions that allows the computer to work. It has two areas:
         • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
           • Executes the arithmetic basic operations, equalities and inequalities. Its storing place is used by the unite to save the processed data.
         • System Unit
           • Executes the instructions of the programs and directs the flow of the data, controlling input, output and storing devices. It receive help from the ALU, when it perceives an arithmetic or logical operation.
         • The performance of the microprocessor depends on a series of factors such as:
           • Speed: Means the execution of a cycle or instructions per second. Is measured in hertz, the most common units are Megahertz and Gigahertz.
           • Size of the word: Refers to the number of bits, with which a microprocessor can work simultaneously. Actual computers can handle from 32 to 64 bits.
           • Cache memory: Located between the RAM and microprocessor, it is a highspeed storage device that saves the most frequent instructions.
           • Group of instructions: Are divided in two: Complex Instruction Set Computer, which are instructions that required different clock cycles: and Reduce Instruction Set Computer, which requires fewer cycles to be executed. RISC required more orders than CISC.
           • Process techniques: Refers to the continuous instructions. There are three types: parallel, which are simultaneously, serial, which are sequential and divided, which are segmented.
     • Memory
       • Storage of all the data, information and programs that are used.
         • Random Access Memory
           • Temporary memory, which stores programs and data process,. When the computer is turned off, everything inside it is deleted. A great capacity of Ram allows us to have a faster computer.
             • Known as a volatile memory.
         • Read Only Memory
           • Stores data and instructions permanently. Contains the start up instructions, which are basic input and output instructions, called ROM-BIOS, which can not be modified or deleted.
             • Non-volatile memory.
         • Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
           • Reading and writing memory found in Motherboard, which has a small battery that is charge when the computer is on. It registers the time and date, along with the characteristic of the installed hardware. If this information is modified, it would be neccessary to restart the equipment.
         • Flash Memory
           • Reading and writing memory, that can b deleted electronically. Stores programs and data. Is consider the most expensive memory and can be found in devices such as cameras, cellphones, tablets, etc.
     • Ports
       • Connectors to send and receive information
         • Universal Series Bus (USB): Is the most common nowadays, it has a Plug and Play characteristic.
         • Bus
           • Connection established for the flow of data that travel from a component to other.
             • Expansion slots
               • Allow the data to flow from one part to another
             • Expansion cards
               • Contain the ports for input and output devices
             • Has two parts, one of data and one of location