Computer components

Computer components

1. Definitions

   • CPU
     • Stands for Central Processing Unit
     • Processes information
   • Motherboard
     • This connects all the components.
   • Hardrive
     • Reads and writes data onto mental platters
   • Fan
     • This is used to cool components that are overheated
   • RAM
     • Stores data while powered
   • Power supply
     • Supplies power to the components to enable them to work efficiently.

2. Fetch, decode, execute cycle

   • Fetch- Instructions transferred from the RAM to the CPU.
     • First step
   • Decode- The instruction is then understood or decoded by the CPU.
     • Second step
   • Execute- The decoded information is carried out or executed.
     • Third step
   • This cycle is performed continuously from the moment you turn on your computer to the time you turn it off.

3. Definitions

   • Hard drive
     • Reads and writes data onto metal platters
   • Floppy drive
     • Reads and writes information from floppy disks
     • Also known as FFD.
   • Optical drive
     • Reads and writes data stored on compact disks.

4. Processing speed

   • 1 Hertz
     • One cycle per second
     • Hz
   • 1 Kilohertz
     • one thousand cycles per second
     • KHz
   • 1 Megahertz
     • one million cycles per second
     • MGz
   • 1 Gigahertz
     • One billion cycles per second
     • GHz
   • This is the measure of how many cycles the computer does per second