Hardware Revision

Hardware Revision

1. CPU

   • Central Processing Unit
     • The Brain of the computer
     • Carries out the fetch cycle

2. CPU Performance

   • The size of the RAM
     • A larger RAM prevents the need for virtual memory
   • The size of the cache
     • A larger cache prevents the need for the CPU to go to the main memory when looking for instructions
   • The number of cores
     • The more cores the more instructions can be carried out simultaniously per second
   • The number of GHz
     • More instructions can be carried out per second

3. Fetch Execute Cycle

   • Fetch Instruction
   • Decode Instruction
   • Execute Instruction

4. Virtual Memory

   • A space in the hard drive reserved for when the RAM runs out of space however is very slow so is not ideal

5. Cache Memory

   • This is where the CPU goes first to look for instructions
   • Usually stores frequently used instructions
   • Volatile

6. ROM

   • READ ONLY MEMORY
   • Non=Volatile
   • Stores Bootstrap Loader and tells the computer who it is essentially

7. RAM

   • RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
   • Stores open programs/operating system/gui
   • Volatile

8. Storage Devices (Optical, Magnetic and Flash)

   • Internal/External Hard Drive
   • Solid State Drive
   • Flash Drive/USB
   • CD/DVD

9. Input

   • Mouse
   • Keyboard
   • Microphone
   • Sip and Puff Switch
   • Foot Mouse

10. Ouput

    • Monitor
    • Speakers
    • Projector
    • Braille Printer
    • Zoomed in Monitors