Computing hardware

Computing hardware

1. CPU

   • Centeral processing unit
   • Purpose
     • Control the movement of the data of instructions. Fetch data and instructions from memory. Decode and execute instructions. Perform arithmetic operations such as add ro subtract, and logical operations such as AND, NOT, OR
   • It's the core of every computer system
     • It has two main components
       • Control unit
         • Controls the flow of data and instructions
       • Arithmetic and logic unit
         • Carries out arithmetic and logical processes
   • Multiple CPU's can be joined together to perform more processes
     • E.g: Dualcore, Quadcore
   • Performance
     • Depends on the processor speed, bus speed, amount of cache available, and number of processor cores

2. Primary storage

   • RAM
     • Random access memory
     • Volitile
     • Where programs that are running are stored
     • Cheaper
   • Cache
     • Fast memory
     • Used to store data ready to be processed
     • Expensive

3. Secondary storage

   • Hard drive
   • Flash
   • Solid-state
   • Non volatile

4. ROM

   • Read only memory
   • A store for data in memory which can't be changed
   • Non volatile
   • Holds the initial booting sequence

5. Clock chip

   • Measured in hertz
     • Cycles per second
     • 3GHz = 3 billion cycles per second

6. Memory

   • Memory