Computing Hardware

Computing Hardware

1. Binary Logic

   • Data is represented in binary as that is machine code which is read by the computer
   • NOT: NOT gates are like switches if power goes in it turns off and if no power goes in then it will turn on AND: Both of the inputs have to be positive OR: As long as there is at least one positive input then it will turn on

2. CPU

   • The CPU is where processes such as calculating, sorting and searching take place.
   • the CPU carries out is to fetch some data and instructions (program) from main memory then store them in its own internal temporary memory areas. The CPU to make sense of the instruction it has just fetched. The instruction is carried out upon the data
   • A faster clock speed affects the amount of processes the CPU can preform in one tick. Having more cores means that the CPU can carry out multiple actions at the same time. A cache is a tiny block of memory built right onto the processor. The most commonly used instructions and data are stored in the cache so that they are close at hand. The bigger the cache is, the more quickly the commonly used instructions and data can be brought into the processor and used.

3. Memory

   • RAM is different to ROM. A ROM chip is non-volatile storage and does not require a constant source of power to retain information stored on it. When power is lost or turned off, a ROM chip will keep the information stored on it. In contrast, a RAM chip is volatile and requires a constant source of power to retain information.
   • ROM stores the instructions for the computer to start up when it is turned on again. this is because It doesn't lose it's data when it turns off (Like RAM)
   • RAM is the place where apps and data that is being used is being stored so the y an be quickly reached by the processor
   • More RAM means that apps have more space to stored data so they can run faster
   • Virtual memory is a section of volatile memory created temporarily on the storage drive. It is created when a computer is running many processes at once and RAM is running low.
   • Cache is a small amount of memory which is a part of the CPU.
   • Flash memory is a kind of memory that retains data in the absence of a power supply.
   • storage in computer systems, in particular portable ones, can be much smaller. Faster read/write times allows increasing performance of computer systems Less power consumption allows mains computers to consume less electricity and portable computing devices to last longer on battery power or use smaller batteries Lower costs making it affordable to install significant amounts of RAM in basic computer systems.

4. Input and Output Devices

   • In order to process data it must be first input into the system. This is done by means of an input device. Once the data has been processed it is usually outputed in some way.
   • A barcode reader is used to read barcodes which can be found on products in shops. The barcode uses lasers to identify the position and thickness of the bars, this data then generates a unique code which can be used to search a database to locate the product information
   • A monitor is perhaps the most common output device. It is used to display visual information from the computer system
   • Sip and puff joystick allows people who are not able to use their arms to control the mouse, Braille printers help those who are blind to read as the marks on the paper can be read

5. Secondary Storage

   • secondary storage is used to back up primary storage through replication or other data protection methods, which involves holding a secondary copy of the data.
   • Optical storage is the storage of data on an optically readable medium. Data is recorded by making marks in a pattern that can be read back with the aid of light, usually a beam of laser light precisely focused on a spinning optical disc. Magnetic storage is the storage of data on a magnetised medium. Magnetic storage uses different patterns of magnetisation in a magnetisable material to store data and is a form of non-volatile memory. Solid-state storage is a type of computer storage media made from silicon microchips. SSS stores data electronically.
   • Flash memory is used in phones and pcs as it can be erased and rewritten, it also has no moving parts meaning it is reliable

6. By Adam Randall

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