Notes

Outline

Enhanced A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC Third Edition

Chapter 1 How Computers Work

You Will Learn… About the functions performed by different hardware components of a microcomputer About the three kinds of software and how they relate to one another and to hardware How the CPU uses primary and secondary storage to manage software

Hardware and Software Hardware Physical components of the computer Monitor Keyboard Memory chips Hard drive Software Set of instructions that directs the hardware to accomplish a task

Chauffer Analogy

Functions of Hardware

Binary Number System

Hardware Central processing unit Most important hardware device Receives input and sends output Stores data and instructions; performs calculations Requirements of hardware devices Method for CPU to communicate with the device Software to instruct and control the device Electricity to power the device

Hardware Used for Input and Output Ports Physical connectors that allow a cable from a peripheral device to be attached Input devices Keyboard Mouse Output devices Monitor Printer

Ports

Input Devices

Output Devices

Hardware Inside the Computer Case System board Permanent storage Floppy drive Hard drive CD-ROM drive Power supply Circuit boards CMOS (most CPUs) TTL Cables

Hardware Inside the Computer Case

CMOS Chips Require less electricity Hold data longer after electricity is turned off Are slower Produce less heat

The System Board Largest and most important circuit board Contains the CPU

The System Board

Major Components of System Boards For processing CPU Chip set that supports CPU by controlling many system board activities For temporary storage RAM Cache memory

Major Components of System Boards Allow CPU to communicate with other devices BUS Expansion slots Firmware and setup information Flash BIOS memory chip CMOS configuration chip Electrical system Power supply connections

Components Used Primarily for Processing CPU or microprocessor Executes most computer processes Chip set Relieves CPU of some processing Provides careful timing of activities to increase overall speed Coprocessor Supports and enhances function of some older CPUs (pre-1995)

The CPU

Temporary (Primary) Storage Devices Used by the CPU to process data and instructions Provided by RAM (random access memory devices) SIMMS (single inline memory modules) DIMMS (dual inline memory modules) Cache memory

SIMMS and DIMMS

Cache Memory For new CPUs Stored inside CPU housing on a memory chip that sits close to the CPU microchip For older CPUs Stored on the system board either in individual chips or on memory modules called COAST (cache on a stick)

Cache Memory

Permanent (Secondary) Storage Devices Remote to the CPU Permanently hold data, even when PC is turned off Most popular devices: Hard disks Floppy disks Zip drives CD-ROMs

Hard Drives

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