Understanding Computer Hardware Components and Technology

Introduction to Electronic Media Technology

Electronic media technology involves the use of microelectronics to create, retrieve, and report information.

Evolution of Computing

Early electronic components faced challenges: resistances impede the passage of current, while capacitors store electrical charge. Inductors are typically copper wires wound into a coil. Early vacuum tubes, metal cylinders covered by glass tubes, regulated the flow of electrons.

The evolution of computers can be summarized by generations:

• 1940s (1st Generation): Computers used vacuum tubes.
• 1950s (2nd Generation): Transistors and semiconductors appeared.
• Late 1950s - 1960s (3rd Generation): Integrated circuits were developed.
• 1969: ARPANET (connecting computers) was established.
• 1970s (4th Generation): Microprocessors emerged.
• 1972: The term "Internet" started being used more formally.
• 1980s: Multi-user systems and ISDN became available.
• 1990s onwards: Wi-Fi technology developed (standardized around 1997-2002).

Core Hardware Components

Hardware refers to the physical devices and components that make up a computer system.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU initiates and controls all system information processing.

Memory

Stores information (program instructions, data, addresses).

I/O Unit (Input/Output)

Manages devices that establish communication between the computer's internal components and the external world.

External Peripherals

Devices like mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.

Buses

These are pathways or conductors through which information circulates within the computer. Key types include:

• Data Bus: Carries data between components.
• Address Bus: Specifies the location (address) in memory or I/O devices.
• Control Bus: Transmits control signals and timing information.

Simplified Interaction: CPU <--> Memory (via Buses); CPU <--> I/O Unit (via Buses); I/O Unit <--> External Peripherals.

Motherboard

A printed circuit board where the main components of the computer reside and connect.

Chip (Integrated Circuit)

An integrated circuit is a semiconductor device containing many electronic components, encapsulated for protection and connection.

The Microprocessor Explained

The microprocessor processes data and controls the computer's devices. It typically consists of two main blocks:

• Processing Unit: Performs arithmetic and logical operations. Contains registers, the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), flags, etc.
• Control Unit: Fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and generates control signals (micro-operations) to execute them.

Processor Speed

Processor speed is measured in Hertz (Hz), representing cycles per second (1 Hz = 1 cycle/sec). Higher frequencies generally mean faster processing.

Types of Computer Memory

Memory devices store information, including program instructions, data, and memory addresses.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Data is recorded by the manufacturer and is non-volatile (not erased when power is turned off). Types include PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.

BIOS and CMOS

• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Stored in ROM, it checks the CPU, buses, system components (keyboard, RAM, etc.) during startup (POST - Power-On Self-Test).
• CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor): Often refers to a small amount of memory on the motherboard storing system configuration settings and the real-time clock. It's typically battery-backed to retain information when the power is off.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Memory for random access, allowing both reading and writing. It is volatile (loses data when power is removed). SRAM (Static RAM) is a type often used for cache.

Cache Memory

A small amount of fast SRAM memory that serves to store frequently accessed data, reducing the need for the CPU to access slower main memory (MP). Often structured in levels (e.g., L1, L2 Cache) between the CPU and main memory.

Internal and External Connectors (Ports)

Connectors allow the connection of internal components to the motherboard and external devices to the computer.

Serial Port

Allows connection with devices transmitting data bit by bit. Typically slower and used for devices that don't transfer much information (e.g., older mice, modems).

Parallel Port

Connects devices needing to transmit multiple bits of information simultaneously (in parallel). Often used for older printers. Cable length is limited.

USB Port (Universal Serial Bus)

A high-speed serial port standard supporting 'plug and play' (insert and go) and hot-swapping (connecting/disconnecting while powered on).

IEEE 1394 Port (FireWire)

Similar to USB, a high-speed serial interface often used for digital video cameras and external hard drives.

Infrared Port (IrDA)

Allows short-range wireless communication using infrared light, typically for connecting peripherals like printers or transferring data between devices like laptops or PDAs.