Important hardware-related topics that may be relevant for GCSE Computer Science:

Hardware-physical component of a computer system. (Computer System- input, process,

output and storage)
1. CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the computer. It processes
instructions and performs arithmetic and logical operations. It's important to
understand the role of the CPU in a computer system.(ALU+CU)
2. RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of volatile memory that is used to store
data and program instructions. It's important to understand how RAM works and how
it differs from other types of memory. (main memory)(ROM- non-volatile, BIOS)
3. Storage: There are two main types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid-State
Drives (SSD). It's important to understand the differences between these types of
storage and their advantages and disadvantages. (Magnetic, Solid State Drive,
Optical)
4. Input devices: These are devices that allow users to input data into the computer
system. Examples include keyboards, mice(mouse), and touchscreens. It's important
to understand how input devices work and how they can be used to interact with a
computer system.
5. Output devices: These are devices that display data or information to the user.
Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers. It's important to understand how
output devices work and how they can be used to display information to the user.
6. Ports: Ports are used to connect external devices to the computer system. Examples
include USB ports, HDMI ports, and Ethernet ports. It's important to understand the
different types of ports and how they can be used to connect external devices to a
computer system.
7. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the
components of a computer system together. It's important to understand the role of the
motherboard in a computer system and how it connects all the different components
together.
8. Peripherals: Peripherals are external devices that can be connected to a computer
system, such as printers, scanners, and cameras. It's important to understand how
peripherals work and how they can be used to expand the functionality of a computer
system.
9. Graphics cards(GPU): Graphics cards are used to render graphics and images on a
computer system. It's important to understand the role of graphics cards in a computer
system and how they can be used to improve the performance of a computer system
for gaming or other graphic-intensive applications.
10. Cooling: Computer systems generate heat and require cooling to prevent damage to
components. It's important to understand how cooling systems work and how they can
be used to keep a computer system running at optimal temperatures.
These are just a few topics related to computer hardware that may be relevant for GCSE
Computer Science.

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Internal hardware devices are components that are installed inside a computer system and
are responsible for performing specific functions. Here are some examples of internal
hardware devices:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the "brain" of the computer and is
responsible for processing instructions and performing arithmetic and logical
operations.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a type of volatile memory that is used to store
data and program instructions temporarily while the computer is running.
3. Hard Disk Drive (HDD): An HDD is a type of non-volatile storage device that is used to
store data permanently. It uses rotating disks and a read/write head to access and
write data.
4. Solid State Drive (SSD): An SSD is a type of non-volatile storage device that is faster
than an HDD and uses flash memory to store data.
5. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): A GPU is a dedicated processor that is designed to
handle graphics and video processing tasks. It is used in gaming, video editing, and
other graphic-intensive applications.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU is responsible for providing power to the computer
system and its components.
7. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all the internal
hardware devices together.
8. Optical Disc Drive (ODD): An ODD is a device that is used to read and write optical
discs, such as CDs and DVDs.
9. Sound Card: A sound card is an internal component that is responsible for processing
audio signals and providing sound output.
10. Network Interface Card (NIC): A NIC is a device that is used to connect the computer
system to a network.
These are just a few examples of internal hardware devices. The specific devices found inside
a computer system can vary depending on the intended use and configuration of the system.

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External hardware devices are components that are not installed inside a computer system
but are connected to it via various ports or cables. Here are some examples of external
hardware devices:
1. Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device that is used to enter text and commands into
the computer system.
2. Mouse: A mouse is an input device that is used to move a pointer on the screen and
interact with graphical user interfaces.
3. Monitor: A monitor is an output device that displays visual information from the
computer system.
4. Printer: A printer is an output device that is used to print physical copies of digital
documents or images.
5. Scanner: A scanner is an input device that is used to digitize physical documents or
images and convert them into digital form.
6. Speakers: Speakers are output devices that are used to play audio from the computer
system.
7. External Hard Drive: An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be
connected to the computer system to provide additional storage space.
8. USB Flash Drive: A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that can be connected
to the computer system to transfer data or store files.
9. Webcam: A webcam is a camera that can be connected to the computer system to
capture video or images.
10. Microphone: A microphone is an input device that is used to record audio and sound
input.
These are just a few examples of external hardware devices.

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SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are two types of storage devices that are
commonly used in computers and other electronic devices.
HDDs use magnetic disks to store data, while SSDs use NAND-based flash memory chips.
Here are some key differences between the two:
1. Speed: SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, both in terms of read and write speeds.
This means that programs and files will load faster on an SSD.
2. Durability: SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they don't have any moving
parts that can break. This makes them more reliable and less likely to fail due to
physical damage.
3. Capacity: HDDs typically offer more storage capacity than SSDs at a lower cost.
However, the gap between the two is narrowing as the cost of SSDs continues to
decrease.
4. Power consumption: SSDs use less power than HDDs, which means that they can
help to extend the battery life of laptops and other portable devices.
5. Noise: HDDs can produce noise due to the spinning of the disks and the movement of
the read/write head, while SSDs are silent.
In summary, SSDs are faster, more durable, use less power, and produce less noise than
HDDs. However, they are typically more expensive and offer less storage capacity. The choice
between the two depends on your needs and budget.

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Von Neumann Architecture
Von Neumann architecture was first published by John von Neumann in 1945.

His computer architecture design consists of a Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU),
Memory Unit, Registers and Inputs/Outputs.
Von Neumann architecture is based on the stored-program computer concept, where
instruction data and program data are stored in the same memory. This design is still used in
most computers produced today.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the electronic circuit responsible for executing the
instructions of a computer program.

It is sometimes referred to as the microprocessor or processor.

The CPU contains the ALU, CU and a variety of registers.
Registers
Registers are high speed storage areas in the CPU. All data must be stored in a register
before it can be processed.

Holds the memory location of data that needs to be

MAR Memory Address Register
accessed

Holds data that is being transferred to or

MDR Memory Data Register
from memory

Where intermediate arithmetic and logic results are

AC Accumulator
stored

Contains the address of the next instruction to be

PC Program Counter
executed

CIR Current Instruction Register Contains the current instruction during processing

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

The ALU allows arithmetic (add, subtract etc) and logic (AND, OR, NOT etc) operations to be
carried out.

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Control Unit (CU)
The control unit controls the operation of the computer’s ALU, memory and input/output
devices, telling them how to respond to the program instructions it has just read and
interpreted from the memory unit.
The control unit also provides the timing and control signals required by other computer
components.

Buses
Buses are the means by which data is transmitted from one part of a computer to another,
connecting all major internal components to the CPU and memory.
A standard CPU system bus is comprised of a control bus, data bus and address bus.

Carries the addresses of data (but not the data) between the
Address Bus
processor and memory

Carries data between the processor, the memory unit and the
Data Bus
input/output devices

Carries control signals/commands from the CPU (and status signals

Control Bus from other devices) in order to control and coordinate all the activities
within the computer

Memory Unit
The memory unit consists of RAM, sometimes referred to as primary or main memory. Unlike
a hard drive (secondary memory), this memory is fast and also directly accessible by the CPU.
RAM is split into partitions. Each partition consists of an address and its contents (both in
binary form).
The address will uniquely identify every location in the memory.
Loading data from permanent memory (hard drive), into the faster and directly accessible
temporary memory (RAM), allows the CPU to operate much quicker.

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Fetch Execute Cycle
The fetch execute cycle is the basic operation (instruction) cycle of a computer (also known
as the fetch decode execute cycle).
During the fetch execute cycle, the computer retrieves a program instruction from its memory.
It then establishes and carries out the actions that are required for that instruction.
The cycle of fetching, decoding, and executing an instruction is continually repeated by the
CPU whilst the computer is turned on.

Step Fetch execute cycle steps Simplified description

The PC contains the address of the memory

1 location that has the next instruction which PC has address of next instruction
has to be fetched

This address is then copied from the PC to

2 PC copied to the MAR
the MAR via the address bus

The contents (instruction) at the memory

Lookup MAR and get contents. Copy
3 location (address) contained in MAR are then
contents into the MDR
copied into the MDR

The contents (instruction) in the MDR is then

4 Copy MDR contents into the CIR
copied and placed into the CIR

The value in the PC is then incremented by 1

5 so that it now points to the next instruction PC is then incremented by 1
which has to be fetched

The instruction is finally decoded and then

executed by sending out signals (via control The instruction is decoded and then
6
bus) to the various components of the executed
computer

7 Repeat

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Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is the process of using a section of secondary storage (your hard drive)
to give the illusion of extra memory (RAM).
All open programs require a share of RAM, as do the files you are working on.
Some files and programs are simply too big to fit into the RAM available. This is particularly
true when creating videos and large graphics.
Alternatively, you may just have too many files or programs open at any one time.
The operating system will utilize virtual memory (your hard drive) when the physical RAM in a
computer system is not sufficient to cope with the files and applications currently in use.
Virtual memory will allow you to continue multitasking and accessing large files despite your
RAM being limited or full.

Drawbacks of virtual memory

Virtual memory is not without issues.
Secondary storage cannot directly access the CPU so data will constantly need to be swapped
between RAM (primary memory) and the virtual memory space on the hard drive.
This is extra work for the computer, so not ideal and may affect performance.

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RAM, "DDR" means. stands for double data rate

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