Task 1:

What are the components of a computer? (Explain briefly with the help of images)

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often called the "brain" of the computer. It performs
calculations, makes decisions, and manages the flow of data in the system. The CPU's role is to
interpret instructions from applications and the operating system, executing them sequentially. The
CPU itself comprises two key units:

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs all arithmetic and logical operations,
such as addition, subtraction, comparisons, and bit-shifting operations. These functions are
crucial for mathematical processing and decision-making within programs.
 Control Unit (CU): The Control Unit coordinates the actions of the CPU by directing the
input and output of data, and controlling how other parts of the system interact. It manages
the sequence of operations, ensuring each task happens in the correct order.

Modern CPUs are designed with multiple cores, allowing them to handle multiple instructions
simultaneously. This feature enhances speed and efficiency, especially in multi-threaded
applications like gaming or data processing.

2. Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the computer's short-term memory, providing temporary
storage for data and instructions currently in use. RAM allows the CPU to quickly access the
necessary information without needing to retrieve it from slower storage, such as a hard drive.
This temporary data storage is essential for multitasking and for running complex applications
smoothly.
The amount of RAM affects the computer's performance. More RAM enables the system to
handle more applications and larger files simultaneously without slowing down. However, once
the computer is turned off, all data in RAM is lost, as it is a volatile form of memory.

3. Storage (Hard Drive or SSD)

Storage is where all of a computer's data and programs are kept for long-term access. The two
primary types of storage are Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD):

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD): HDDs store data on magnetic disks that spin, with an arm that
reads and writes data. Though affordable, they are generally slower and more susceptible
to physical damage.
 Solid State Drive (SSD): SSDs store data using flash memory with no moving parts,
making them faster and more durable. They’re ideal for performance-intensive tasks, as
they allow quicker access to stored data.

Both types serve as the primary storage for the operating system, applications, and user files,
though SSDs are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed advantage.
4. Motherboard

The motherboard is the central circuit board that connects all the
components of a computer, allowing them to communicate with
each other. It houses the CPU, RAM slots, and connectors for the
storage drives and expansion cards. The motherboard also
includes slots for input and output connections, enabling
peripheral devices like keyboards, mice, and monitors to interface
with the computer.

The design and quality of the motherboard play a significant role

in the computer’s performance, as it dictates compatibility with
CPUs, memory speed, and other components. Many motherboards
also come with built-in audio, networking, and sometimes even basic graphics processing
capabilities.

5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts the electrical power from
an outlet into usable energy for the computer’s components. It
distributes the necessary voltage to each part, ensuring stable and
sufficient power flow. Different components require different
voltages, and the PSU is responsible for providing the correct
power level to each component, ensuring reliable operation.

High-quality PSUs are essential, especially in high-performance

or gaming computers, as they prevent power fluctuations that
could damage sensitive components.

6. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) renders images, videos, and animations. It’s especially
important for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. GPUs come
in two types:

 Integrated GPUs: Built into the CPU, integrated GPUs

share memory with the CPU, offering basic graphics
capabilities.
 Dedicated GPUs: Standalone units with their own memory
and processing power. These are necessary for high-
performance tasks and are common in gaming PCs or
workstations.

Dedicated GPUs are designed to handle parallel processing,

making them ideal for applications beyond graphics, such as machine learning and scientific
computations.
7. Input and Output Devices

Input and output devices allow the user to interact with the computer.

 Input Devices: Include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, and scanner. These devices
send data to the computer, allowing user commands and data entry.
 Output Devices: Include the monitor, printer, and speakers, which display or project
information from the computer.

These devices are essential for user interaction, enabling control, communication, and presentation
of data.

8. Cooling System

The cooling system maintains optimal temperature

levels within the computer. The CPU and GPU
generate a lot of heat, especially under heavy use.
Cooling systems, which include fans, heat sinks, and
sometimes liquid cooling, prevent overheating that
could damage components or reduce performance.

Maintaining a good cooling system is essential for

high-performance setups or computers that run
demanding applications, as excessive heat can throttle
performance or even damage the hardware.
 Task 2:
Write a note on different types of memory.

Types of Memory in Computers

Memory in computers plays a crucial role in storing data and instructions required for the system's
operation. Various types of memory serve different purposes and offer different levels of speed,
volatility, and storage capacity. Here’s an overview of the main types of memory.

1. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Primary memory is the computer’s main memory, directly accessible by the CPU. It is faster than
secondary memory and is essential for running active applications. Primary memory is usually
volatile, meaning it loses all stored data when the system is powered off.

 Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is the most common type of primary memory. It
temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks. RAM
is highly volatile and is cleared when the computer is turned off, making it ideal for short-
term storage.
 Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is non-volatile memory that permanently stores
critical data, such as firmware and the basic input/output system (BIOS). Unlike RAM,
data in ROM cannot be modified easily, making it reliable for storing essential instructions
required for booting the computer.

2. Secondary Memory (Storage)

Secondary memory refers to long-term storage where data is saved permanently, even when the
system is powered down. Secondary memory is non-volatile and is generally slower than primary
memory but offers much larger storage capacity.

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD): HDDs are traditional storage devices that use magnetic disks to
store data. They are known for large storage capacity at a low cost, but they are slower
compared to solid-state storage options.
 Solid State Drive (SSD): SSDs are faster storage devices that use flash memory to store
data. Without moving parts, they are more durable and offer faster read/write speeds than
HDDs, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
 Optical Discs: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs store data using optical technology. They
are often used for software distribution, backups, and media storage but have become less
popular as other digital storage options have advanced.
 Flash Drives and Memory Cards: These portable storage devices use flash memory and
are widely used for data transfer and backup purposes. Examples include USB drives and
SD cards.
3. Cache Memory

Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located inside or near the CPU. It stores frequently
accessed data and instructions to allow the CPU quick access without needing to retrieve them
from slower RAM. There are several levels of cache:

 L1 Cache: The smallest and fastest cache, located directly within the CPU. It has the
shortest access time and stores very frequently used instructions.
 L2 Cache: Located either within or close to the CPU, L2 cache is larger than L1 but
slightly slower. It also stores frequently used data and instructions for quick access.
 L3 Cache: Typically larger and slower than L1 and L2 caches, L3 cache acts as a backup
cache, holding data that isn’t immediately needed but might be requested soon.

Cache memory significantly enhances performance by reducing the time the CPU spends waiting
for data from the main memory.

4. Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that allows the computer to use a portion of
the secondary storage (like the hard drive) as if it were RAM. When the actual RAM is full, the
operating system moves some data to the hard drive, extending the usable memory. While this
helps run more applications than physical RAM would allow, virtual memory is much slower than
real RAM.
5. Registers

Registers are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU. They temporarily hold
instructions, data, or addresses that the CPU needs during processing. Registers are faster than
cache memory and play a critical role in executing instructions. Types of registers include:

 Data Registers: Store temporary data for calculations.

 Address Registers: Hold memory addresses that the CPU needs to access.
 Instruction Registers: Store the instruction that the CPU is currently executing.
 Task 3:
Write a note on different types of hard drives.

Different Types of Hard Drives

Hard drives are critical components in computers and data storage systems, providing the
necessary space for storing and retrieving digital information. They come in various types, each
designed to meet different performance, capacity, and cost requirements. Below, we explore the
primary types of hard drives in detail.

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Description

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are the traditional storage devices used in computers. They consist of
one or more rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. A read/write head moves over
the surface of these disks to read data or write new data as the disks spin at high speeds (typically
5400 to 7200 RPM for consumer models).

Advantages

 Cost-effective: HDDs are generally more affordable than SSDs, making them a popular choice for
users needing large amounts of storage without a high price tag.
 High Storage Capacity: HDDs can offer large capacities, ranging from a few hundred gigabytes to
several terabytes (TB). This makes them suitable for applications requiring substantial storage,
such as video editing, gaming, and large databases.

Disadvantages

 Slower Speed: HDDs have slower read and write speeds compared to SSDs, resulting in longer
boot times and slower file transfer rates. This is primarily due to the mechanical nature of their
operation.
 Mechanical Failure Risk: Because HDDs have moving parts, they are more vulnerable to
mechanical failure from shocks, drops, or prolonged use. This can lead to data loss if not properly
backed up.

2. Solid State Drive (SSD)

Description

Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory technology to store data, allowing for faster access
times and overall better performance. Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, which enhances
their durability and reliability.

Advantages

 Speed: SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, often exceeding 500 MB/s, which
leads to quicker system boot times, rapid application launches, and faster file transfers. This speed
advantage is particularly beneficial for operating systems and applications requiring fast access to
data.
 Durability: The lack of moving parts makes SSDs less susceptible to physical damage from drops
or shocks, making them ideal for portable devices and laptops.
Disadvantages

 Cost: SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs, which can be a consideration for users
needing extensive storage. Prices have been decreasing over time, but they still represent a larger
investment compared to traditional hard drives.
 Limited Write Cycles: Flash memory in SSDs can wear out after a certain number of write and
erase cycles (typically 3000 to 10000 cycles, depending on the technology used), although modern
SSDs have technologies to extend their lifespan significantly.

3. Hybrid Drive (SSHD)

Description

Hybrid Drives, or Solid State Hybrid Drives (SSHDs), combine the characteristics of HDDs and
SSDs. They have a traditional spinning hard drive component along with a small amount of high-
speed flash memory that is used to store frequently accessed data.

Advantages

 Balanced Performance: SSHDs provide improved performance over standard HDDs by using the
flash memory to cache frequently used data, resulting in faster boot times and application loading.
 Cost-effective: They offer a good compromise between the low cost of HDDs and the performance
of SSDs, making them a versatile option for users looking for both speed and capacity.

Disadvantages

 Limited SSD Capacity: The flash memory portion in SSHDs is usually smaller (commonly
between 8 GB and 64 GB) compared to the total capacity of the HDD component, which means
they may not achieve the same performance levels as pure SSDs.
 Inconsistent Speed: While SSHDs are faster than traditional HDDs, they may not perform as well
as SSDs for all tasks, especially those requiring sustained high-speed data access.

4. External Hard Drive

Description

External hard drives can be either HDDs or SSDs enclosed in a portable case. They connect to a
computer or other devices via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces, providing an easy way to
expand storage.

Advantages

 Portability: External drives are lightweight and compact,

making them convenient for transporting data between different
computers or for backup purposes.
 Increased Storage: They allow users to add additional storage
to their systems without the need for internal upgrades. This is
especially useful for laptops with limited internal space.

Disadvantages

 Speed Limitations: External drives can be slower than internal

drives, particularly if they are connected via older USB
standards. SSD external drives are faster but still may not match
the speed of internal SSDs.
  Vulnerability: Being portable means external drives are more susceptible to loss, theft, or damage
from physical impacts.

5. Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Description

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a specialized file storage system that connects to a network,
allowing multiple users and devices to access and share data over a local area network (LAN) or
the internet. NAS devices often contain multiple hard drives configured in RAID (Redundant
Array of Independent Disks) setups for redundancy and performance.

Advantages

 Accessibility: Users can access data from any device connected to the network, facilitating
collaboration and data sharing across different platforms, such as computers, tablets, and
smartphones.
 Data Redundancy: Many NAS systems use RAID configurations, which provide data protection
against drive failures by duplicating data across multiple drives.

Disadvantages

 Cost: NAS solutions can be more expensive than traditional external drives, especially those with
multiple drive bays and advanced features.
 Network Dependency: The performance of NAS devices can be affected by network speed and
stability. Slow network connections can lead to delays in accessing or transferring data.
 Task 4
Open Task bar of your Computer/ Laptop. Go to Performance section. Observe and
Explain CPU, Memory and Disk sections. (Attach Screenshots too.)

1. CPU Section:
 Usage: Indicates the percentage of CPU capacity currently in use. High usage (above 80%) may

slow down your system.

 Speed: Shows the current clock speed (in GHz), which may vary based on workload.

 Cores/Logical Processors: Displays the number of physical cores and logical processors (for

CPUs with Hyper-Threading).

 Graph: Visualizes CPU usage over time, helping identify spikes in activity.
2. Memory Section:
 Usage: Shows the total RAM in use vs. available memory. High usage can lead to performance
issues.
 Cached Memory: Indicates memory used for caching, which speeds up access to frequently used
data.
 Memory Speed: Displays the speed of the RAM, impacting overall performance.
 Graph: Illustrates memory usage trends over time.
3. Disk Section:
 Usage: Indicates the percentage of disk space currently being utilized. High usage can result in
slower performance.
 Read/Write Speed: Shows the current read and write speeds (in MB/s), reflecting the performance
of your storage device.
 Disk Type: Identifies whether the drive is an SSD (faster) or HDD (slower).
 Graph: Visualizes disk activity over time, helping to identify periods of high usage.

Conclusion:
This assignment has provided insight into the various components of a computer and their respective
functions. It highlights the critical operations performed by these components, such as input/output
management and file management. Additionally, the assignment emphasizes the role of the operating
system in coordinating these tasks to ensure efficient system performance. Understanding these
fundamentals is essential for appreciating how computers process data and execute user commands.
Overall, it underscores the interconnectedness of hardware and software in computing.