Chapter 4 Final
Chapter 4 Final
OBJECTIVES
Whether you are a home user or a business user, you most likely will make the
decision to purchase a new computer or upgrade an existing computer within the
next several years. Thus, you should understand the purpose of each component
in a computer.
Processor
The processor, also called the central processing unit
(CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions
that operate a computer. The processor significantly
impacts overall computing power and manages most of a
computer's operations. Processors contain a control unit
and an
Web arithmetic logic unit (ALU). These two
Addresses
components work together to perform processing
operations. The control unit is the component of the
processor that directs and coordinates most of the
operations in the computer.
THE MEMORY
MEMORY
Memory consists of electronic components
that store instructions waiting to be executed
by the processor, data needed by those
instructions, and the results of processed
data (information). Memory usually consists
of one or more chips on the motherboard or
some other circuit board in the computer.
Memory Sizes
Manufacturers state the size of memory chips and storage devices in terms of the
number of bytes the chip or device has available for storage. Recall that storage
Types of Memory
The system unit contains two types of memory: volatile and nonvolatile. When
the computer's power is turned off, volatile memory loses its contents.
Volatile memory is temporary. Nonvolatile memory, by contrast, does not lose its
contents when power is removed from the computer. Nonvolatile memory is
permanent.
RAM
RAM (random access memory), also
called main memory It is the most
common type of volatile memory. consists
of memory chips that can be read from
and written to by the processor and other
devices.
When you turn on power to a computer, certain operating system files load into
RAM from a storage device such as a hard disk. These files remain in RAM as
long as the computer has continuous power. As additional programs and data are
requested, they also load into RAM from storage.
ROM
The read only memory. ROM is nonvolatile,
which means its contents are not lost when
power is removed from the computer.
Manufacturers of ROM chips often record
data, instructions, or information on the chips
when they manufacture the chips. These ROM
chips, called firmware, contain permanently
written data, instructions, or information.
Over time, the system unit collects dust even in a clean environment. Built up
dust can block airflow in the computer, which can cause it to overheat, corrode, or
even stop working. By cleaning your computer once or twice a year, you can help
extend its life.
Living in the Information Technology EraThe Components of the System Unit
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Before cleaning the computer, turn it off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and
unplug all cables from the ports. Blow away any dust from all openings on the
computer case, such as drives, slots and ports. Vacuum the power supply fan on
the back of the computer case to remove any dust that has accumulated on it.
If you do not feel comfortable cleaning the system unit yourself, have a local
computer company clean it for you.
CHAPTER 4
TASK ACTIVITY
Read and answer the question below.
1. Ever since a computer defeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov in a
chess match, people have wondered, can computers think? As computer
processors and software become more powerful, the question is more hotly
debated. People who believe computers can think argue that, if a person
had a conversation with a computer and was convinced the computer was
really human, then the computer is intelligent. Opponents counter this
CHAPTER REVIEW