The document summarizes key concepts about computer hardware from Chapter 2 of Understanding Computers, 12th Edition. It explains that data and programs must be represented digitally using bits and bytes to be processed by computers. It describes the main components inside a computer's system unit including the motherboard, CPU, memory, ports, and cooling systems. It discusses strategies for improving performance now like adding memory and discusses future trends like nanotechnology that may allow even smaller computer components.
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ITC-Chapter 02-System Unit 39847 663
The document summarizes key concepts about computer hardware from Chapter 2 of Understanding Computers, 12th Edition. It explains that data and programs must be represented digitally using bits and bytes to be processed by computers. It describes the main components inside a computer's system unit including the motherboard, CPU, memory, ports, and cooling systems. It discusses strategies for improving performance now like adding memory and discusses future trends like nanotechnology that may allow even smaller computer components.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Understanding Computers
Today and Tomorrow 12th Edition
Chapter 2
The System Unit:
Processing and Memory Data and Program Representation • In order to be understood by a computer, data and programs need to be represented appropriately • Digital computers: Can only understand two states, off and on (0 and 1) • Digital data representation: The process of representing data in digital form so it can be used by a computer
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 2
Digital Data Representation • Bit: The smallest unit of data that a binary computer can recognize (a single 1 or 0) • Byte = 8 bits • Byte terminology used to show the size of documents and other files, programs, etc. • These are often used to express larger quantities of bytes: kilobyte (KB), megabyte (MB), gigabyte (GB), etc.
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 3
Representing Programs: Machine Language • Machine language: Binary-based language for representing computer programs the computer can execute directly – Early programs were written in machine language. – Today’s programs still need to be translated into machine language in order to be understood by the computer • Most program are written in other programming languages – Language translators are used to translate the programs into machine language • Compiler • Interpreter • Assember Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 4 Inside the System Unit • System unit: The main case of a computer – Protects/contains the processing hardware for a computer – Also contains memory, the power supply, cooling fans, and interfaces to connect peripheral devices – Contains the drive slots in which storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives, etc.) are located – With a desktop PC, usually looks like a rectangular box
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 5
Inside the System Unit
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 6
The Motherboard • Motherboard or system board: The main circuit board inside the system unit
– All computer components must connect to
the motherboard
– External devices (monitors, keyboards,
mice, printers) typically connect by plugging into a port available at the back side of the system unit
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 7
The CPU • Central processing unit (CPU): circuitry and components packaged together and attached to the motherboard – It does the actually processing – Also called a processor; called a microprocessor when talking about PCs • Dual-core CPU: Contain the processing components (cores) of two separate processors on a single CPU • Quad-core CPU: Contains 4 cores • Typically designed for desktop PCs, portable PCs, or servers • Often made by Intel or AMD
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The CPU
Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 9
Memory • RAM (random access memory): Temporary memory that the computer uses
– Consists of chips connected to a memory module
which is connected to the motherboard – Holds data and program instructions while they are needed. – Recommended RAM is needed to run programs – Volatile: Contents of RAM is lost when the computer is shut off
Memory • Registers: High-speed memory built into the CPU; used by the CPU • ROM (read-only memory): Read-only chips located on the motherboard into which data or programs have been permanently stored – Retrieved by the computer when needed – Being replaced with flash memory • Flash memory: Type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased and reprogrammed – Some flash memory chips are used by the PC – Flash memory chips are also used in flash memory storage media (sticks, cards, and drives)
Ports and Connectors • Many desktop PCs come with a variety of ports on the front of the system unit for easy access • A wired or wireless hub can connect many devices to a single USB or FireWire port
Making Computers Faster and Better Now and in the Future • Improving performance today – Add more memory – Perform system maintenance • Uninstall programs properly • Consider placing large files on external storage devices • Delete temporary files • Arrange files efficiently • Scan for viruses and spyware • Empty the Recycle Bin – Buy a larger or second hard drive – Upgrade your Internet connection – Upgrade your video graphics card
Future Trends • Nanotechnology: The science of creating tiny computers and components less than 100 nanometers in size • Carbon nanotubes used in many products today • Nanoparticles and nanocrystals • In the future, components may be built by these technologies.