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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.

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Baktash Ahmadi
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
53 views21 pages

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.

Uploaded by

Baktash Ahmadi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 8


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

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 10


Memory

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 11


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)

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 12


Fans, Heat Sinks, and
Other Cooling Components
• Heat: A continuing problem for CPU and computer
manufacturers

• Fans: Used on most PCs

• Heat sinks: Small components typically made out of


aluminum with fins that help to dissipate(reduce) heat

• Water cooling systems: Cool the PC with liquid-filed


tubes

• Notebook cooling stands

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 13


Fans, Heat Sinks, and
Other Cooling Components

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 14


Ports and Connectors

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 15


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

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 16


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

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 17


Making Computers Faster and Better
Now and in the Future
• Strategies for faster and better computers

– Improved architecture: Smaller components, faster


bus speeds, multiple CPU cores, etc.

– Pipelining: Allows multiple instructions to be


processed at one time

– Multiprocessing and parallel processing: Use


multiple processors to speed up processing

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 18


Pipelining

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 19


Parallel Processing

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 20


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.

Chapter 2 Understanding Computers, 12th Edition 21

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