The Components of the System

Unit
 What is the system unit?
 Case that contains electronic
components of the computer used

to process data
 Sometimes called
the chassis

p. 180 Fig. 4-1 Next

 What are common components inside the system unit?
power supply
 Processor drive bays

 Memory processor
 Adapter cards
 Sound card memory
ports
 Modem card
 Video card
 Network card
sound card
 Ports
 Drive bays
 Power supply
video card
network card modem card

p. 181 Fig. 4-2 Next

 adapter cards
What is the motherboard? processor chip

 Main circuit
board in system
unit
 Contains adapter memory chips

cards, processor
chips, and
memory chips
 Also called
memory slots
system board Expansion
slots for
adapter cards motherboard

p. 182 Fig. 4-3 Next

 The main circuit board of a microcomputer.
The motherboard contains the connectors for
attaching additional boards. Typically, the
motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS,
memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and
parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the
controllers required to control standard
peripheral devices, such as the display screen
, keyboard, and disk drive.
 dual inline
packages (DIP)
What is a chip? holds memory
chips
 Small piece of semi-conducting
material on which integrated
circuits are etched
 Integrated circuits contain
many microscopic pathways
capable of carrying electrical
current
pin grid
 Chips are packaged so they can array (PGA)
package
be attached to a circuit board holds processor
chips

p. 182 Fig. 4-4 Next

 A small piece of semiconducting material
(usually silicon) on which an integrated circuit
is embedded There are different types of
chips. For example, CPU chips (also called
microprocessors)
Computer sockets are the built-in interfaces on motherboards
that accept various hardware components.
 What are heat sinks and heat pipes?
 Heat sink—component
heat sink fan
that cools
processor
 Heat pipe—smaller
device for notebook
computers

heat sink

p. 190 Fig. 4-11 Next

Memory and
Storage

Next
 Seat #2B4 Seat #2B3
What is memory?
 Electronic components that
store instructions, data, and
results
 Consists of one or
more chips on
motherboard or
other circuit board
 Each byte stored
in unique location
called an address,
similar to seats
on a passenger train

p. 193 Fig. 4-17 Next

1. ROM (Read Only Memory)
2. RAM (Random Access Memory)
3. Cache
4. Flash memory
 There is a type of memory that stores data
without electrical current; it is the ROM (Read
Only Memory)
 or is sometimes called non-volatile memory
as it is not erased when the system is
switched off.
 PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
 EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory)
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Read Only
Memory .
 Programmable read-only memory (PROM) is
a blank ROM chip on which a programmer
can write permanently, but once written
cannot be changed or modified
 But most ROM chips designed to be
modified by users, use
 Erasable programmable read-only memory

( EPROM )
or electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory ( EEPROM ).
 An EPROM or erasable programmable
read only memory, is a type of memory chip

Once programmed, an EPROM can be

erased
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory )is user-
modifiable read-only memory (ROM) that
can be erased and reprogrammed (written
to) repeatedly
 How is memory measured?
 By number of bytes available for storage

Term Abbreviation Approximate Size

Kilobyte KB or K 1024 bytes = 210 B
Megabyte MB 1024 Kilo bytes
Gigabyte GB 1024 Mega bytes
Terabyte TB 1024 Giga bytes

p. 194 Fig. 4-18 Next

 Random Access Memory, a type of computer
memory that can be accessed randomly; that is,
any byte of memory can be accessed without
touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most
common type of memory found in computers
and other devices, such as printers.
 What is random access memory (RAM)?

Memory chips that can be

read from and written
to by processor
Most RAM is
Also called
volatile, it is lost
main memory
when computer’s
or primary
power is
storage
turned off

The more RAM a

computer has, the
faster it responds

p. 195 Next
 How do program instructions transfer in and out of RAM?
RAM Step 1. When you start the computer, certain
operating system files are loaded into RAM from
Operating system Operating system the hard disk. The operating system displays the
instructions interface user interface on the screen.

Step 2. When you start a Web browser, the

program’s instructions are loaded into RAM from
Web browser Web browser the hard disk. The Web browser window is
displayed on the screen.
instructions window
Step 3. When you start a word processing
program, the program’s instructions are loaded
Word processing into RAM from the hard disk. The word
Word processing processing program, along with the Web Browser
program
program window and certain operating system instructions are in
instructions RAM. The word processing program window is
displayed on the screen.
RAM
Step 4. When you quit a program, such as
the Web browser, its program instructions are
removed from RAM. The Web browser no longer
is displayed on the screen.

Web browser Web browser

program instructions window no longer
are removed from is displayed on
p. 195 Fig. 4-19 RAM desktop Next
 What are two basic types of RAM chips?
Used for
special
applications
Most such as
common cache
type
Static
RAM Faster and
Faster Dynamic more reliable
variations (SRAM) than DRAM
of DRAM are RAM chips
SDRAM and
RDRAM
(DRAM)

Future: Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)

p. 196 Next
 There are two different types of RAM:
 DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
 SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
 DRAM needs to be refreshed thousands of
times per second while
 SRAM does not need to be refreshed, which
is what makes it faster than DRAM. Both
types of RAM are volatile, meaning that they
lose their contents when the power is turned
off.
 dual inline memory module

Where does memory

chips reside?

 Memory slots on
motherboard hold memory
modules
memory chip memory slot

p. 196 Fig. 4-20 Next

 What is read-only memory (ROM)?
Memory chips that store Nonvolatile memory, it is not
permanent data lost when computer’s
and instructions power is turned off

Three types:
Firmware— EEPROM
Manufactured with (electrically
permanently written PROM erasable programmable
data, instructions, (programmable read-only memory)—
or information read-only Type of PROM
memory)— containing microcode
Blank ROM programmer
chip onto which can erase
a programmer
can write permanently

p. 198 Next
 What is cache?
 Helps speed computer processes by storing frequently used
instructions and data
 Also called memory cache

p. 198 Fig. 4-23 Next

 Non volatile memory can be erased
electronically and rewritten similar to
EEPROM
 Most computers use it to hold up their

startup instructions
 Also used in many mobiles , smart phones ,

digital cameras and PDA

 The amount of time a processor takes to
read the data, instructions and information
from memory.

A computer’s access time affects how fast

the computer process data.
 What is storage?
 Holds data, instructions, and information for future use
 Storage medium is physical material used for storage
 Also called secondary
storage

p. 348 Fig. 7-1 Next

 What is capacity?
 Number of bytes (characters) a storage medium can hold
Kilobyte (KB) 1024 Bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB) 1024 MB

Terabyte (TB) 1024 GB

Petabyte (PB) 1 quadrillion
Exabyte (EB) 1 quintillion
Zettabyte (ZB) 1 sextillion
Yottabyte (YB) 1 septillion
p. 350 Next
 What is a storage device?

Hardware that
Reading records and Writing
Reading Writing
Process
retrieves items
Processofoftransferring
transferring Process
Processofoftransferring
transferring
items
itemsfrom
fromstorage
storage to and from items
itemsfromfrommemory
memory
media
mediatotomemory
memory storage media totostorage
storagemedia
media

Functions as source Creates output

of input
p. 350 Next
 What is access time?
 Time it takes storage device to locate item on storage medium
 Time required to deliver item from memory to processor
faster Stores …
transfer
rates Primary Storage
Memory (most RAM) Items waiting to be interpreted
and executed by the processor
Secondary Storage
Hard Disk Operating system, application
software, user data and information
CDs and DVDs Software, backups, movies, music
Miniature Storage Media Digital pictures or small files to
be transported
Tape Backups
slower
transfer Floppy Disk Small files to be transported
rates
p. 350 Next
1. floppy disk
2. Zip disk
3. Hard disk
4. CDs and DVDs
5. Tape
6. PC Card
7. Miniature mobile storage
 What is a floppy disk?

shutter
Portable, inexpensive storage
medium (also called diskette)
shell
liner

magnetic
coating
Thin, circular, flexible film enclosed
in 3.5” wide plastic shell
metal hub

flexible thin film

p. 351 Fig. 7-5 Next

 What is a floppy disk drive?
 Device that reads from and
writes to floppy disk
Floppy disk drive
 One floppy drive, named drive A built into
 If two floppy drives, second a desktop
designated as drive B computer
 Also called secondary storage

External floppy disk drive attaches to

a computer with a cable

p. 352 Fig. 7-6 Next

 How do you care for a floppy?
 Proper care helps maximize disk’s life
 Floppy disk can last at least seven years

Never
Neveropen
openthe
the
shutter and
shutter and
touch
touchthe
thedisk’s
disk’s
surface Avoid
Avoidexposure
exposure
surface
totoheat
heatand
and
cold Avoid
cold Avoidexposure
exposure
totomagnetic
magnetic Avoid exposure
fields Avoid exposure
fields totocontaminants
contaminants
such
suchasasdust,
dust, Keep disks in
smoke, Keep disks in
smoke,or or a storage tray
salt a storage tray
saltair
air when
whennot
not
using them
using them

p. 354 Next
 What is a Zip disk?
 Magnetic medium that stores 100 MB
to 750 MB of data
Zip disk
 Used to back up and to transfer files
 Backup is duplicate of file, program, or disk
in case original is lost
c

 Zip disks require a Zip drive — high c c

capacity drive that reads from and External

writes on a Zip disk Zip drive

p. 355 Fig. 7-11 Next

 hard disk installed
What is a hard disk? in system unit

 High-capacity storage
 Consists of several
inflexible, circular
platters that store items
electronically
 Components enclosed in
airtight, sealed case for
protection

p. 355 Fig. 7-12 Next

 What are characteristics of a hard disk?

Sample Hard Disk Characteristics

Advertised capacity 120 GB
Platters 3
Read/write heads 6
Cylinders 16,383
Bytes per second 512
Sectors per track 63
Sectors per drive 234,441,648 actual
disk
Revolutions per minute 7,200 capacity
Transfer rate 133 MB per second
Access time 8.9 ms

Next
p. 356 Fig. 7-13
 How does a hard disk work?

Step 3.
When software requests a
disk access, read/write
heads determine current
Step 2. or new location of data.
Small motor spins
platters while
computer is running.

Step 4.
Head actuator positions
read/write head arms over
Step 1. correct location on platters
Circuit board controls to read or write data.
movement of head actuator
and a small motor.

p. 357 Fig. 7-14 Next

 platter
What is a cylinder? track
 Vertical section of sector
track through all
platters
 Single movement
of read/write head
arms accesses all
platters
read/write
in cylinder head

platter

sides

p. 357 Fig. 7-15 Next

cylinder
 What is a head crash?
 Occurs when read/write head touches platter surface
 Spinning creates cushion of air that floats read/write head above
platter
Clearance between head and platter is approximately two-millionths of an inch
 A smoke particle, dust particle, or human hair could render drive unusable

hair
read/write head

dust
clearance smoke

platter

p. 358 Fig. 7-16 Next

 processor
What is a disk cache?
 Portion of
memory that
processor uses
to store
frequently disk cache
accessed items

first request
for data—to disk cache

second request
for data—to hard disk
hard disk

p. 358 Fig. 7-17 Next

 What are external hard disks and removable hard disks?
 Used to back up or transfer files Removable hard disk—hard disk
that you insert and remove
from hard disk drive
External hard disk—freestanding
hard disk that connects to system unit

p. 359 Fig. 7-18 Next

 What is an Internet hard drive?
 Service on Web that provides storage for
minimal monthly fee
 Files can be accessed from
any computer with Web
access
 Large files can be downloaded
instantaneously
 Others can be authorized
to access your data

p. 360 Fig. 7-19 Next

 What are CDs and DVDs? Push the button to
slide out the tray.
 Flat, round, portable
metal discs made of
metal, plastic, and
lacquer
 Can be read only or Insert the disc,
read/write label side up.
 Most PCs include CD
or DVD drive, most
play audio CDs Push the same button
to close the tray.

p. 361 Fig. 7-20 Next

 How does a laser read data on a CD or DVD?

disc label

lens land lens

pit
Step 3.
Step 2. Reflected light is
0 1
If light strikes deflected to a
a pit, it scatters. light-sensing diode,
If light strikes a which sends digital
prism land, it is prism signals of 1 to
light- reflected back light- computer. Absence
Step 1.
sensing toward diode. sensing of reflected light is
Laser diode
diode diode read as digital
shines a light
laser laser signal of 0.
beam toward
disc. diode diode

p. 362 Fig. 7-21 Next

 How is data stored on a CD or DVD?
 Typically stored in
single track
 Track divided

into evenly
sized sectors
that store
items
single track
spirals to edge
of disc

disc sectors

p. 362 Fig. 7-22 Next

 What is a CD-ROM?
 Compact disc read-
only memory
 Cannot erase or
modify contents
 Typically holds
650 MB to 1 GB
 Commonly used
to distribute
multimedia and
complex
software

p. 363 Fig. 7-24 Next

 What are CD-Rs and CD-RWs? Must have
CD recorder
or CD-R drive

CD-R (compact disc-readable)

— disc you can write on once
c

Cannot erase
disc’s contents
CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable)
— erasable disc you can write on
ce

multiple times
Must have
CD-RW software
and CD-RW drive

p. 366 Next
 What is tape?
 Magnetically coated plastic ribbon
capable of storing large amounts
of data at low cost
 Primarily used for backup

p. 370 Fig. 7-29 Next

 How is data stored on a tape?
 Sequential access
 Reads and writes data consecutively, like music tape
 Unlike direct access — used on floppy disks, Zip disks,
hard disks, CDs, and DVDs — which can locate
particular item immediately

p. 370 Fig. 7-30 Next

 What is a PC Card?
 Adds capabilities to computer
 Credit-card-sized device commonly
used in notebook computers

PC Cards
Category Thickness Use
Type I 3.3 mm RAM, SRAM, flash
memory
Type II 5.0 mm Modem, LAN, SCSI,
sound, TV turner, hard
disk, or other storage
Type III 10.5 mm Rotating storage such
as a hard disk

p. 370 Figs. 7-31–7-32 Next

 What is Miniature mobile storage media?
 Storage for small mobile devices

p. 371 Fig. 7-33 Next

 What are common types of miniature mobile storage
media?

CompactFlash Smart Media Secure Digital

Memory Stick Microdrive xD Picture Card

p. 372 Next
 What is a card reader?
 Reads information stored on miniature mobile storage media
 Type of card determines type of card reader needed

p. 373 Fig. 7-35 Next

 What is a smart card?
 Stores data on microprocessor
embedded in small card
 Input, process, output, and
storage capabilities

p. 373 Fig. 7-37 Next

 What are microfilm and microfiche?

Store microscopic images of

documents on roll or sheet of film

Images recorded using

computer output microfilm recorder

Microfilm — 100- to Microfiche — small sheet

215-foot roll of film of film, usually 4”  6”

p. 374 Fig. 7-38 Next

 A metaphor……….
The file cabinet represents the
computer's hard disk, which provides
storage for all the files and information you
need in your office. When you come in to
work, you take out the files you need from
storage and put them on your desk for easy
access while you work on them. The desk is
like memory in the computer: it holds the
information and data you need to have
handy while you're working.
 The two terms are sometimes used
interchangeably, so it is important to
understand some key differences.

1. The term memory refers to the amount of

RAM installed in the computer, whereas the
term storage refers to the capacity of the
computer’s hard disk.
2. Both terms are used to refer to internal
storage space on a computer. Memory,
usually referred to as Random Access
Memory (RAM), is the place where an
application loads its data during processing,
while a hard disk drive is usually the place
where data is stored for long or short term
retention.
3. Memory dumps everything when you turn
off your computer, in nature but the hard
drive retains what is stored on it.
4. Memory is typically volatile Storage is
typically non-volatile .
5. Memory is quite a lot faster than hard
drive.
6.Computer storage is typically cheaper,
slower while computer memory is expensive
and faster
 How does volatility compare?
 Storage medium is nonvolatile—contents retained when
power is off
 Memory is volatile—holds data and instructions temporarily
ON OFF

Screen Display Display Display

Volatile

appears disappears

Memory Data and Data and

(most RAM) instructions instructions erased
(chips on motherboard) available to user
Nonvolatile

Storage Medium Contents Contents

(floppy disks, Zip disks, available to user retained
hard disks, CDs)

p. 350 Next