Hardware Components and Concepts

This page introduces fundamental hardware components and concepts in computer systems.

What is Hardware? Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. These tangible parts work together to enable the functioning of a computer.

Types of Memory

Read-Only Memory (ROM):

• Non-volatile memory that retains data when power is off
• Stores boot sequences and BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

Definition: ROM is a type of computer memory that can only be read from, not written to. It retains its contents even when the power is turned off.

Random Access Memory (RAM):

• Volatile memory that loses data when power is off
• Stores currently running programs and frequently used data
• Includes cache for most used programs

Example: The operating system software is typically loaded into RAM when the computer starts up.

Registers:

• Very fast memory used for temporary data storage within the CPU

Storage Types

Magnetic Storage:

• Uses different types of magnetization to represent data
• Magnetized points indicate '1', demagnetized points indicate '0'
• Examples: Hard drives, floppy disks, cassette tapes

Solid State Storage:

• Uses electric current to move electrons
• Data is represented by the arrangement of these electrons
• Examples: USB drives, MicroSD cards, SSDs (Solid State Drives)

Optical Storage:

• Uses patterns of marks on a surface
• A laser detects pits to read data ('1' for a pit, '0' for no pit)
• Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs

CPU Components and Functions

Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle:

1. Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from RAM
2. Decode: CPU interprets instructions into recognizable commands
3. Execute: CPU carries out the commands

Control Unit:

• Executes instructions and controls data flow

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):

• Performs calculations and logical operations

Data Transfer Components

Data Bus:

• Carries the actual data being transferred

Address Bus:

• Contains the location information for data

Control Bus:

• Sends control signals to manage data flow

Highlight: Understanding these hardware components and their functions is crucial for grasping how computers process and store information.