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 BasicInput/OutputSystem
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 SolidStateDrives
Optical Storage:
- Uses patterns of marks on a surface
- A laser detects pits to read data ′1′forapit,′0′fornopit
- Examples: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs
CPU Components and Functions
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle:
- Fetch: CPU retrieves instructions from RAM
- Decode: CPU interprets instructions into recognizable commands
- 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.
