Computer Hardware

1. Processor
Processing The procedure of transforming raw
data into useful information
2 components used for processing
Processor
Memory

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1. Processor contd
The microprocessor is plugged into the
computers motherboard
(Motherboard is a rectangular card
containing the circuitry that connects
the processor to the other hardware)

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1. Processor contd
Structure & Functioning of a CPU

Control unit contains the circuitry that uses

electrical signals to direct the entire
computer system to carry, or execute
stored program instructions
It controls the I/O devices and transfer of
data to and from the primary storage

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2. Memory
In a computer memory is one or more sets of
chips that store data and/ or program
instructions, either temporarily or permanently
Different types of memory e.g
RAM
ROM
Cache

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2. Memory contd
Memory Hierarchy
Low

Storage
capacity

High

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Fast

Access
speed

Slow

High

Type of Memory

E.g.

Internal Processor
Memory

Registers, cache
memory

Primary Memory

RAM, ROM

Secondary Memory

Magnetic Tape,
Magnetic Disk

Cost

Low

2. Memory contd
Internal Processor Memory
Placed within the CPU
Cache memory
Special registers

Directly accessed
by the processor

Costly
Generally used to compensate for the speed
gap between the primary memory and the
processor

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2. Memory contd
Primary Memory
RAM
Stores data for immediate manipulation and to keep
track of what is currently being processed
Volatile memory

ROM
The chip where the startup instructions are stored is
called ROM
Non volatile in nature

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2. Memory contd
Secondary Memory
Provides backup storage for instructions
Magnetic tapes
Magnetic discs eg floppy, hard disks, zip disk
Optical Discs eg. CDs, DVDs

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Computer Software

Software
System Software
Any program that controls the computers hardware or
that can be used to maintain the computer in some
way so that it runs more efficiently
Operating System tells computer how to use its own
components
Network Operating system to communicate and share data
across a network while controlling network operations and
overseeing the networks security eg. Appleshare, Windows
for Workgroups
Utility to manage disks, troubleshoot hardware problems and
perform other tasks that the operating system itself may not
be able to do
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Software contd
Applications Software
Tells the computer how to accomplish specific tasks,
such as word processing or drawing for the user

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Operating System

Types of Operating Systems

Real time operating systems
Single - user/ Single tasking Operating
systems
Single user Multi tasking operating systems
Multi-user/ Multi tasking operating systems
UNIX, VMS and mainframe operating systems

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