Download C02.Hardware - SIUE Computer Science

Hardware
Hardware refers to the tangible
parts of computer systems and
typically includes support for
processing, storage, input, and
output.
In this section:
• Processing
• Storage
• Input/Output (I/O)
Concepts > Hardware
Computer Hardware Basics
Concepts > Hardware
Processing
Processing carries out the
instructions provided by software
using specially designed circuitry and
a well-defined routine to transform
data into useful outputs.
In this section:
• Transistor
• Integrated Circuit
• Central Processing Unit
Concepts > Hardware > Processing
• Multicore Processor
• Moore’s Law
• Multiprocessing
• Motherboard
• Bus
• Machine Cycle
Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) is a group of circuits that
perform the processing in a
computer, typically in one
integrated circuit called a
microprocessor.
Most of today’s microprocessors
contain multiple CPUs or cores.
Multicore processors, such as
dual core (two processors) and
quad core (four processors), use
an architecture that allows the
cores to work together for faster
processing.
Multicore processors are used in
computers other than PCs. Some
of the fastest multicore
processors are used in graphics
processors (GPUs) powering
game consoles. They are also
used in servers, supercomputers,
and embedded systems.
Links:
An Intel Fab
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Central Processing Unit
Moore’s Law
Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a chip
will double about every two years.
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Moore’s Law
Motherboard
The motherboard is the
primary circuit of a
computer to which all
core components are
connected including the
CPU.
The motherboard connects all of a computer’s components together
and enables them to communicate. Both general-purpose and
special-purpose computers utilize motherboards.
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Motherboard
Bus
The bus is a subsystem on the motherboard that transfers
data among system components.
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Bus
Storage
In computing and digital technologies,
storage refers to the ability to maintain
data within the system temporarily or
permanently.
In this section:
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Video Memory
• Read Only Memory (ROM)
Concepts > Hardware > Storage
•
•
•
•
Magnetic Storage
Optical Storage
Solid-State Storage
Cloud Storage
Random Access Memory
(RAM)
Random access
memory (RAM) is
temporary, or volatile,
memory that stores
bytes of data and
program instructions
for the processor to
access.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Random Access Memory (RAM)
Video Memory
Video memory, sometimes called
video RAM, VRAM, or graphics
memory, is used to store image
data for a computer display in
order to speed the processing and
display of video and graphics
images.
Most of today’s PCs come equipped with at
least 256 MB of video memory and may
include a graphics processing unit (GPU) to
process the graphics and take the load off
the CPU.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Video Memory
Read Only Memory
(ROM)
The software stored in ROM in
many different types of digital
devices is sometimes called
firmware. Firmware may be
updated over time to correct
bugs or provide additional
functionality.
Read-only memory (ROM) provides permanent storage for
data and instructions that do not change, such as firmware—
programs and data from the computer manufacturer,
including the boot process used to start the computer.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Read Only Memory (ROM)
Magnetic Storage
Magnetic storage is
a storage technology
that uses the
magnetic properties
of iron oxide
particles to store bits
and bytes more
permanently than
RAM using magnetic
properties rather
than electric
charges.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Magnetic Storage
Inside a Hard Drive
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Magnetic Storage
Optical Storage
Optical storage media, such as
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs,
store bits by using an optical laser
to burn pits into the surface of a
highly reflective disc. A pit in a
specified location represents a 0
and the lack of a pit represents a 1.
Optical storage represents bits using
microscopic pits burned into the disc
surface with a laser.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Optical Storage
Holographic Storage Discs?
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Optical Storage
Solid-State Storage
Solid state drive.
A solid-state storage device
stores data using solid-state
electronics such as transistors,
rather than the magnetic
technology of disks or tape, and
does not require any moving
mechanical parts.
MicroSD card for
cameras and
phones.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Solid-State Storage
Flash drives attach to a USB port and come
in a variety of shapes and styles
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage refers to storing data files over the Internet
(the cloud), using Web-based services, rather than on your
own computer.
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Cloud Storage
Input/Output (I/O)
I/O refers to input and output—
the manner in which data is
received into a computer system,
and the manner in which
information and the results of
processing are provided to the
user from a computer system.
In this section:
• Input Device
• General-Purpose Input Device
• Special-Purpose Input Device
• Output Device
Concepts > Hardware > I/O
•
•
•
•
•
Video Card
Display
Printer
Audio and Special Media Output
Expansion Card
g-speak
Concepts > Hardware > I/O
Input Device
An input device assists in capturing and entering data into a
computer system.
A general-purpose input
device is one that is designed
to be used for a wide variety of
computing activities.
An special-purpose input device
is designed to provide input for one
specific type of activity.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device
Kinect Montage Commercial
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device
Square for iPhone
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device
Output Device
An output device allows a user to observe the
results of computer processing with one or
more senses.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Output Device
Video Card
Video cards combine powerful
graphics processing and memory
for realistic 3D real-time image
rendering.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Video Card
A video card (graphics
card) combines video
processing and storage
onto an expansion card,
or integrated onto the
motherboard to manage
video images for
display.
Display
• A display
provides visual
computer output
for observation
on a monitor or
screen.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Display
Dallas Cowboys HD Video Display
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Display
Printer
• A printer is an output device dedicated to
providing a specific type of computer output on
paper or three-dimensional output in plastic.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Printer
uPrint Personal 3D Printer
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Printer
Expansion Card
Expansion refers to a computer’s
capacity to interface with a variety of
external devices such as I/O devices,
network devices, and storage devices,
by connecting through ports, slots, and
wireless technologies.
The universal serial bus, or USB,
standardizes expansion around one type
of interface and connector.
A Wireless Connect Card utilizes a
notebook computer’s PCMCIA port or
USB port to connect to the Internet over a
cell phone network.
Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Expansion Card
Discussion Questions
1. What is a dual-core processor? What advantages does it offer to users?
2. Smart phones can make phone calls, take pictures, listen to digital music, and help
improve the organization of your “stuff.” What else would you like?
3. What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of using magnetic, optical, and solidstate storage devices?
4. How does cloud computing affect existing on-line technologies?
5. Today’s printers produce documents in seconds and photos of the highest quality.
What capabilities do you expect 5-10 years from now?
6. Some people speculate that Moore’s Law will cease to apply as transistors become
too small to be created out of silicon. Identify new technologies that may replace
silicon.
7. Research five ways of storing and sharing digital images over the Internet, in the form
of cloud storage (e.g., Photobucket, Picasa).
8. Research haptic output devices: what they are, two current uses, and one application
you’d like to see.
9. What’s the most attractive general-purpose input device on the market? Build an
argument based on cost, functionality, efficiency, and “coolness.”
Concepts > Hardware > Discussion Questions