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MDIA 308 Computers Computers • Most PCs are based on a standard architecture • The computer is constructed of various subunits Computer architecture Computers • Subunits of the computer are attached to the printed circuit board called the “motherboard” • The CPU is the computer’s “brain” and executes the calculations required to perform the various functions • Other subunits are attached to the motherboard as “daughterboards” Central Processor Daughtercards Computer memory • Short term storage call “random access memory (RAM) retains data only while the computer is operating • Long term data storage is accomplished using internal hard drives, or external storage devices such as solid state drives (compact flash, secure digital, etc.) RAM Hard drives • Hard drives use the same magnetic recording principles used in tape • Hard drives are constructed by fixing oxide to a polished glass or aluminum platter • Hard drives contain multiple platters attached to a common spindle • The tiny recording and playback heads move across the disk surface without touching it Hard drives Hard drives Optical storage • Compact disks (CD) and digital versatile disks (DVD) offer permanent external storage • Optical storage has the advantage of being less volatile than magnetic storage • Optical storage can be very high capacity Connecting peripherals • Peripheral or outboard devices may be connected to the computer • Various protocols exist to connect peripherals – Parallel and Serial Buses – Universal Serial Bus (USB) – IEEE-1394 (FireWire) – Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) – Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) Connecting peripherals • Parallel and serial are older systems (legacy) that do not offer high enough throughput for most audio and video devices • USB 2.0 provides fast data transfer • IEEE 1394 offers high data transfer capacity and is “hot swapable” • SCSI and S/PDIF are less common and used only for audio devices Peripherals and interfaces • Some peripherals are designed to allow audio and video inputs and outputs to be easily connected to the computer using standard audio connectors • Other interface devices allow the user to have the same “tactile” experience as using a mixing console USB audio interface User interface User interface User interface Software • BIOS – basic input-output system – Permanent instructions on a chip – Called “firmware” – Instructions for organizing data flow • Drivers – small software scripts that allow the computer to communicate with various hardware Software • Operating systems (OS) provide a consistent software platform for application software • Most OS are single-user multitasking • OS present a simple (text or graphic) system for the user to operate the software and hardware