Computer Concepts - Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition UNIT D: Digital Electronics and File Management

Objectives Discuss data representation Explore chips Discuss processors Explore computer memory: RAM Examine computer memory Explore computer files Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Objectives Examine file locations Explore file management Open and save files Talking points: Is your computer making you sick? Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data Representation Data representation - form in which data is stored, output, and transmitted Digital data  Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video converted into discrete digits: 0s and 1s Analog data  Represented using infinite scale of values Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data Representation Bit - each 1 and 0 in electronic signal  Byte - eight bits  Kilobit - 1,024 bits  Kilobyte is 1,024 bytes  Megabit, megabyte, gigabit, gigabyte Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data Representation Numeric data - numbers that represent quantities that might be used in arithmetic operations Binary system (base 2) allows representation of any number using just 1s and 0s Character data - letters, symbols, and numerals that will not be used in arithmetic operations Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data Representation Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Comparing decimal and binary number systems

Discussing Data Representation Images must be digitized into 1s and 0s for computer to understand them  Photos, pictures, line art, and graphs Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data Representation Sound waves must be digitized for computer use Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Chips Integrated circuit (chip) - most significant technology that made PCs possible  Thin slice of semiconducting material (silicon or germanium)  Packed with microscopic circuit elements over which bits travel Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Chips Integrated circuit - in computers, PDAs, cell phones, most electronics Chips connect to computer’s main circuit board (motherboard) Some are plugged into slots on board or special sockets or connectors Others soldered into place Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Chips Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Electronic components ComputerPDACell Phone

Exploring Chips Chips protected by protective carrier or chip package  Carriers vary in shape and size DIP (dual inline package) DIMMs (dual inline memory modules) PGA (pin-grid array) Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Chips Processor (microprocessor)  Complex integrated circuit  Contains as many as 400 million components  Most important and usually most expensive part of computer Producers of processors  Intel  AMD Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Chips Possible to upgrade processor in computer  Owners seldom do  Cost of latest processor more than halfway to new computer  Processor operates at full efficiency only if all components of computer can handle processor’s speed Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Central processing unit (CPU)  Single chip  Circuitry performs central processing tasks of computer Software can identify computer’s CPU and its specifications Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Performance - affected by several factors  Clock speed  Bus speed  Word size  Cache size  Instruction set  Processing techniques Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Clock speed  Pace for executing instructions Cycle  Smallest unit of time processor can recognize FSB (front side bus)  Circuitry that transports data to and from processor Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors HyperTransport  Technology which helps increase speed of data moving in processor Cache (RAM cache or cache memory)  High-speed memory processor can access more rapidly than memory elsewhere Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Word size  Number of bits processor can manipulate at one time Source code  Human-readable version of program Compiler  Converts all statements in program in single batch  Resulting in collection of instructions called object code Interpreter  Converts and executes one statements at a time while program is running Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Instruction set used by affects performance CISC (complex instruction set computer) RISC (reduced instruction set computer) CISC technology used in most PCs Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Processors Processing technique in processor also affects performance  Serial processing Processor must complete entire instruction cycle before beginning new instructions  Pipelining Processor can start second instruction before finishing first  Parallel processing Multiple instructions at same time  Hyper-Threading Allows execution of multiple instructions in parallel Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM RAM (random access memory)  Temporary holding area for data, program instructions, and operating system  Usually several chips or small boards that plug into motherboard  Next to processor, RAM is one of most expensive computer components Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM RAM is waiting room for processor Computer performance directly depends on RAM that is available for applications, data, and operating system Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM Capacitors  Electronic parts that hold data Charged capacitor = 1 Discharged capacitor = 0 Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM SDRAM - fast and relatively inexpensive  Used in most PCs today RDRAM - about 8 times faster, but more expensive Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM RAM stores data in circuitry connected to motherboard  Hard drive stores data on magnetic media RAM - temporary storage  Hard drive more permanent Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Memory: RAM Today’s PCs typically feature 512 MB and 2 GB of RAM RAM can be added up to limit set by manufacturer Faster RAM means faster performance Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining Computer Memory Virtual memory  Can store parts of program or data file until needed  Helps take some load off RAM Boot process  Sequence of events between time you turn computer on and time that it is ready for use  Stored on ROM (read only memory) Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining Computer Memory ROM BIOS (basic input/output system)  Holds configuring information which cannot be stored on RAM because it would be lost when computer is turned off Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining Computer Memory EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory)  Stores and updates basic system information  More permanent than RAM, less than ROM  Nonvolatile chip requires no power to store information Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining Computer Memory Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Access EEPROM setup  Hold down F1 key as computer boots

Exploring Computer Files File - named collection of data that exists on storage medium  hard drive, solid-state storage device, CD, DVD, or tape Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Files Filename  Unique set of characters and numbers  Identifies file and should describe contents Filename has two parts  Filename  Filename extension Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Files Filename extension (file extension)  Further describes file contents  Separated from main filename by period File format  Arrangement of data in file and coding scheme used to represent data Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Files Native file format  Format used by software program to store data User does not decide file extension  File extension can be changed, really shouldn’t Extension usually related to file format Files can be converted from one format to another Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring Computer Files Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Converting a File

Exploring Computer Files File size  Measured in bytes, kilobytes, or megabytes  Knowing file size can be important Especially if sending attachment File date  Date on which file was saved or last modified Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations User decides where files are stored Windows OS labels storage devices with letters  A: and C: Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations Folder  Logical representation of where files are stored  Each folder is named, can hold many files  Folders can be created within folders Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations Directories and subdirectories are synonymous with folders and files  Terms used because OS maintains list of files called ‘directory’ Main directory on disk is root directory Root directory subdivided into smaller subdirectories Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations Filing cabinet - popular metaphor for computer storage Tree structure - storage metaphor based on hierarchical Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations File specification (path)  Computer file’s location - begins with drive letter and is followed by Folder(s) Filename File extension Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Examining File Locations Disk partition  Section of hard drive treated as separate storage unit  Many computers are configured with one partition which holds OS, programs, and data  Possible to create more than one hard drive partition Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring File Management Good file management helps create, open, save, delete, and rename files File management utilities - available to help keep track of program and data files  Most useful when you have logical organization plan  Gives big picture of files stored on storage media  Help organize and manipulate files logically Windows Explorer is Windows file management utility Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring File Management Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Windows file management utility

Exploring File Management Windows Explorer tools  Selected file can be copied, moved, renamed, or deleted as needed  Menu bar and address bar help locate and organize files and folders  Search and organize commands  files or create CDs or DVDs containing files  File sharing  View commands customize display Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring File Management Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Windows Explorer tools

Exploring File Management Windows provides series of default folders  Documents, Pictures, Music  When Windows recognizes file extension as document or picture, it opens Document or Picture folders accordingly Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Exploring File Management Desktop search tools help find and access information in  s  Web pages  Contact lists Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Opening and Saving Files Application software provides access to file management tasks through Save, Save As, and Open dialog boxes Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Opening and Saving Files Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Opening and Saving Files What can be done with files and folders Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Opening and Saving Files Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Save or Save As?

Opening and Saving Files Tips for managing files  Use descriptive names  Maintain file extensions  Group similar files and consider using default files in Windows  Do not mix data files and program files  Do not store data or program files in root directory Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Opening and Saving Files More tips for file management  Be aware of storage locations  Organize folders from top down  Access files from hard drive  Follow copyright rules  Delete or archive files longer needed Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Talking Points: Is your computer making you sick? How does digital lifestyle affect health of nation and world?  Radiation risks  Repetitive stress injuries Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Talking Points: Is your computer making you sick? Most repetitive stress injuries can be avoided by following ergonomic guidelines Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Talking Points: Is your computer making you sick? Other health issues  Eye strain  Back pain  Sedentary lifestyle Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition