Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Components of Data Processing  Data processing is a technique of collecting, manipulating and distributing data to achieve certain functions Objective: to convert raw data into information that can be used in decision making  Computer Systems A system is a collection of objects, procedures, or techniques that interact in regulated manner to form an organized whole

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Components of Data Processing  Central Processing Unit (CPU)  integrates and coordinates overall operations composed of three (3) units: The CPU sub-units: ALU, Control Unit and Primary Storage

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Components of Data Processing Central Processing Unit (CPU)  Control Unit  maintains order and controls activity in the CPU does not process or store data but it directs the sequence of operations interprets the instructions of a program in storage and produces signals that act as command circuits to execute the instructions  Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)  performs arithmetic computations and logical operations  Primary Storage Unit  holds instructions, data, and intermediate and final results a reusable, fast storage medium, directly accessible by the control unit

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Components of Data Processing  Input/Output Subsystem  provides the mechanism for communications between the CPU and the outside world input subsystem - reads data and converts them into electronic pulses output subsystem - reports the results of the processing by the CPU  Memory Subsystem  also known as the “secondary storage”, allows for extra data storage, exceeding the CPU’s primary storage an efficient and compact means of sorting large amount of data, ready for retrieval or further processing retrieval time is slower than the primary storage

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts I/O Components Common I/O Peripherals  Keyboard Mouse Monitor Hard disk Printer

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts I/O Components Other I/O Devices  CD-ROM drive Modem Sound Card Scanner

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Storage Components Memory  Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory chip that allows instructions and data to be stored, changed and retrieved by the user Read Only Memory (ROM) is a memory chip that allows only readout capability Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) enables the user to add special information to the ROM supplied by the manufacturer as part of the system Virtual Memory is an imaginary memory area supported by the software in conjunction with the hardware

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Storage Components Mass Storage Device  Floppy Disks Compact Disk (CD) Zip Disk

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Classification of Computers  Minicomputers, Microcomputers and Mainframes  Microcomputers are small desktop systems with limited I/O devices --- usually only a keyboard for input, a floppy disk for storage, and a monitor for output Minicomputer is a general-purpose computing device, either rack-mounted or small enough to fit in a desktop Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands of users simultaneously  Desktop PCs  medium sized computers relatively inexpensive and designed for individual users

Computer Hardware Basic Computer Concepts Classification of PCs  Supercomputers  fastest type of computers very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require heavy mathematical calculations that smaller computers may not be able to do weather forecasting animated graphics fluid dynamic calculations nuclear energy research  RISC vs. CISC  Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC)