1. Chapter 2 Processing Data Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers
Useful
output
Data

2. Learning Objectives:
Identify the main difference between data and information.
List two reasons why computers use the binary number system.
List the two main parts of the CPU and explain how they work together to process data.
Name three differences between RAM and ROM.
List three hardware features that affect processing speed.
Name the two best-known families of CPUs and list their differences.

3. Data - raw facts
Information - meaningful data
(useful output)

4. Decimal Numbers - Base 10 Notation Binary Numbers Number Systems:

5. Bit = binary digit - Smallest unit of data Byte = 8 bits
Bits and Bytes:
Bit = binary digit - Smallest unit of data
Byte = 8 bits

6. On-off circuits are simple and are not prone to errors.
Computers represent data with electrical switches.
= 1
On-off circuits are simple
and are not prone to errors.
= 0
One byte is made up of 8 bits.
(binary = decimal 72)
(ASCII = the letter “H”)

7. Computer parts communicate using binary numbers.
The greater the number of bits moved at
one time, the faster the processing speed.

8. - (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code)
Text Codes:
EBCDIC “EB-si-dic”
- (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code)
ASCII “As-key”
- (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
Unicode
- (Unicode Worldwide Character Standard)

9. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - the brain of the computer
Two parts:
CU (Control Unit)
ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit)

10. Control Unit - Controls the flow of data into and from the Central Processing Unit.

11. Arithmetic/Logic Unit - Performs Arithmetic functions and Logical operations.

12. The CU and ALU
are in the CPU.

13. RAM - Random Access Memory
Types of Memory:
ROM - Read Only Memory
(contains the basic input output system or BIOS)
RAM - Random Access Memory
(user programs and data go here)

14. The ROM is nonvolatile because it will not
lose its contents when powered down.
RAM plugs into sockets on the motherboard.

15. Adding RAM often increases system performance.

16. The CPU can read RAM much faster than it can the hard disk.

17. CPU Manufacturers:
Intel
Motorola
AMD
Cyrix

18. CPU Models:
Pentium
Penium Pro 1995
Pentium II

19. the clock, the faster the
The Pentium II has 7.5 million
transistors, more than double
the number included on the
original Pentium chip. It
can operate from 233 MHz to
400 MHz and beyond.
About MHz: the faster
the clock, the faster the
processing speed.
(1 MHz = 1 million clock
cycles per second)

20. Learning Objectives: Chapter 2 Review
Identify the main difference between data and information.
List two reasons why computers use the binary number system.
List the two main parts of the CPU and explain how they work together to process data.
Name three differences between RAM and ROM.
List three hardware features that affect processing speed.
Name the two best-known families of CPUs and list their differences.