1. University of the Western Cape Chapter 1: Computing Basics Aleksandar Radovanovic

2. University of the Western Cape An Idealized Computer The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains of the computer where most calculations and operations take place. RAM: Random access memory that can be read and written by a microprocessor. ROM: Read-only memory is memory on which data has been prerecorded. FLASH: nonvolatile storage that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. EPROM: Erasable programmable read-only memory. Nonvolatile memory chips that are programmed after they are manufactured, and, if necessary, can be erased by some means and reprogrammed. EEPROM: Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. EPROM that can be erased using electrical signals applied to specific pins.

3. University of the Western Cape Network Interface Card (NIC) A network interface card (NIC), or a LAN adapter is a printed circuit board that provides network communication capabilities to and from a personal computer. It plugs into a motherboard and provides a port for connecting to the network. A network interface card communicates with the network through a serial connection, and with the computer through a parallel connection.

4. University of the Western Cape Base 10 (Decimal) Number System

5. University of the Western Cape Base 2 (Binary) Number System

6. University of the Western Cape Base 16 (Hexadecimal) Number System

7. University of the Western Cape Conversion Algorithm/Reminder Method Convert the decimal number 192 to a binary number. 192/2 = 96 with a remainder of 0 96/2 = 48 with a remainder of 0 48/2 = 24 with a remainder of 0 24/2 = 12 with a remainder of 0 12/2 = 6 with a remainder of 0 6/2 = 3 with a remainder of 0 3/2 = 1 with a remainder of 1 1/2 = 0 with a remainder of 1 Result: 11000000 Convert the decimal number 44978 to a hexadecimal number. 44978/16 = 2811 with a remainder of 2 (2) 2811/16 = 175 with a remainder of 11 (B) 175/16 = 10 with a remainder of 15 (F) 10/16 = 0 with a remainder of 10 (A) Result: AFB2

8. University of the Western Cape Data Networks For your studies, most data networks are classified as either local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). LANs are usually located in single buildings or campuses, and handle interoffice communications. WANs cover a large geographical area, and connect cities and countries.

9. University of the Western Cape Local Area Networks

10. University of the Western Cape Wide Area Networks

11. University of the Western Cape Digital Bandwidth Measurements Bandwidth is the measure of how much information can flow from one place to another in a given amount of time.

12. University of the Western Cape Networking Media Bandwidth

13. University of the Western Cape WAN Services Bandwidth

14. University of the Western Cape Data Throughput The amount of data transferred from one place to another in a specified amount of time. Typically, throughputs are measured in kbps, Mbps and Gbps. Throughput <= Digital bandwidth of a Medium

15. University of the Western Cape Chapter 1 Labs 1.1.1 In this lab, you become familiar with the basic external peripheral components of a PC computer system and their connections including network attachment. 1.1.4 In this lab, you will learn how to properly install a NIC in a PC. 1.2.1.1 In this lab, you will configure the network settings required to connect your PC to a local area network and to gain access to the Internet (World Wide Web - WWW) and Intranet (internal local web servers), which will enable you to view the curriculum. 1.3.6 (homework) In this lab, you will learn to work with the binary numbering system. You will convert binary numbers (Base 2) to decimal numbers (Base 10) and decimal to binary.