Fundamentals A01 & A02
Basic function of a computer
The primary purpose of a computer is to process and manipulate data using hardware components like the CPU, memory, storage devices and input/output devices. It executes tasks based on instruction provided by software programs.
Processing Components
The Central processing unit (CPU). It receives instruction form computer programs, executes and manages data.
Storage component
Stores data, programs and information. This include hard disk drive (HDD) solid state drive(SSD)
1. short term storage(RAM/volatile/working space)
More the RAM faster the system.
2. long term storage(non volatile )
Hard drives are the primary long term storage which contain moving parts(platters) stores data in the
form of magnetic pulses.
form of magnetic pulses.
SSD(solid state drive) are often used these days due to its
speed and reliability plus it has no moving parts.
speed and reliability plus it has no moving parts.
Computer Bus System
Bus: a collection of wires carrying signals (data/ address) within a computer ensuring different parts of the computer can communicate effectively and coordinate their activities.
1. Data bus: carries data signal from CPU to RAM
2. Address bus: carries address signals of data needs to be read from or written to
3. Control bus: carries control signals that manage the operations of various components.
Polling: computer checks device repeatedly for data.
Interrupt: device signals CPU when it needs attention.
BIOS(basic input output system)/ CMOS(complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
BIOS: Boots computer like power on self test(POST) and manage hardware setting.
CMOS: stores BIOS settings and keeps check of real time.
Network Interference Card(NIC)
A hardware that allows a computer to connect to networks.
NIC also has a unique identifier called MAC address which is used to distinguish it on a network
wireless NIC allows computers or other devices connect to network wirelessly. It needs
SSID(service set identifier)
Data Stored in Bits
At fundamental level data are stored in the form of binary digits or "bits" which represents either 0 or 1.
8 bits equal to 1 byte. these bytes represent text numbers and other symbols. e.g. 01000001 = A
Cache memory
a small high speed memory that stores frequently used data for quick access and reduce CPU wait time.
Functional Unit
Logic circuit: perform arithmetic and logic operation on a word size level.
Arithmetic and Logic unit(ALU) is a part of the CPU that performs arithmetic(maths) and logic(decision making) operations on binary data for computer calculations and processing.
control unit: responsible for managing instruction execution and ensures proper coordination of operations within the processor.
Instruction cycle/ Machine cycle
A fundamental process through which a CPU processes instruction
2. decode the fetched instruction/data and determine what operation and needs to be performed.
3. execute and performs ALU operation
4. read or write the memory data.
5. write back if the instruction asks the output to be stored.
processor component
1. Program counter(PC) is a register in the CPU that holds the memory address of the next instruction to be executed.
2. Instruction register(IR) holds current instruction
3. General purpose register holds data and address
4. ALU and control units fetch and executes data
Performance
- speed of processor
- access time to cache and memory
- design of program
- parallelism(multicore): the number of operation that can be done at the same time
multicore: a single CPU chip contains multiple individual processor core.
Technology
Improved material in transistor can significantly enhance the performance of the computer system
- more logic functionality
- more storage space
Comments
Post a Comment