Introduction To Computer Technology Group Members Dania Elliston

Introduction To Computer Technology Group Members Dania Elliston 150019 Collin King 120061 Michelle Casey 150009

Components Of a Computer System and their functions Ø Processor-A computer processor, also known as a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), is a component in a computer system that functions as the brains of a computer. Ø It is mainly responsible for processing instructions of a computer program and carrying out computer operations.

Main Memory Ø The main memory of the computer is also known as RAM, meaning Random Access Memory. Ø It is constructed from integrated circuits and needs to have electrical power in order to maintain its information. Ø Ø When power is lost, the information is lost too! It can be directly accessed by the CPU This is broadly comparable with the speed at which the CPU will need to access data. Main memory is expensive compared to external memory so it has limited capacity.

Secondary Memory Ø The function of secondary storage is the long-term retention of data in a computer system. Ø secondary storage is non-volatile and not cleared when the computer is powered off and back on. Ø Secondary storage is cheaper than primary storage but is also slower in both read and write access. Primary storage is faster but doesn't store data persistently, instead loading data from the slower secondary storage into primary in order to make efficient use of it.

MAGNETIC DRIVES Ø Magnetic drives, or hard drives, are the most common form of secondary storage. Ø All modern computers typically use at least one internal hard drive, and many come equipped with more. Ø Hard drives are also frequently attached externally through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Fire wire, and they are also used in arrays for redundant and recoverable storage in case of accidental data loss.

Input Devices Ø MOUSE AND KEYBOARD Ø The two most common forms of input related to computers are the mouse and keyboard. They serve as the gateway of control for the computer. Ø They allow the user to manipulate and dictate tasks ranging from surfing the Internet to writing documents.

Output devices Ø MONITOR Ø As humans are visually-focused, the most common output device is the monitor. Ø The monitor visually relays an image, which is created by the computer's operating system. The computer user sends manipulations through input devices, which enter the motherboard and processor.

Cont’d Ø Ultimately manifesting themselves in the operating system. Older monitors much like TVs have CTRs, or cathode ray tubes. Newer models usually feature LCD screens, which have a greater resolution and are lighter in weight

Cont’d Ø MICROPHONE AND SPEAKERS Ø High-quality audio in computers has become more commonplace since the turn of the century. Ø Almost all computers come with built-in speakers; however, you can hook up external speakers as a more enhanced output device usually through the use of a USB port. Ø Speakers are usually present as an input device; however, they usually have low quality. They allow voice transmission through the Internet as well as voice recording.

Interaction between the components

Similarity between computer and real world system Computer Ø It is a system of interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various external devices such as a printer, scanners, or routers. Ø Each computer connected to the system can operate independently, but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers.

Computer

Real world system Ø When you look at the world you can see that it is just as much as in tune with each other like a computer. Ø A computer is connected in through a series of other pieces that come together to function as one. Ø And so are people connected through family ties, they are connected to the internet and they use accounts that keep them connected to what is happening in our society.

Uses of input and output devices Input Ø Keyboard- The computer keyboard is used to enter text information into the computer, as when you type the contents of a report.

Cont’d Touch-Pad- Most laptop computers today have a touch pad pointing device. You move the on-screen cursor by sliding your finger along the surface of the touch pad.

Cont’d Ø Scanners- A scanner is a device that images a printed page or graphic by digitizing it, producing an image made of tiny pixels of different brightness and colour values which are represented numerically and sent to the computer.

Output Monitor- These monitors are heavy and use more electrical power than flat panel displays, but they are preferred by some graphic artists for their accurate colour rendition.

Cont’d Ø Sounds- Computers also produce sound output, ranging from simple beeps alerting the user, to impressive game sound effects, to concert quality music.

Cont’d Ø Touch Screen- Some computers, especially small hand-held PDAs, have touch sensitive display screens. The user can make choices and press button images on the screen. Ø Mouse- The mouse pointing device sits on your work surface and is moved with your hand older ones use a track ball and newer models uses sensors.

Functions of the CPU Ø A computer's central processing unit (CPU) is the central brain of the computer. CPU is a device that processes mathematical functions at incredible speeds. Ø Understanding how a computer works requires an understanding of the functions of the CPU and what the CPU does to help the rest of the computer operate.

Reference Ø https: //www. macs. hw. ac. uk/~pjbk/pathways/cpp 1/node 10. html