Overview of a Computer System (00:00 - 09:59)

 A computer system must support operational capabilities such as input, processing,

storing data, and output for the user to see.
 The Von Neumann architecture is used as the backbone of the chapter, which
incorporates a single memory to store both data and instructions with a central
processing unit.
Components Used to Store Data
 Processor components, such as registers, are used to store data inside a central
processing unit.
o Different types of registers are used to store different data.
 Primary storage includes cache memory and main memory, each serving specific
functions.
 Secondary storage, such as hard disks, SSDs, and removable discs, provides larger
capacity but with longer access times.
Comparison of Data Storage Components
 Registers have the shortest access time, making them very quick but expensive.
 Auxiliary storage has the longest access time but also comes with the highest
capacity.
Output Device and Input Device
 Output devices, such as screens, printers, speakers, VR sets, and writing to data
storage devices, process and output the processed data in a computer system.
 Input devices, like keyboards, touchscreens, scanners, microphones, and mice, allow
users to input data and control the computer system.
Embedded System
 Embedded systems are specialized computer systems that carry out a very specialized
function, unlike general computer systems.
 They have input, processor, memory, and output components, similar to general
computer systems.
o Examples include vending machines and washing machines.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
 RAM provides high-speed data access to temporarily store and retrieve data that the
CPU can quickly work with during computer operation.
o It is located close to the CPU and consists of data that the CPU frequently
needs to access.
 RAM loses its stored data when the computer power is turned off or interrupted,
making it temporary in nature.
o It is also used to store all the programs that are currently running.
RAM (Random Access Memory) (10:02 - 20:00)
 RAM is cheaper compared to static RAM and requires fewer electronic components
per bit stored.
o Static RAM uses flip-flops, allowing faster access and lower power
consumption.
o Static RAM has shorter access time, making it faster, while the cheaper RAM
is slower.
 SRAM is typically used as a cache inside the central processing unit for frequently
used instructions.
o DRAM is usually used outside of the CPU due to its larger size, saving costs.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
 ROM stands for read-only memory and is used to store the bootstrap program and
startup file needed when the computer starts up.
o There are different types of ROM: simple ROM, programmable ROM,
erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable ROM
(EEPROM).
 ROM is not part of the core volume architecture but serves as an essential component
of a computer system.
Buffer
 A buffer acts as a temporary storage and operates as a queue for data moving between
system components.
o It stores data that will be used shortly, such as when streaming a video.
Magnetic Media
 Magnetic media refers to storage devices like hard disk drives (HDD) and magnetic
tape that use magnetic patterns to encode and store digital data.
o The read/write head senses and interprets the magnetic orientation on the
storage medium to retrieve stored data.
o A defragmentation software helps rearrange how sectors are allocated to files,
improving performance.
Optical Medium
 Optical medium uses laser technology to read and write data on discs, such as CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
o The continuous spiral pathway on the disc stores data, and pits and land
features encode the data into the disc using laser technology.
o Unique alloy materials are used as the reflected surface during the writing
process, and the intensity of the laser determines the encoding.
Optical Media (20:02 - 30:00)
 Laser reflects from the crystalline solid, enabling the encoding of one and zero
o Laser can move forward and upward along the track, allowing direct access to
memory
 Increase storage capacity by increasing rotation speed or using a blue laser light with
a shorter wavelength, allowing more pits and lands to exist
o More pits and lands enhance the storage capacity
Solid State Media
 Semiconductor technology with no moving parts
o Amount of electrons in the circuit determines the type of data stored
 Terminology for a solid state drive:
o Single memory cell stores three bits
o Grouping cells together forms a string, storing several bits
o String grouping forms a page, and grouping all pages together forms a block
 Before writing data to a memory block, the blocks must be erased instantly
o Erase capacity allows for erasure of an entire block of memory in an instant
o SSD is quicker than magnetic media due to no moving parts and quick erasure
of data
 Use cases for solid state media include MacBook storage and flash memory
o SSD is faster, more durable, and more reliable compared to traditional HDD
o Degradation occurs gradually and can be identified and corrected
Output Devices
 Screen Display
o Consists of thousands, if not millions, of pixels, each comprising three sub-
pixels representing red, green, and blue
o Evolution of screen technology from cathode-ray tubes to liquid crystal
display or LED
 Virtual Reality Headset
o Immerses the user in a computer-generated three-dimensional environment
 Printers
o Inkjet printer uses tiny droplets of ink, while laser printer uses toner
o Inkjet printer has a moving head that sprays ink onto the paper, while a laser
printer uses a drum and a photo receptor drum
 Graphic Plotter
o Uses pens or draw tools to provide vector graphics, valuable in engineering
and design applications
 3D Printers
o Creates a three-dimensional object by printing out layers of material
Input Devices
 Keyboard
o Each key press is converted to character codes and transmitted to the processor
o Incorporates electrical circuitry and a microprocessor inside
o Goes through various processes to ensure characters appear on the screen
Input Devices (30:02 - 35:01)
 Input devices include keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, camera, webcam, scanner
o Keyboard recognizes keys and converts characters to binary for the computer
o Touchscreen types include resistive and capacitive
 Graphics input devices include camera, webcam, digital camera, scanner
o Cameras transmit video footage and save photos or videos to computer storage
o Scanners work by reflecting light and using mirrors and lenses to guide the
light onto a charge-coupled device (CCD)
Output Devices
 Output devices include speaker and earphone
o Speaker uses changing current to produce sound by controlling a diaphragm
o Earphone serves as an output device for sound as well
Sound Input and Output
 Sound input devices include microphone
o Microphone captures sound frequency and amplitude, requiring an analog to
digital converter
o Second type uses capacitance change of pyroelectric crystal, similar to a
scanner
 Sound output devices include speaker and earphone
o Speaker's changing current makes the core move to produce sound