Hardware Basics

Chapter 2
Part 2
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Key Topics
• Computer Components
▫ Microprocessors (CPUs)
▫ Storage (RAM/ROM)
▫ Connectivity
• Green Computing
• Future Trends
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Computer Components CPUs

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
▫ It is an electronic chip that carries out the
instructions of a computer program by performing
 Arithmetical +, * and Logical operations <, != (ALU)
 Input/output operations of the system (Control)
▫ Where is it located?
 Motherboard
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Computer Components CPUs

• CPU Performance
▫ Clock Speed
 Speed of the Processor measured in Hertz
 1 GHz is equal to 1 Billion Clock Cycles Per Second
▫ Word Size
 The natural unit of data used by the CPU
 Older PCs 32 bits
 New PCs 64 bits
 Embedded Systems 8 & 16 bits
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Computer Components CPUs

• Single Core CPUs
▫ To increase speed increase clock speed, what’s the
limit? Overclocking.
▫ Pentium I,II,III,4
• Multi Core CPUs
▫ Multiple CPU’s on a single ship, e.g. I3, AMD 64
▫ Parallel Processing
• Cache Memory
▫ Internal storage of data in CPU
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Computer Components CPUs

• CPU Compatibility
▫ Software Compatibility
 All Software need not to be compatible with every CPU
 E.g. Software designed to run on gaming consoles
processors such as PowerPC processors doesn’t work on
Intel processors
▫ Backward compatibility
 Newer versions can process instructions of earlier
models.
 E.g. Intel i5 could run apps designed for Intel Pentium I
but not vice versa
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Computer Components Memory

• Random Access Memory RAM:
▫ Common type of primary storage or main memory
▫ Temporary storage for programs and data
▫ Features:
 Unique addresses
 Data can be stored/retrieved randomly
 Very fast access (in nanoseconds)
 Data erased if power goes off (volatile)
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Computer Components Memory

• Read Only Memory
▫ Contains:
 Startup instructions (Booting)
 Other Critical data
▫ Features:
 Can’t write new information
 Can’t be erased (Etched on the chip)
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Computer Components Memory

• Flash Memory
▫ Read/write/Erase data
▫ Data not erased if power switch off (Non Volatile)
 Smartphone's, Tablets.
 Standalone
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Storing Data and Information:

Hard Drives
• Primary device for
permanent storage
▫ Secondary storage
▫ Stores programs and data
▫ Slower than main memory
▫ Huge storage capacities
• Types:
▫ Internal
▫ Portable
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Storing Data and Information:

Cloud Storage
• Types of Cloud Storage
▫ Dropbox
▫ OneDrive
▫ iCloud
▫ Google Drive
• Features:
▫ Easy access anywhere as long as you have internet
▫ Huge storage capacities
▫ Online backup
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Computer Components Connectivity

• Ports:
▫ USB
▫ Video
▫ HDMI
▫ FireWire
▫ Ethernet
• To connect devices:
mouse, keyboard,
monitor, etc…
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Green Computing
• The use of computers and related resources in an
environmentally responsible manner
• Tips:
▫ Use e-Resources instead of print
▫ Use energy saving devices
▫ Recycle electronic waste
▫ Turn off computing devices when they are not in
use.
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Future Trends
• Existing hardware technology could no longer be
available after 10 years!
• Do you remember Any?
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Future Trends
• Robot Servants
• Commuter Robot
• IoT Smart Cities
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Future Trends
• Virtual Screens
• OLED Displays
▫ Transparent Screens
• Bendable Smartphones
• Flying Cars!!