Computer Science

MO DULE 1: C O M P U T E R A R C HI T EC TU R E & O R G A N I S AT I O N
TOPIC: H A R D WA R E C O M P O N E N T S
Objective:
 State the main purpose of the main components of a computer system
Computer Architecture
Refer to the structure of all part of a computer system and details needed
to make it functional

This includes design of the system, software and hardware

Covers computer system, microprocessor, circuits and system programs

Computer system
Comprises of two main components
 Hardware
The physical components of the computer. These are the electronic devices used to build up the
computer.. Example Processor, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer.

 Software
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, documentation that performs different tasks on a
computer system. A set of instructions that tells the computer exactly what to do. Example Ms. Word,
Ms. Excel, Operating System, Photoshop, Code Blocks
Hardware components
Input/Output devices
Input devices
The input devices is defined as it converts incoming data and instructions into a pattern of electrical
signals in binary code that are comprehensible to a digital computer.

 Output devices
translates the digitized signals into a form understandable to the user. The output device also sends data
from one computer system to another.

 Input/Output devices
 Devices capable of providing information to a computer and also receiving information from it.
Port Connectivity
The location on a computer system for passing data into and out of the system. A port is the point at
which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit
Speed
The rate at which information is transferred between a computer’s CPU and an input or output device.

Processors are measured in Mhz (mega hertz) or GHz (giga hertz). GHz represents the number of clock cycles
(calculations) a processor can manage in a second. Putting simply, a bigger number means a faster processor.

Examples:

2.4GHz means 2,400,000,000 clock cycles.

Quality of Output
Refers to the extent to which a particular aspect of the output of an output device meets the standards of a
particular time period. Example, what was considered good quality resolution on a monitor ten years ago will
be different than what is considered good quality out put today
Specialized Devices
Input or output devices with additional features not pertaining to their main function, example, a
printer that can fax.
 Memory Types
Memory is the most essential element of a computing system because without it
computer can’t perform simple tasks.

Computer memory is refers to a hardware component that stores data for use bay a
computer.

These devices are capable of storing data temporarily or permanently.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
◦ It is a volatile memory as the data loses when the power is turned off.

◦ The main memory or primary memory used by the CPU when processing information.

◦ Types of RAM: Static Ram (SRAM), Dynamic RAM(DRAM)

READ ONLY MEMORY
◦ Stores crucial information essential to operate the system, like the program essential to
boot the computer.

◦ It is not volatile. It always retains its data.

◦ Types of ROM: Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), Electrically

Erasable PROM (EEPROM)
PROM (Programmable read-only memory) – It can be programmed by user. Once
programmed, the data and instructions in it cannot be changed.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable read only memory) – It can be reprogrammed. To erase

data from it, expose it to ultra violet light. To reprogram it, erase all the previous data.

EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read only memory) – The data can be
erased by applying electric field, no need of ultra violet light. We can erase only portions of the
chip.
Memory Features
Speed: this refers to how fast data can be retrieved from or accessed on a
device.

Size: this refers to how much bits of data a memory device is capable of
storing.

Word size: This describes the number of bits a word contains. A word is
the number of bits a CPU can process in one instruction cycle.

Volatility: this refers to the loss of data when power to the memory device
is cut.
Storage Devices
A storage medium (storage device) is the physical material on which a
computer keeps data, instructions, and information. There are certain
distinctive characteristics which can be used to compare one storage device
to another.
◦ Capacity

◦ Access Speed

◦ Access Method – sequential, direct, random

◦ Portability
Security
Hardware components set up to protect the computer system, the data
stored on it and also the computer system.
◦ Surge Protector

◦ Voltage Regulator

◦ Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)

Types of Computers
A computer is a device which can accept, process and store data and produce
some form of output. The size, computational power, speed, memory and
expected use of the computer determines the type of computer.
◦ There are Five (5) general types of computers
◦ Supercomputer

◦ Mainframes

◦ Microcomputers

◦ Mobile devices

◦ Embedded devices