Chapter 1 - General Presentation of the Computer

Definition of a computer
A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to manipulate information "data", performs complex
arithmetic and logical operations. and store data.

What are the software and hardware?

a. Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor or
keyboard.
b. Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

Principal functions of a computer

1. Input data
2. Processing data
3. Output data
4. Memorizing data

Computer sizes and power

1. Supercomputer
Is very fast in processing and used for Weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, and analysis of geological

2. Mainframe
Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users at the
same time. Used in airports, banks and large companies

3. Minicomputer
It is smaller, slower than mainframe and designed for specific applications. such as hospitals and supermarkets,
resort/hotels

Server
A computer or device on a network that manages network resources

Workstation
The workstation is set of desktop computers that share data between each other. Used for software development,
engineering on using network

Microcomputers (Personal Computer PC)

It is a small, inexpensive computer designed for single user. Used at home, school, office

Different Types of Computer Software

Software is divided into three main categories are:
1. System Software or Operating System (OS): regulates and supervises the sequence of activities going on at
any time in the system.
Example:
 MS Windows
 MS DOS (Disk Operating System)
 Macintosh
 UNIX
2. Application software:
a. Business Applications: Stock, Accounting and Payroll Systems
b. Scientific Applications: used in laboratories researches
c. Control Applications: such as games, medical devices

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3. Programming Languages: To write applications. There are 3 main levels of programming languages:
a. Internal Machine Language known as Binary Language, it is the only language that computer understand
consists of two digits (0 is off and 1 is on)
b. External Machine Language: Known as Assembly Language or Mnemonic Language or Symbolic Language
c. High Level Programming Languages: They are similar to human languages and mathematical expressions
such as C language, C++, Java, C#

Translators
Translators are programs used by the computer system to translate the programs written in assembly or high level
programming languages to internal machine language

There are 4 main types of translators:

 Assembler: Translates programs written in assembly language to machine language
 Macro-Assembler: Translates macro-assembly statements to machine language
 Compiler: Translates programs written in high level programming language to machine language, it is faster
than Interpreter
 Interpreter: Translates a high level statement into machine language and executes it immediately. It is user
friendly since it detects and corrects errors in a program. Interpreter is slower than Compiler
 manner

Chapter 3 - Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer, it
performs all types of data processing operations such as arithmetic
and logical operations, stores data and controls the operation of all parts
of computer.

CPU operation
1. Fetch an instruction from RAM
2. Decode (analyze) it
3. Execute it
4. Write results in RAM
Then entire process repeats, with the next instruction cycle

The CPU components:

1. The Control Unit (CU)/Control and Command Unit (CCU):
Performs the system controls and manages the I/O (peripheral devices)

2. The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):

Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division etc) and logical operation such
comparisons between the result of a calculation and other values
3. Registers (CPU memories): ‫هي اصغر ذاكرات على االطالق واسرعها في نظام الكمبيوتر‬
The registers are small amount of storage available in the CPU that hold instruction.
 Memory Address register (MAR): It stores address of data or instructions to be fetched from memory
 Instruction register (IR): It stores the instruction currently being executed
 Program Counter (PC): It contains the address of the next instruction to be executed
 Accumulator register: works with ALU solving the mathematical expression

4. Instruction Decoder
The instruction decoder takes the instruction stored in the instruction register and analyzes it and tells the CPU
what it need to execute it

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 5. Cache Memory
The Cache memory is a type of RAM used by the CPU to reduce the average time to access data in the central
memory. The cache is a smaller, faster memory which stores copies of the data from the main memory (RAM)
and can be accessed quickly by the CPU
There are three levels of Cache memories:
1. Level 1 cache (L1 cache): Primary Cache, it exists in the CPU.
2. Level 2, Level 3 caches (L2, L3 caches): Exists in a separate Chip on motherboard

Clock
Regulates the timing and speed (rate) of all computer functions
The speed of a computer processor is determined by the clock cycle, which is the amount of time between two pulses,
low level (0) and high level (1). The speed of a computer processor is measured in clock speed which is hertz (Hz),
typically either megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). For example, a 4 GHz processor performs 4,000,000,000 clock
cycles per second

Note: 1 MHz = 1 million cycles per second

Buses
 Control Bus: Sends a control signals from the CPU to other system components to coordinate and control
multiple tasks (0 for reading, 1 for writing). Control bus has one direction from CPU to components
 Data Bus: Transfers data between the CPU and RAM, between the CPU and I/O ports, between memory and I/O
ports. Data buses have two directions

 Address Bus: Transmits the address between the CPU and the RAM for data being processed. Address buses
have one direction

Comparison between RISC and CISC:

RISC CISC
(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) (Complex Instruction Set Computer)

Definition smaller set of instructions with faster calculation larger set of instructions , with slow calculation

Intel Processors
 Intel 4004 (4-bits processor)
 Intel 8008 (8-bits processor)
 Intel 8080 (8-bits processor)
 Intel 8085 (8-bits processor)
 Intel 8048 (Microcontroller)
 Intel 8051 (Microcontroller)
 Intel 80151 (Microcontroller)
 Intel 80251 (Microcontroller)
 Intel 8086 (16-bits processor)
 Intel 8088 (16-bits processor)
 Intel iAPX 432 (32-bits processor)
 Intel Pentium (32-bits processor)
 Intel Pentium M
 Celeron
 Intel Core
 Dual-Core
 Dual-Core Xeon
 Itanium (64-bits processor)

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 Chapter 4 - Central Memory
Introduction
1. Internal Memory:
a. RAM; b. ROM; c. CMOS
RAM: (Central memory) It stores data temporarily while programs are running.
2. Auxiliary Memory: Also known as external or secondary memories, they are used to store information
permanently even the computer is turned off

Addressable (Direct) Non-Addressable (Sequential)

Hard disk, CD/DVD, Flash Key, ZIP Drive, Floppy Disk Magnetic Tape

Memory Characteristics/specifications
 Capacity: Maximum volume of bits that the memory can store. (MB, GB, TB)
 Speed: Measured in megahertz (MHz)
 Access Time: It is the amount of time that it takes for the memory to provide the data required to the computer
for processing. It is measured in nanoseconds (ns)
1 second = 1000 mille-seconds
 Volatility: Need power to maintain the stored data
Volatile: loose its content when the power is off such RAM 1 second = 1000 000 micro second
Non-volatile: maintain its content even the power is off (ROM)
1 second = 1000 000 000 nano
Types of Internal Memories seconds
1. RAM
2. ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory)

 It is the system central memory where the program is processed
 It is temporarily (volatile)
 Read/Write memory
 Direct Access

RAM is available in two types:

1. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) DDR3, DDR4 RAM module
2. Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) used as cache memory only

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

 Used as computer RAM module/chip (central memory)
 Each cell made of capacitor that need to be refreshed every few milliseconds
Characteristic
1. Need to refreshed ; 2. Slower than SRAM; 3. Less expensive; 4. Less power consumption
Type of Dynamic RAM
SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
EDO RAM (Extended Data-Out RAM
DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

 It is fast and costly, used as cache memory
 It is made of flip-flop. does not have to be refreshed

Characteristic of the Static RAM

1. There is no need to refresh; 2. Faster; 3. Used as cache memory; 4. Expensive
5. High power consumption

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RAM Module Formats

SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)

 Has one side, used in older machines
 Has 30 connectors (dimensions are 89x13mm), stores 8 bits at the same
time
 Another type of SIMM modules with 72 connectors (dimensions are
108x25mm) stores 32 bits of data simultaneously (at the same time)

DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)

Has two sides, 84 connectors on each side (168 pins) (dimension
130x25mm), stores 64 bits of data at the same time.
RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module)
Known as RD-RAM or DRD-RAM, it has 184 pins and able to store 64 bits of
data at the same. An aluminum sheath, called a heat spreader, covers the
module to protect the chips from overheating
RIMM memory
ROM (Read Only Memory)
 It is a memory from which we can only read but cannot write on it.
 It is non-volatile memory, the information is stored permanently
 The data stored in ROM during manufacturing
A ROM, stores such instruction as are required to start computer when
computer is turned on, this operation known as booting ROM memory

ROM contains the following programs:

 BIOS (Basic Input-Output System): That controls the system's main input output interfaces
 Bootstrap Loader: To load the OS programs into RAM
 Power-On Self Test (POST) (Supervisor): A program that runs automatically when the system is booted, it
allows the system to be tested

CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi Conductor Memory):

It allows to store system parameters and configurations, settings

Types of ROM
PROM (Programmable Read only Memory)
Can be modified only once
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
Can be erased by exposing the memory chip to ultra-violet light for duration of up to 40 minutes

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)

The EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically

Chapter 5 - Motherboard
Introduction
 The motherboard is a large printed circuit with connectors for expansion cards, memory modules, the processor
 Motherboard connects all of the computer's essential components and allows all the parts of your computer to
receive power and communicate with one another

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 5. 2.

Motherboard Characteristics
a. The Form Factor ‫صناعتها‬
b. Integrated Components ‫مكوناتها‬
o The Chipset (build in)
o The CMOS Clock and Battery
o The BIOS
o The System Bus (control bus, data bus, address bus) and the Expansion Bus (ISA, PCI, AGP, PCI Express)
c. The Type of Processor Socket
d. The Input-Output Connectors

Motherboard Form Factor

Form factor Dimensions Slots
ATX 305 mm x 244 mm AGP / 6 PCI
microATX 244 mm x 244 mm AGP / 3 PCI
Mini ATX 284 mm x 208 mm AGP / 4 PCI

Integrated components
The motherboard includes some on-board components, meaning that they are integrated into its printed circuit

The Chipset
It is a circuit which controls the majority of resources (including the bus interface with the processor, cache memory
and random access memory, expansion cards etc).

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The BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
It is the basic program used as an interface between the operating system and the motherboard. A copy of BIOS is
stored in CMOS in order to let us configure its settings example: booting, system date and time
In order to open the BIOS system we press and hold on the F2 key on keyboard during the booting sequence

The processor socket

a. Slot: A rectangular connector into which the processor is mounted (installed) vertically

b. Socket: It is a square-shaped connector with many small connectors into which the processor is directly inserted

Note: The processor must be inserted gently so that none of its pins are bent. ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
The Input-Output Connectors

a. Serial port: Used for connecting old peripherals

b. Parallel port: Used for connecting old printers
c. USB ports (1.1 low speed or 2.0 high speed, 3.0): Used for connecting more recent peripherals such as mouse,
keyboard, scanner, printers, camera etc…
d. R45 connector (LAN or Ethernet port)
e. VGA connector (SUB-D15): Used for connecting a monitor or projector
f. Audio jacks/plugs (Line-In, Line-Out and microphone):

RAM Connectors/Slots
RAM comes in the form of modules which plug into motherboard connectors

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The Expansion slots: ISA connector; PCI Connector AGP
a. ISA slots (Industry Standard Architecture): It is the slowest one, run on 16 bits (black color) – old motherboard
b. PCI slots (Peripheral Component Interconnect): Used for connecting PCI cards which are much faster than ISA and
run on 32 bits
c. AGP slot (Accelerated Graphic Port): A fast port for graphics card
d. PCI Express slot (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): Faster bus architecture than AGP and PCI buses

Computer Bus
a. The address bus (memory bus): Transports memory addresses which the processor wants to access in order to
read or write data. It is a unidirectional bus
b. The data bus: transfers instructions coming from or going to the processor. It is a bidirectional bus
c. The control bus (command bus): Transports order signal from the control unit to all other hardware components. It
is a unidirectional bus

Different Types of Buses

a. ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
b. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
c. AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port)
d. PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
e. ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment)
f. SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)
g. IDE (Integrated Drives Electronics)
h. LAN (Local Area Network)
i. Serial
j. Parallel
k. USB (Universal Serial Bus)
l. SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

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Expansion Cards

Graphics Cards – Video Cards

Sound Cards

Network Card

The Modem Card (MOduleate/DEModulate)

It is the peripheral used to transfer data between

several computers over a wire transmission medium
(such as telephone line) . Modem
modulates digital information on analogue waves and
in opposite direction, it demodulates analogue
data in order to convert them into digital data

Chapter 6 - Screens
Introduction
A monitor (screen) is a computer display unit
 Cathode Ray Tube Monitors (CRT): They are used with most desktop computers. They are heavy and
voluminous ‫ ضخم‬and Consume electricity
 Flat Screen Monitors: Are used with most laptop computers, smart phone and digital cameras. There monitors
are thinner, light and less power consuming

material it was invented by Sony and Philips in 1981 in order to serve as a high-quality compact audio storage device
which allowed for direct access to digital sound tracks

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 Chapter 7 - Printers
Introduction
Printer is an output device used to print information on paper (hard copy)
There are two types of printers:
 Impact Printers
 Non-Impact Printers

Impact Printers
The printers that print the characters by striking against the ink ribbon and the paper, are called impact printers
Characteristics of Impact Printers are the following:
 Low cost
 Very noisy
 Touch paper during printing
 Cannot print images

Examples: Dot Matrix, Daisy Wheel printer, line printer

 Character printers: Prints one character at a time such as Dot Matrix and Daisy Wheel printers

Dot Matrix Printer

It is the most popular printer because its economical price. It has a writing header that move left and right while set of
hummers strike on the ribbon that touch the paper and shape a form of characters.
Advantages
 Inexpensive
 Widely Used
 Print on multi-form papers
Disadvantages
 Slow Speed
 Poor Quality
 Cannot print images
 Noisy printer

Non-impact Printers
The printers that print the characters without striking against the ribbon. These
printers are of two types:
 Laser Printers
 Inkjet Printers

Laser Printers
They use laser lights to produce the dots needed to form the characters to be
printed on a page
Advantages
 Very high speed
 High quality output
 Gives good graphics quality
Disadvantage
 Expensive
 Cannot be used to produce multi-form paper

Inkjet Printers
They print characters and images by spraying small drops of ink onto paper.
Advantages
 High quality printing and More reliable
Disadvantages
 Expensive and Slow as compared to laser printer

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