INSIDE A COMPUTER

CSE 1110 – Introduction to Computer Systems

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 … but stores
It not only
instructions
stores data …
as well!!!
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PROCESSOR (OR CPU)
The brain of computer
Executes instructions
Performs all the calculations/processing
The fastest component of a computer

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RAM (RANDOM ACCESS
MEMORY)
Stores programs and data
Small capacity
Faster access to data
Also known as the main memory

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HARD DISK
Stores programs and data
Large capacity
Slower access to data
One kind of secondary storage

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CD/DVD DRIVE
Runs CD/DVD, a form of portable secondary
storage
CD/DVD are optical storages
Small capacity
Slower access to data

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POWER SUPPLY UNIT
Ensures that all the components gets the
power supply they need

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INPUT DEVICES

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OUTPUT DEVICES

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MOTHERBOARD
The backbone of a computer
All components are connected to it
Provides data path between components

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WHY WE NEED BOTH
RAM AND HARD DISK?
Wouldn’t just one suffice?

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RAM VS HARD DISK
RAM Hard disk
Non-persistent/volatile Persistent
 Data is lost after power off  Data remains after power off
 This is why used as a storage
Faster data access
 Any data can be accesses at a constant time Slower data access
 This is why processor looks for data in RAM  Data access time depends on disk rotation
speed, head movement etc.

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HOW COMPUTER WORKS

Input Output
CPU
device device

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HOW COMPUTER WORKS

Storage

CPU RAM Input device

Output device

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