FUNDAMENTALS OF

HARWARE
FUNCTION OF MAJOR
COMPUTER HARDWARE
What is a computer?
A computer is electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored
in its own memory, that can accept
data, process the data according to
specified rules, produce results and
store the results for future use.
What is a computer system
A computer system is a collection of
related components that have all been
designed to work together smoothly. It
includes both the computer’s hardware
(its physical components) and its
software (the programs that run on it)
DIAGRAM SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN THE PROCESSOR AND COMPUTER
COMPONENTS
Processor
Control
Control Arithmetic
Arithmetic
Unit
Unit Logic
Logic Unit
Unit (ALU)
(ALU)

Instructions
Data
Informatio
n

Input Output
Devices
Data Memory Information
Devices

Instructions
Data
Informatio
n
Secondaty
Storage
Devices
The Central Processing Unit

(C.P.U.)
The Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit commonly referred
to the “brain” of the computer provides the
core processing power of a computer system.
The CPU interprets and carries out the basic
instructions that operate a computer. The
CPU significantly impacts the overall
computing power and manages most of the
computer’s operation. It is sometimes called
the processor.
The Central Processing Unit

Main functions of the CPU

 Fetching data and instruction from

memory
 Coordinating and performing
instructions received
 Sending results of execution to memory
The Central Processing Unit
 Parts of a CPU
The diagram below shows the main parts of the CPU, along with its
connections to external components such as RAM, input and output
devices.
The Central Processing Unit

Main Components of the CPU

The CPU is divided into two main components
namely:

Control Unit
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (A.L.U)

These components work together to perform

processing operations
The Central Processing Unit

Control Unit
 It coordinates the input and output devices

 It directs the internal operations of the CPU

 It interprets, directs and control the

instructions
The Central Processing Unit

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit

 It manipulates the data

 It performs all mathematical operations

 It performs logical operations and

compare data items
 The Central Processing Unit

Registers
High speed storage locations within the CPU
that hold data.
Types:
 Accumulator

 Address

 Storage

 Instruction
 The Central Processing Unit

Buses
A circuit that provides a path for transmission
of data/information between components
of the CPU.
Types
 Data

 Control

 Address
 Central Processing Unit
Machine Cycle

A machine cycle is the sequence of instructions

performed to execute one-program instructions.
Machine cycle is measured in nanoseconds.
Central Processing Unit

Machine Cycle includes:

Fetch
Decode
Execute
Store
Central Processing Unit
Fetch
Calls an instruction into memory
 Central Processing Unit

Decode
Figures out what the instruction is trying to do
Central Processing Unit

Execute
Does the decoded instruction
Add 2+2
 Central Processing Unit

Store
Puts the answer 4 into memory for use by
another instruction
 What is storage?
Storage refers to the media and devices used
by a computer to keep data and instructions
available for immediate or later use.
 What are the two types of
storage?
Storage can be grouped into two categories:
 ·         Primary Storage

 ·         Secondary storage
 IMMEDIATE ACCESS STORAGE/

MAIN MEMORY

Primary Storage also known as Immediate

Access Storage ( IAS ) holds programs
and data that the user is currently working
with. For example:
 A word-processed document that is being

edited will be loaded into IAS.

 An email program that is currently

transmitting a message will be loaded into

IAS
Primary Storage (Main Memory)
IMMEDIATE ACCESS STORAGE/

MAIN MEMORY
 Immediate Access Store (IMAS) is a group
of chips that resides in the motherboard (main
circuit board) of the computer.
 IMMEDIATE ACCESS STORAGE/

MAIN MEMORY

The distance the electrical signals have to

travel from the CPU to primary storage or vice
versa is much shorter in distance than the
distance between the CPU and secondary
storage devices.
This shorter distance, along with the design of
the chips, allows for faster interchange or data
and instruction.
Why is the speedy access of
primary storage necessary?

This speedy access is necessary since the

CPU can only act on data and instructions
held on primary storage. So for the
computer to work fast, the primary
storage must be as quickly accessible as
possible.
 IMMEDIATE ACCESS
STORAGE/ MAIN MEMORY
Types of IAS

There are two different types of IAS namely:

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

 Random Access Memory
(RAM)
RAM is used to store programs and data that are being used by
the computer. When the computer is turned on the RAM is
empty. Data and programs can be put into RAM from either an
input device or backing store. The data in RAM is lost when the
computer is turned off so it is known as “volatile memory”. To
keep data the user must save it to backing store before the
computer is turned off.
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
The contents of ROM is
permanent. It can not be altered
by the user. The content is
written onto the ROM when it is
first made. ROM keeps its
contents even when the computer
is turned off and so is known as
“non-volatile memory”. The
program that controls the
machine is stored on ROM.
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
Types of ROM
 PROM

 EPROM

 EEPROM
SECONDARY STORAGE
 SECONDARY STORAGE
Secondary storage, (auxiliary or backing storage,) is storage separate
from the computer itself, where you can store software and data
permanently (for later use).

Secondary storage is necessary because memory, or primary storage, can

be used only temporarily.
The data in secondary storage is not directly available to the CPU. For the
processor to execute the data stored in secondary storage it must be first
brought (loaded) into primary storage (IAS). Secondary storage is
referred to as “Non-volatile “storage. Reminder:
SECONDARY STORAGE

DEVICES MEDIUM
 SECONDARY STORAGE

Secondary Storage Media

A computer keeps data an instructions and

information on storage media.
 SECONDARY STORAGE MEDIA

Examples of secondary storage media

Memory card

Floppy Disks

Hard disk
SECONDARY STORAGE MEDIA
Examples of secondary storage media

Compact Disk
Digital Versatile Disk (CD)
(DVD)

Universal Serial Bus

(USB) flash drive
 SECONDARY STORAGE
DEVICES

A secondary storage device is the computer

hardware records (writes) and/or retrieves
(reads) items to and from storage media.
For example a DVD drive (storage device)
accepts a DVD (storage media)
 SECONDARY STORAGE
DEVICES
Examples of secondary storage devices

Floppy disk drive

CD/DVD Drive
SECONDARY STORAGE
DEVICES & MEDIA
Types of secondary storage media:
 Magnetic Media (floppy disk, hard disk,

tape)
 Optical Media (CD, DVD)

 Solid State devices (flash, smart card)

Magnetic Storage Devices
 Most common form of storage
 Hard drives, floppy drives, tape
 All magnetic drives work the same

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Magnetic Storage Devices

Floppy Disk

Hard Disk

Tape

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Magnetic Storage Devices
Magnetic storage media and devices store
data in the form of tiny magnetised
dots. These dots are created, read and
erased using magnetic fields created by
very tiny electromagnets.

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Magnetic Storage Devices
 Data organization
 Disks must be formatted before use
 Format draws tracks on the disk
 Tracks is divided into sectors
 Amount of data a drive can read

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Tracks and Sectors

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Magnetic Storage Devices
 Finding data on disk
 Each track and sector is labeled
 Some are reserved
 Listing of where files are stored
 File Allocation Table (FAT)
 FAT32
 NTFS
 Data is organized in clusters
 Size of data the OS handles
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Magnetic Storage Devices
 Diskettes
 Also known as floppy disks
 Read with a disk drive
 Mylar disk
 Spin at 300 RPM
 Takes .2 second to find data
 3 ½ floppy disk holds 1.44 MB

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Magnetic Storage Devices
 Hard disks
 Primary storage device in a computer
 2 or more aluminum platters
 Each platter has 2 sides
 Spin between 5,400 to 15,000 RPM
 Data found in 9.5 ms or less
 Drive capacity greater than 40 GB

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Hard Disk

6A-48
Magnetic Storage Devices
 External (high capacity) hard disks
 Speed of hard disk
 Portability of floppy disk
 Several variants have emerged
 High capacity floppy disk
 Stores up to 750 MB of data
 Hot swappable hard disks
 Provide GB of data
 Connect via USB
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 Magnetic Storage Devices
 Tape drives
 Best used for
 Infrequently accessed data
 Back-up solutions
 Slow sequential access
 Capacity exceeds 200 GB

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Optical Storage Devices
 CD-ROM
 Most software ships on a CD
 Read using a laser
 Written from the inside out
 Standard CD holds 650 MB

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Optical Storage Devices
 DVD-ROM
 Digital Video Disk
 Use both sides of the disk
 Capacities can reach 18 GB
 DVD players can read CDs

6A-52
Recordable Optical
Technologies
 CD Recordable (CD-R)
 Create a data or audio CD
 Data cannot be changed
 Can continue adding until full

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Recordable Optical
Technologies
 CD Rewritable (CD-RW)
 Create a reusable CD
 Cannot be read in all CD players
 Can reuse about 100 times

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Recordable Optical
Technologies
 DVD Recordable (DVD-R)
 Several different formats exist
 None are standardized
 Allows home users to create DVDs
 Cannot be read in all players

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Recordable Optical
Technologies
 DVD-RW (DVD Rewritable)
 Allow reusing of DVD media
 Not standardized
 Cannot be read in all players

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Solid State Devices
 Data is stored physically
 No magnets or laser
 Very fast

6A-57
Solid State Devices
 Flash memory
 Found in cameras and USB drives
 Combination of RAM and ROM
 Long term updateable storage

6A-58
Solid State Devices
 Smart cards
 Credit cards with a chip
 Chip stores data
 Eventually may be used for cash
 Hotels use for electronic keys

6A-59
Solid State Devices
 Solid-state disks
 Large amount of SDRAM
 Extremely fast
 Volatile storage
 Require battery backups
 Most have hard disks copying data

6A-60
INPUT DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES
An input devices is any peripheral
(piece of computer hardware
equipment) used to provide data and
control signals to an information
processing system (such as a
computer). Input devices make up the
hardware interface between a computer
and the user or external world.
 CATEGORIES OF INPUT
DEVICES

INPUT
DEVICES

Voice
Keyboard Point & Draw Source Data
Recognition
Entry Devices Devices Entry
and Sound
 CATEGORIES OF INPUT
DEVICES
INPUT
DEVICES

Voice
Keyboard Entry Point & Draw Source Data
Recognition
Devices Devices Entry
and Sound

Terminal
Keyboard
Device
CATEGORIES OF INPUT
DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES

Keyboard Entry Point & Draw Voice Recognition

Source Data Entry
Devices Devices and Sound

Mouse Touch Pad Trackball

Graphic/Digitizing Joystick
Light Pen
Tablet

Touch Pad
 CATEGORIES OF INPUT DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES

Keyboard Entry Pointing Devices Source Data Entry

Devices

Sensors

Magnetic-
Ink
Optical Character Barcode
Scanners Optical
Mark Recognition Reader
Character
Reader Reader
INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard Entry Device

Keyboard

The keyboard is the most common used input

device. It resembles a typewriter and it has
four main parts: alphanumeric keypads,
cursor control keypads, function keys and
numeric keypad.
 INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard
There are special types of keyboards such as Braille
and Concept keyboards.
Concept keyboard
 Uses words and pictures on keys instead of single
characters.
 Used in restaurants and stores.

Braille Keyboard
A Braille keyboard is a specialist input device that
allows the user to type and enter text or instructions
for the computer in Braille.
INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard Entry Device

Terminal Devices

Terminal devices are used to enter data or output infromation from

a centralizes system for processing. Types of terminal devices
are:

 Point of Sale Terminal

 Smart Terminal
 Automated Teller Machines
 Dumb Terminal
 Intelligent Terminal
INPUT DEVICES
Terminal Devices

Point of Sale Terminal

Computer terminal used in shops to input and output data at the

point where a sale is transacted; for example, at a supermarket
checkout. The POS terminal inputs information about the
identity of each item sold, retrieves the price and other details
from a central computer, and prints out a fully itemized receipt
for the customer. It may also input sales data for the shop's
computerized stock-control system.
INPUT DEVICES
Terminal Devices

Smart Terminal

A terminal that has some processing

capabilities, but not as many as an intelligent
terminal. Smart terminals have built-in logic
for performing simple display operations,
such as blinking and boldface. In contrast, a
dumb terminal has no processing capabilities
at all.
INPUT DEVICES
Terminal Devices

Automated Teller Machines

An automated teller machine (ATM) is a

computerized telecommunications device that
provides the customers of a financial
institution with access to financial
transactions in a public space without the
need for a human clerk or bank teller.
INPUT DEVICES
Terminal Devices

Intelligent Terminal

A terminal (monitor and keyboard) that contains

processing power which take some of the
processing load away from the main
computer. Intelligent terminals include
memory and a processor to perform special
display operations.
INPUT DEVICES
Terminal Devices

Dumb Terminal

A type of terminal that consists of a keyboard and a

display screen that can be used to enter and transmit
data to, or display data from, a computer to which it
is connected. A dumb terminal, in contrast to an
intelligent terminal, has no independent processing
capability or auxiliary storage and thus cannot
function as a stand-alone device.
 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
A pointing device is a hardware input device
that allows the user to move the mouse pointer
to select items on a display screen.
Types of pointing device:
 –Based on rolling a ball

 –Based on touching a surface

 –Based on moving stick

 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
Mouse
 A device that controls the movement of the

cursor or pointer on a display screen.

 •The mouse is important for graphical user

interfaces because user can simply point to

options and objects and click a mouse button.
 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
Touchpad
A touchpad is found on notebook computers and
is sometimes called a trackpad. It is a small, flat,
rectangular device that is sensitive to pressure
and motion.
 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
Trackball
Track ball is an input device that is mostly used
in notebook or laptop computer, instead of a
mouse. This is a ball which is half inserted and
by moving fingers on ball, pointer can be
moved
 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
Light Pen
 Light pen is a pointing device which is similar

to a pen. It is used to select a displayed menu

item or draw pictures on the monitor screen.
It consists of a photocell and an optical system
placed in a small tube.
 INPUT DEVICES
Point and Draw Devices
Digitizer/Graphics Tablet
A graphics tablet (or digitizer, digitizing tablet,
graphics pad, drawing tablet) is a computer
input device that allows one to hand-draw
images and graphics, similar to the way one
draws images with a pencil and paper.
INPUT DEVICES
Source Data Entry Devices

Source data entry devices send a source

document directly to the computer for
processing thus eliminating human
error.
INPUT DEVICES
Source Data Entry Devices
Magnetic-ink Character Recognition
(MICR)- this is a character recognition
technology adopted mainly by the
banking industry to facilitate the
processing of checks.

MICR
INPUT DEVICES
Source Data Entry Devices
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – this is a technology that
involves reading typewritten, computer-printed or handwritten
characters from an ordinary document and translating the
images into a form that the computer can process. For example,
when consumers receive a bill they often tear off a portion of
the bill and send it back to the company with their payment.
The portion of the bill they return usually has their payment
amount, account number an other information printed in OCR
characters
INPUT DEVICES

Source Data Entry Devices

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

INPUT DEVICES
Source Data Entry Devices

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) is the scanning

of media to detect the presence or absence
of a mark in a specific position. It is widely
used in surveys, assessments and
evaluations. The multiple choice answer sheet
and course evaluation forms are daily
examples utilizing OMR technology.
INPUT DEVICES
Source Data Entry Devices

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

INPUT DEVICES

Source Data Entry Devices

Barcode Reader – this is an optical reader
that uses laser beams to read barcodes
by using light patterns that pass
through the barcode lines

Barcode Barcode Reader

INPUT DEVICES

Source Data Entry Devices

Scanner – this is a light sensing input

device that reads printed text and
graphics and then translates the results
into a form the computer can process.
Four types of scanners are flatbed, pen,
sheet-fed and drum
INPUT DEVICES

Source Data Entry Devices

Sensors - is a device that measures a physical

quantity and converts it into a signal which
can be read by an observer or by an
instrument. Sensors are used in everyday
objects such as touch-sensitive elevator
buttons and lamps which dim or brighten by
touching the base.
OUTPUT DEVICES
OUTPUT DEVICES

Any device by which a computer

transforms its information to the
"outside world." In general, you can
think of an output device as a machine
that translates machine-readable data
into human-readable information.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Examples of Output devices include:

 Printers
 Plotters
 Microfiche/microfilm
 Screen/Monitor/ Visual Display Unit (VDU)
 Audio output devices
 Projectors
 OUTPUT DEVICES

Audio output device

This is a component of a computer that

produces music, speech, or other sound
such as beeps. Three most commonly
used audio output devices are:

Speaker Headphone
Earphone
OUTPUT DEVICES

 Microfiche/microfilm

A microfiche is a 4 by 5 inch (10.2 by 15.2 cm)

piece of photographic film, containing printed
information in a size too small to be seen by
the naked eye. Books, journals and
magazines are often archived on microfiche.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Projectors

This device takes the text and images

displaying on a computer screen and
projects them on a larger screen so an
audience can see the image clearly.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Plotters

These are sophisticated printers used to

produce high-quality drawings such as
blue-prints, maps and circuit diagrams.
These printers are used in specialized
fields such as engineering and drafting.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Printers

A printer is a device that produces text and

graphics on a physical medium such as paper
or transparency film. Printed information,
called hard copy, exists physically and is a
more permanent form of out than that
presented on a display device (softcopy)
 OUTPUT DEVICES

PRINTERS

NON-IMPACT IMPACT

INK-JET LASER DOT- LINE

PRINTER PRINTER MATRIX PRINTERS
PRINTERS
THERMAL
PRINTER
OUTPUT DEVICES
Printers

Impact Printers

An impact printer forms characters and graphics

on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism
against an inked ribbon that physically
contacts the paper. Example dot-matrix, line
printer.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Impact Printers

Dot-Matrix Printer

This produces printed images when tiny wire

pins on a print head mechanism strike an
inked ribbon. When the ribbon presses
against the paper, it creates dots that form
characters and graphics
OUTPUT DEVICES

Impact Printers

Line Printer

This is a high-speed printer that prints an entire

line at a time. Mainframes, servers, or
networked application such as manufacturing,
distribution or shipping often use line printers
OUTPUT DEVICES

Printers

Non-Impact Printer

A non-impact printer forms characters

and graphics on a piece without actually
striking the paper. Some spray ink,
while others use heat or pressure to
create images.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Non-Impact Printer

Ink-Jet printer

This is a printer that form characters and

graphics by spraying tiny drops of liquid
ink onto a piece of paper
OUTPUT DEVICES

Non-Impact Printer

Laser Printer

These are high-speed high-quality non-

impact printer. Laser are available in
both black-and-white and colour
models.
OUTPUT DEVICES

Non-Impact Printer

Thermal Printer

This type of printer generates images by

pushing electrically heated pins against heat-
sensitive paper. Basic thermal printers are
inexpensive, but the quality is low and images
tend to fade over time.