Introduction to Computer Hardware and

Software
 Definition of a Computer
“A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of instructions
stored in its own memory unit, that can
accept data (input), process data
arithmetically and logically, produce
information (output) from the processing,
and store the results for future use.”
 Functions of a Computer
• Four operations performed
• The four operations are referred to as the
information processing cycle: Input, Process,
Output, and Storage.
• Computers transform raw data into
information
• People who use this information are referred
to as end users, computer users or users
 Introduction to Computer Hardware

• Hardware vs Software
Hardware is everything you can touch and see

Examples: Monitor, hard drive, CD-ROM, computer

cables, keyboard, mouse, modem, printer, etc.
 Software
• Software are programs & applications
– Part of computer that cannot be seen
– Needed for computer to function
– Designed to solve common or custom problems

– System vs Application Software

 Systems Software
• Consists of programs to control the
operation of computer
• Operating System - DOS
• Booting Process
• GUI - Graphical User Interface
 Application Software
• Word Processing Software
• Electronic Spreadsheet Software
• Database Software
• Presentational Software
• Communication Software
• Electronic Mail Software
 Components of a Computer
• There are four components to a computer
– Input Devices
– Processor Unit
– Output Devices
– Auxiliary Storage Devices
 Input Devices
• Input Devices enable the user to enter data
into memory
• Examples of input devices:
– Keyboard
– Mouse
– Scanner
– Touch Screen Input
– OCR
 The Processor Unit
• The Processor Unit is comprised of two
components:
– Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Memory
 CPU
• Interprets instructions to the computer
• Performs logical and arithmetic operations
• Causes the input and output operations to
occur
• A Pentium Pro Microprocessor can perform
approximately 250 million instructions per
second (MIPS)
 CPU TYPES
• Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD),
Motorola, Cyrix
• X86 family of processors: 8080, 8086, 8088,
80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium (P5), Pentium
Pro, Pentium II
• MMX - additions to the CPU programming
that allow for better and faster multimedia
tasks like graphics and sound.
 Computer Memory
• RAM - Random Access Memory
– Computer’s primary storage of data to be
processed
– Silicon chips that store data and instructions as
electronic currents
– CPU can manipulate electrical currents
– Contents of RAM will be lost when power is
turned off
 Computer Memory
• Usually measured in MB or KB (e.g.: 8 MB of
RAM)
• 1000 KB approximately = 1 MB
• 1 MB contains approximately 500 pages of text
information.
• More RAM = faster processing rate
• Applications determine how much RAM
needed
 Computer Memory
• ROM - Read Only Memory
– Instructions and data are hard coded on the
silicon chips
– Examples: BIOS (Basic Input-Output System)
• gives computer the initial instructions to get it
started once computer is turned on.
 Cache
• Temporary holding area where the system
stores frequently accessed information
• Allows the processor to operate faster
• Size measured in KB (e.g. 256K or 512 K)
• Cache associated with the terms L1 or L2
• L1 is internal to the microprocessor
• L2 is separate from the microprocessor
 Output Devices
• Output Devices make the information
resulting from processing available for use
• Examples of Output Devices:
– Printers
– Computer Screens
– Speakers
 Computer Screens
• Also called monitor or Cathode Ray Tube
(CRT)
• Flat panel screens - LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display)
• Screen is made up of pixels
 Auxiliary Devices
• Also know as Secondary Storage Devices
• Examples of Auxiliary Devices:
– Floppy Disks
– Hard Drives
– CD-ROM
– Tape Backup Drives
– ZIP Drives
 Floppy Disks
• Two Types of floppy drives
– 1.2 MB 5.25”
– 1.44 MB 3.5”
• Advantages
– Inexpensive
– Portable
 Floppy Disks
• Disadvantages:
– Slow access time
– Low capacity

• Access time is measured in milliseconds

(ms)
• Formatting and protecting floppy disks
 Hard Disks
• Secondary Storage Device
• Able to store large amounts of data
• Internal vs External
• Storage measured in MB’s or GB’s
• Access time measured in milliseconds (9-28 ms)
• Compression programs are used to save storage
space
 CD-ROM
• Compact disk read-only memory disks are
used to store large amounts of prerecorded
information
• Since programs are getting bigger, it is a good
medium for storage of programs
• Drive Speeds: 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X, 16X, 20X,
24X
• Read-Write CD’s are now available
 Tape Backup Drives
• Used primarily for backup important
information on HD as a precaution against
system failure or crashes
• Can be used to archive information
• Can store large amounts of information, but
access time is slower than floppy or hard
disks
 ZIP and JAZ Drives
• The Zip drive uses special high capacity disks
(100MB) to store information
• Access times vary, but oftentimes are as fast as
hard drive
• Extremely convenient for transferring or
storing large amounts of data
• JAZ drives similar to Zip, but can store up to 1
GB of info on 1 disk
 Monitor
• Measured diagonally in inches
• Actual viewable area is less
• Monochrome
– Black and white display
• Color Monitors
– SVGA, VGA, EGA, CGA:
 Monitor
• Image consists of small dots or pixels
• More pixels = clearer image
• Monitor needs monitor controller
(Video/Monitor card) to function
– Memory on monitor controller accelerates
display on image
– Accelerator chip speeds up display as well
 Modem
• Device that allows transfer of data over
phone lines (internet access, faxing, etc..)
• BAUD - Speed of modem measured in bits
per second or bps
• Examples: 14.4 bps (or 14,400 bits per
second), 28.8 bps, 33.6 bps, etc..
• Internal or External
 Modem
• 56K Modems are now available, but actual
speeds depend on the phone lines and the
technology used by your ISP (Internet
Service Provider)