HELIX

UNIT 4

COMPUTERS
DR. MAY THU KYAW
Contents
01 Machine and Computational
Models
02 Hardware

03 Logic

04 Software

05 Programming Languages
Machine and Computational Models
Embedded fixed firmly into another object.

CONTENTS A computer is a machine that takes some kind of input from its surroundings,
processes the input according to given rules, and provides some kind of output.

The embedded computer in a washing machine has controls that provide

Example
input and a motor and heater as outputs; how fast they spin and how much
heat they produce depends on the input setting

Desktop
Keyboard provides input and the screen provides output
Computer
Sample Answer for Activity 1
1) a. Inputs could include keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, camera, interactive whiteboard. Outputs
could include screen, printer, speakers, headphones, interactive whiteboard, projector.

b. Inputs could include sensors (temperature, water level, weight of load, door), touch screen controls,
switches. Outputs could include motor, pump, door lock, heater, detergent mixer.

2) Computing devices that a central heating installer might use could include tablet, exhaust temperature
probe, portable printer, fault-finding equipment, mobile phone, satnav.

3) Categories could include manual input devices, automated input devices, visual output, audio output, actuators,
switches, sensors, input/output.
 Computation Model
Computational models
describe how algorithms are executed by a machine, eg, by
processing data using inputs and outputs. There are different
models.

Sequential Model
Instruction in an algorithm step by step, in order, from start to finish.

Parallel - Requires an operating system to support

Computer processes are distributed between two or more two or more processor.
processors in a computer with two or more processors installed. - Require software program to process
Each separate part of the algorithm that each processor processes between them equally.
can be combined together.

Multi-Agent
- Separate tasks or algorithms are processed by different system
(agents) to perform a particular function.
 17. Hardware
Function of Hardware Component
CPU, main memory, secondary storage, input and output
devices

Components

Function of main memory

RAM, ROM, cache, virtual memory

RAM ROM

Cloud
Storing data in the cloud
von Neumann Architecture
A computer in which the processing instructions are stored in memory with the data is called a stored- program
computer or a von Neumann architecture.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) and RAM

In a von Neumann architecture computer, the hardware device that does the processing is called the central
processing unit (CPU) and the storage is called main memory/random-access memory (RAM). They are connected to
each other, and to the input and output (I/O) devices, by a group of connecting wires called a bus.
Fetch-decode-execute cycle

When a computer is turned on, the CPU fetches an instruction from the
memory, carries out the instruction it receives, and then fetches the
next, and so on. This sequence is called the fetch-decode-execute cycle
and it carries on until the power is turned off.
Registers
Fetch-decode-execute cycle
Input and Output Devices
- Input devices such as keyboards, mice and light sensors provide the computer with data it can process.
- Output devices such as monitors, printers and speakers are used by the computer to communicate the results of the
processing.
Hardware Components of a
Computer System
RAM and ROM

Cache Memory

Virtual Memory

CPU
 RAM and ROM

RAM
- temporary store that the CPU uses for data and instructions (programs).
- Typically measured in gigabytes (GB).
- Volatile, contents are lost when the power is turned off.

ROM
- Read-only memory
- Non-volatile memory to store any programs that must run when the computer is first turned on.
- Programs permanently stored in ROM are known as firmware.

Firmware
- Programs are small and carry out specific tasks, such as initializing the hardware components and starting
the operating system when a computer is switched on.
- BIOS
- UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface)
Circuit board of 1980 computer Raspberry Pi
 Cache Memory

Cache memory is a small amount of fast,

expensive memory that is used between two
devices that communicate at different speeds,
most often the CPU and RAM.

In a CPU cache, frequently used code or data

is loaded in chunks from the slower RAM into
the cache.

The CPU accesses the cache memory at its

own, faster speed. This means the CPU isn’t
slowed down by having to wait for data from
the RAM.