3. This presentation will explore the internal
components of a personal computer.
The aim of this presentation is to clarify any
ideas regarding your knowledge of
computers and to provide a brief, clear
insight into the subject.
Use the buttons at the bottom left of the
screen to navigate between slides and the
contents page.
Have a great knowledgifying experience.
Contents
Dheelan-Rai Sydamah 3
4. The central processing unit (CPU), is considered as the brain of a computer.
Its primary function is to process data at extremely fast rates, the maximum
data that they can process is determined by the CPU speed.
The CPU speed is referred to as GHz. The higher the CPU speed, the more
data can be processed.
The size of a CPU is referred to in bits. Bits are used to specify the size of a
CPU, a bit refers to one significant place in the numbers that a CPU deals
with. For example, an 8-bit CPU deals with number that can only be
represented by eight binary digits.
Processors range in compatibility with motherboards, it limits what
processors can be used with certain motherboards. Certain CPU’s may
require higher specifications that only certain motherboards can offer.
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5. ROM - Read only memory, this type
of memory allows users to view and
access the data stored, however
they cannot be modified. It is
mainly used to share firmware, due
to its limitations.
EEPROM – Electronically Erasable
Programmable ROM, this is a form
of ROM that can be electronically
erased on a computer, which can
be be more useful and practical in
most situations.
Flash memory – This is a form of
data storage that can work with
the absence of a power supply. It is
similar to EEPROM, due to the fact
that data can be erased and
modified electronically.
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6. RAM – Random access memory, more than one piece of data saved or
stored on RAM can be accessed from any part of the memory
simultaneously. This improves flexibility and more usability when
compared against ROM.
There are several types of RAM, some more modern than others, there
are two main types: SDRAM and DDR.
SDRAM – (Synchronous DRAM) This type of RAM is relatively old, at
officially scales at 133MHz, but as processors get faster, other, faster
types of RAM are required.
DDR – (Double Data Rate SDRAM) in simple terms, this type of RAM
doubles the rate of data transfer than standard SDRAM.
DRAM has two major form factors: DIMM and RIMM.
DIMM – They are 64-bit components, they are commonly used, SDRAM
DIMM and DDR DIMM are physically different, therefore incompatible
together.
SODIMM is a memory module designed primarily for laptops and
printers , therefore they are smaller in size.
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Dheelan-Rai Sydamah 6
7. In essence, an adapter card is a printed circuit board (PCB, that can be
inserted into the expansion slot in a computer and increases the
functionality.
PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a standard for adapter
cards. It was developed by Intel, and is used mainly by high
performance graphics adapters.
PCIe – PCI Express is a modern development of PCI, it uses point to point
links instead of parallel links used in PCI, and provides a high speed data
link between a processor and peripherals.
PC Card – Originally known as PCMCIA Card, is the form factor of an
external peripheral designed mainly for laptops. Some modern uses of it
is devices such as network cards, modems and hard disks.
The two main types of computing buses are parallel and serial. This refers
to the circuit configuration and determines what it can be used for.
An adapter cards communicates with the processor by translating data
traveling through the cable into bytes so the processor can read it.
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Dheelan-Rai Sydamah 7
8. Internal storage device – A hard disk drive is a form of an internal storage
device.
External storage device – An external hard disk drive is a form of a external
storage device, another commonly used form of an external storage device is
a USB flash drive.
Types of HDD – There are four main types of hard disk drive: SATA, PATA, SCSI
and Solid State.
SATA – Serial ATA, is a bus interface used to connect host bus adapters to mass
storage devices, such as hard disk drives and optical drives. SATA was
designed to replace the older PATA.
PATA – Parallel ATA, this is similar to SATA, and is used to connect mass storage
devices to the motherboard. It is a relatively older form of storage device
connection.
SCSI – Small computer system interface, this is also similar to PATA and SATA, but
allows several peripherals to be connected to one port. This is also a relatively
older form of technology and is commonly replaced by USB.
Solid State Drive – SSD, this is a recent form of hard drive that consists of fewer
moving components, this reduces chance of failure and also improves weight.
They offer fast write and read performance, and they are also quieter than
conventional HDD’s.
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9. Formatting – This is the preparation of a storage
device for data storage. It is performed when a
device is used for the first time. Formatting allows for
preparing the device, partitioning it and altering the
file format e.g. FAT 32 or NTFS.
Partitioning – This is process of dividing a storage
device into partitions virtually, the operating system
then uses the partitions separately. This allows one
storage medium to be used as if there were multiple.
An example of where it is used is storing a different
operating system on each partition, this allows the
user to select an OS during the boot process.
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Dheelan-Rai Sydamah 9
10. Input devices have different methods of connection depending
on its requirements etc.
Touch input device – This most commonly requires a USB
connection, like most devices today. This allows high speed data
transmission and practicality.
Graphics tablet – A graphics tablet enables the user to input
drawings or similar things to a computer linked via software. Most
modern graphics tablets also use USB.
Gaming controllers – Controllers mostly use USB also, although
before, they used PS2 as a form of connection. USB replaced
PS2, due to practicality and the power output provided by USB.
PC Microphone – Due to sound recording capability,
microphones are linked to the 3.5mm auxiliary microphone jack
used with every modern computer.
Keyboard – A keyboard in the modern day require USB to act as
a peripheral, although, relatively recently, PS2 was used as a
predecessor.
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11. Printers – The most common forms of printer
connections, in order of new technology, are:
Parallel, Serial, Firewire, USB. Most modern printers use
USB connections, although the emergence of
Ethernet data ports and wireless printers has recently
occurred.
Monitors – Most modern LCD monitors and older CRT
screens use VGA ports and connections to transmit
the image as an output.
Speakers – Like a PC microphone, they require the
sound aspect of a computer, therefore they use the
speaker output 3.5mm auxiliary jack.
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Dheelan-Rai Sydamah 11
