cgs 2060 computer hardware

overclocking

-changing processor settings so computer runs faster than recommended by the manufacturer -can overheat computer -voids warranties

RAM

-computer's main memory - located on the motherboard, connected to the CPU -solid state electronics (fast, no moving parts) -the memory available to programs to execute tasks -a temporary storage area, cleared when device is turned off

cache

-high-speed storage area usually directly on the CPU -smaller but faster than RAM -used to s

laptop characteristics

-hinged folding computer -integrated monitor, keyboard and touchpad -full operating system

common feature of a smarthphone

-internet capable -touchscreen -front-back facing cameras -speaker

uses of a tablet

-light yet powerful - great for travel, reading, email, games -with a separate keyboard, tablets gain much of a laptop's functionality -if it comes with a smaller OS apps may be limited to mobile versions

uses of a laptop

-mobile - can be carried to class -full operating system - will run all applications -if expandable, memory can be upgraded as necessary -plenty of storage space

mainframe computers

-more powerful than servers and are used by organizations to process large amounts of data -100,000-over a million dollars

uses of all-inone

-neat clean look for office -large monitor without the large system unit -not easily upgradable - not as popular with computer experts or serious gamers

computer system unit

-part of the computer that houses the mother board -motherboard -central processing unit (CPU)

ROM

-read only memory -storage for data and instructions installed by a manufacturer -not generally re-writable (cant be altered or removed)

opticl drives

-reads and writes data using lasers -speed measured in RPM of the spinning disk

desktop

-separate system unit (chassis) -peripherals -system unit- allows for easy hardware upgrades -large footprint

all-in-one

-stationary device -computer within a large number -separate keyboard and mouse -usually a touchscreen monitor -full operating system

supercomputers

-the most powerful type of computer. can evaluate complex data very quickly -many owned by the government

steps of boot process

1. the device is powered on- CPU activates UEFI (BIOS) 2. power-on self-test is executed 3. OS is loaded into RAM 4. OS checks the registry and loads saved configuration settings

bus

a channel over which information flows inside a computer

unicode

a coding scheme capable of representing the languages of the world. uses 16 bits to represent information

embedded computer

a computer that is integrated (a part of) a larger device or system (ex. digital watch, programmable thermostat) -anti-locks brakes and ignition systems in vehicles

computer

a digital device that: -accepts input -processes data into information -stores data -provides information output

protocol

a set of rules for communication between devices that determines how data is transmitted and received

IRDA (infrared data association)

a wireless connection using infarred readio waves often used with a wireless mouse, keyboard, remote control etc

input

accept date from many sources including keyboards, cameras, microphones

wireless ports

allow transmission of data using radio waves

media players

allows you to listen to audio files such as music, podcasts, read books, and watch videos

two main parts of a processor

arithmetic logic-unit and control unit

motherboard

circuit board that holds the computers central processing unit

2-in1- computer

combines the mobility of a tablet with the power of a laptop -full OS -solid-state hard drive - very fast w/ strong battery life -less storage than a traditional laptop -touchscreen -keyboard is either detachable or can be flipped behind the monitor

server (host computers)

computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users

process

computers compile and transform data into useful information

output

computers display information in many forms - images, video and audio

store

computers have the ability to store data for future use

web server

controls access to resources on the web

network server

controls access to resources such as printers and applications on a network

control unit

coordinates al of the activities of all other components within a digital device

word

data a computer can process at once

DVD-

developed by Pioneer

DVD+

developed by sony

gigahertz

equal to one billion cycles per second

megahertz

equal to one million cycles perecond

hertz

equals one cycle per second

hyperthreading

executing multiple instructions simultaneously

machine cycle steps

fetch decode execute store

intel

founded in 1968, this is the world's largest manufacturer of processors

AMD

founded in 1969, AMD's technology is featured inside every major next generation gaming console and home entertainment system

nividia

founded in 1993, produces popular mobile device processors

smartphone

handheld computer with cellular networking capability

tablet

highly mobile, touchscreen, separate keyboard and mouse can be aded, hardware and RAM CANT be upfgaded, some use a smaller operating system

machine cycle

how a computer processes information

address bus

how information and instructions about where the data should go inside the digital device are transferred

4 basic computing functions of a computer (information processing cycle)

inout, process, output, store

processor manufacturers

intel NVIDIA AMD

examples of computers

laptops, desktops, all-in-ones, tablets, smartphones, mainframes, servers, gaming consoles, embedded devices

native resolution

maximum resolution of a display device

clock speed

number of instructions processed per second by the CPU -usually measured in gigahertz (1 billion per second)

arithmetic logic unit

performs math tasks

footprint

refers to the amount of space a device takes up on a desk, table or other area

wordsize

the amount of data a processor can hold and process at one times between 32 or 64 bits

bus width

the amount of data that can be transferred at a given time

central processing unit(CPU)

the computer's main microprocessor

computer hardware

the physical parts of a computer (ex. the system unit, printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, router)

boot process

the process of loading an operating system into main memory

file server

used for data storage