计算机英语课件Unit_2_Computer_Architeture.pptVIP

Unit 2 Computer Architecture 计算机体系结构 Section A Computer Hardware Introduction Computer hardware is the equipment involved in the function of a computer and consist of the components that can be physically handled. The function of these components is typically divided into three main categories: input,output, and storage. Components in these categories connect to microprocessors, specifically, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), the electronic circuitry that provides the computational ability and control of computer, via wires or circuitry called bus. Software, on the other hand, is the set of instruction a computer uses to manipulate data, such as a word-processing program or a video game. These programs are usually stored and transferred via the computer’s hardware to from the CPU. Software also governs how the hardware is utilized; for example, how information is retrieved from a storage device. The interaction between the input and output hardware is controlled by software called the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) software. Although microprocessors are still technically considered to be hardware, portions of their function are also associated with computer software. Since microprocessors have both hardware and software aspects, they are therefore often referred to as firmware. Input Hardware Input hardware consist of external devices-- that is, components outside of the computer’s CPU– that provide information and instructions to the computer. A light pen is a stylus with a light sensitive tip that is used to draw directly on a computer’s video screen or to select information on the screen by pressing a clip in the light pen or by pressing the light pen against the surface of the screen. The pen contains light sensors that identify which portion of the screen it is passed over. A mouse is a pointing device designed to be gripped by one hand. It has a detection device (usually a ball) on the bottom