MajorHardwareComponentsofaComputerSystem.pptVIP

Major Hardware Components of a Computer System Central Processing Unit Auxiliary Storage Input Devices Output Devices Central Processing Unit Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU): processes data arithmetically (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) or logically (greater than, less than, equal to) Control Unit: works with the operating system to move data between auxiliary storage and main memory; and between main memory and the ALU Main Memory: contains both program instructions and the data that is required. A single machine can have multiple CPUs to share processing tasks (co-processors, multiprocessing), but each CPU can execute only a single task. Inside the System Unit Main component: motherboard Circuit board that “houses” integrated circuits (microscopic elements … wires, transistors, etc…) required to make the digital pulse flow inside of the computer. Pulses flow from component to component via the “bus” Some microcomputers contain a special local bus (VESA or PCI) which increase data transfer rates to the display and/or storage devices Motherboard (cont.) Attachments to the motherboard include: Main Memory: types of main memory include: RAM - temporary (includes virtual memory storage). Include RAM cache ROM - permanent CMOS - semipermanent battery powered Memory chips attach with either a DIP (dual inline pin - old PCs) or as a SIMM (single inline memory module) board When add main memory, make sure add-on chips are compatible Real time clock (current date and time) Microprocessor or CPU (central processing unit) Control Unit: traffic cop portion of the CPU ALU: arithmetic logic unit processes all math and logical operations performed by the computer Motherboard (cont.) Expansion slots/add on boards - allow “cards” that attach various peripheral devices to the motherboard monitors, hard drive, internal fax/modem, network cards,etc PCMCIA slots: special slots developed for laptops to attach devices and add on RAM Expansion devices may provide an