Introduction To Computer
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Computer Organization
- Computer Organization is concerned with the structure and behaviour of a computer system as seen by user.
- It tells us how exactly all the units in the system are arranged and interconnected computer architecture.
- Computer architecture is concerned with the way hardware components are connected together to form a computer system.
- It helps us to understand the functionalities of a system.
Basic Concept of Computer
Computer is an electronic device that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to the specified rules (process), produce the information (output) and store the result for future use (memory).
A Computer Can Do Following Tasks
- Input
- Process
- Output
- Storage
Input and Output Devices
1. Input Devices
Any hardware components that allow to enter data, programs command into a computer.
Example: Keyboard, Mouse.
2. Output Devices
Output device makes the information readable and understandable which can be used.
Example: Printer, Display Devices.
Von-Neuman and Harvard Architecture
| S.N. | Von-Neuman | Harvard |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Von-neuman architecture is a digital computer architecture whose design is based on stored program computer where program and data are stored in same memory. | Harvard Architecture is a digital computer architecture where program and data are stored in separate memory location. |
| 2. | There is common bus for data and instruction transfer. | Separate buses are used for transferring data and instruction. |
| 3. | It is cheaper in cost. | It is expensive. |
| 4. | Can access instruction and data at the same time. | Can access instruction and data at the same time. |
| 5. | Used in personal Computer. | Used in Microcontroller. |
Basic Hardware Component of Computer System
1. Mouse
Mouse is basic hardware input device that is used to move cursor or pointer in the computer screen.
It can also select items in graphical user interface.
2. Keyboard
Input device used to enter data into a computer.
Most common keyboard is QWERTY keyboard.
3. Motherboard
Motherboard connects all the component like memory and graphics card to the power supply.
4. Monitor
Monitor is used to display data and interact with user.
Most common types of monitor are Cathod Ray Tubes, LCD (liquid crystal display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode).
6. CPU
CPU is known as central processing unit which is considered as a brain of the computer.
CPU perform all data type of operations and stores data, intermediate result and instruction (program).
7. RAM
RAM is also called as read write memory or the main memory or the primary memory. It is volatile nature memory. Writing data is faster than ROM.
8. ROM
ROM is Random Access Memory with store data permanently.
It is non-volatile and store data in GIB.
It is used for start up process of computer.
9. Hard Disk Drive
HDD is non-volatile computer storage device containing magnetic disks or platters rotating at high speeds.
It is secondary storage device used to store data permanently, RAM being the primary device memory.
10. Optical Drive
An optical disc drive is a disc drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical disc.
11. Power Supply
A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to an electrical load.
The main purpose of a power supply is to convert electrical current from a source to the correct voltage, current and frequency to power the load.
12. CPU Fan
A fan on top of a computer processor. It helps pull and blow hot air off the processor, helping keep it cooler.
13. Sound Card
A sound card (also referred to as an audio card) is a peripheral device that attaches to the ISA or PCIe slot on a motherboard to enable the computer to input, process and deliver sound.
14. Video Display Controller
VDC is an integrated circuit which is the main component in a video single generator, a device responsible for the production of a TV video signal in a computing or game system.
15. I/O System
Input/output (I/O) system transfer information between computer main memory and the outside world.
16. External Ports
The external ports also know as the external interface, handles all request from users signed into pulse connect from outside the customer LAN, for example: from the internet.
Hard Disk and Optical Disk Drive
| S.N. | Hard Disk | Optical Disk |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | High storage capacity. | Small storage capacity. |
| 2. | Faster data accessibility. | Slower data accessibility. |
| 3. | Expensive. | Cheap. |
| 4. | Better data security. | Less reliable. |
| 5. | Reliable. | Blue-ray Technology. |
RAM and ROM
| S.N. | RAM | ROM |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Temporary storage. | Permanent storage. |
| 2. | Store data in MBs. | Store data in GIB. |
| 3. | Volatile. | Non-volatile. |
| 4. | Writing data is faster. | Writting data is slower. |
Power Supply Unit
- The power supply unit also known as PSU converts the alternating current (AC) to the direct current (DC).
- Power supply is the metal box usually found inside the case.
- PSU is used to send power to the motherboard, microprocessor and storage devices.
- The typical voltage supplied are 3.3 volt, 5V and 12V.
- The 3.3V and 5V are typically used by digital circuit where as 12V is used to run motors in disk drives and fans.
Computer Case
- A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, is the enclosure that contain most of the components of a personal computer.
- Cases are usually constructed from steel, aluminium and plastics.
- The computer cases serves mainly as a way to physically mount and contain all the actual components inside a computer.
- Most of the components of computer usually excluding a display, keyboard, mouse and other external devices.
Motherboard
- A motherboard is main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer.
- It is computer’s central communication backbone.
- It connects the CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card, sound card and other ports and expansion cards.
- Most popular motherboard design is ATX.
CPU
- CPU is considered as brain of the computer.
- CPU performs all data type of operations.
- It stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program).
- CPU has following three component:
- Register
- Control unit
- ALU (Arithmetic logic unit)
Chipset
- A chipset is a group of IC that control the flow of data and instructions between CPU and external devices.
- A chipset has two sections – southbridge and northbridge.
- South bridge is also known as super I/O controller hub. It handles slower devices.
- North bridge is also known as memory controller hub. It handles faster devices.
- It is usually found on the motherboard.
Real Time Clock (RTC)
- RTC is an IC which is used to keep tracks of current time.
- RTC helps to count time.
- It is powered by lithium battery.
- RTC maintains its clock by counting the cycles of an oscillator.
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
- BIOS is a program used by CPU to start the computer when it is powered on.
- It manages data flow between the computer’s operating system and other devices.
- BIOS acts as a middle man between OS and hardware.
- BIOS lies inside chip on motherboard.
Different Types of Ports
1. Serial Port
- A serial port is a serial communication interface through which information transfer in or out sequentially one bit at a time.
- This is in contrast to a parallel port, which communicates multiple bits simultaneously in parallel.
2. VGA Connector
Video Graphic Array (VGA connector) is a standard connectors used for computer video output originating with the 1987 IBM PS/2 and its VGA graphic system, the 15-pin connector went on to become ubiquitous on PCs as well as many monitors, projectors and high-definition television sets.
3. Parallel Port
A parallel port is a type of interface found on early computer for connecting peripherals. The name refers to the way the data is sent: parallel ports send multiple bits of data at once (parallel communication), as opposed to serial communication in which bits are sent one at a time.
4. PS/2 Port
- It is a 6-pin mini-DIN connector used for connecting keyboards and mice to a PC compatible computer system.
- The PS/2 keyboard port is electrically and logically identical to the IBM AT keyboard port, differing only in the type of electrical connector used.
5. Display Port
DVI is a high speed digital interface between a display controller like a computer and a display device like a monitor.
6. Ethernet Port
It helps to connect to a network and high-speed internet (provided by LAN or other sources).
7. USB-C
- USB Type-C is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector.
- The designation C refers only to the connector’s physical configuration or form factor and should not be confused with the connector’s specific capabilities which are designed by its transfer specification.
8. HDMI
HDMI is an abbreviation of High Definition Media Interface. HDMI is a digital interface to connect high definition and ultra high definition devices.
9. USB Port
It can be used to transfer data, act as an interface for peripherals and even act as power supply for devices connected to it.
10. USB Cable
- A USB port is a standard cable connection interface for personal computer and consumer electronics devices.
- USB stand for universal Serial Bus and industry stand for short-distance digital data communication.
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