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Hardware and operating system - Coggle Diagram
Hardware and operating system
Computer language and fuction
When we communicate or memorise a sentence or make calculations, we use a lot of different symbols, sounds and images. Computers only use the number 0 and 1. This is known as the binary system
ASCII: We give a code to each letter of the alphabet, and to the characters computers use, so that we can store them. These codes consist of the figures 1 and 0.
1.1. Computers functions
We use the name hardware for the physical components of the computer system that we use and those we can touch and move, like the mouse and the keyboard.
Computers carry out four different functions
Input of data using peripheral devices.
Output of data using peripheral devices.
Storing data in the storage devices.
Processing data in the central processing unit (CPU), using the microprocessor and the memory.
When we use a computer to do calculations, change the font of a text or change the colours in a picture, we are processing information.
Computer elements
2.1. Microprocessor: Is an integrated circuit made up of millions of tiny transistors working together to process the instructions and data received from the memory.
The clock rate sets the pace at wich processes are completed. The clock continuously generates electrical impulses.
Today's microprocessor can process 64 bits at a time.
A microprocessor's power also depends on its cache memory and the speed at wich it communicates witth the RAM.
2.2. Memory and units of storage
RAM: It's the computer main memory (random access memory). When we run an application, its isntructions and data are copied to this memory so that the microprocessor can use them.
Cache memory: RAM cannot work at the same speed as the microprocessor, so a faster memory is installed between the RAM and the microprocessor: the cache memory.
ROM BIOS: When you turn on your computer, it automatically checks the system. This initial chek is carried out using instructions stored in a special readonly memory: the ROM BIOS.
Storage devices: The RAM stores data temporarily. When you turn off the computer, this data dissapears. We use data storage units to permanently save this data.
Storage devices:
Magnetic disks
Optical discs
2.3. Motherboard and connecting devices
Is like a miniature city. The different componenets are the buildings, and the bits travel down the streets from block to block. The communicatioin between these components takes place through sets of copper wires called buses.
It also includes the following components:
Slots that can be used to expand or add new components, such as a moderm, sound card, network card and so on.
The IDE or ATA and SATA connectors connect the hard disk, CD drive and DVD drive to the motherboard.
The chipset is a number of integrated circuits designed to perform related functions, they control the flow of bits to and from the motherboard.
Various input / output ports.
Connecting external data devices
We can physically connect devices to the computer in different ways.
Using an expansion slot on the motherboard, to connect a sound card or a graphics card, for example.
By special connectors on the motherboard, for such devices as the hard disk, DVD drivers and so on.
Using the external ports on the side or back of the computer, for example, the USB port.
Software and operating systems
Operating system. Manages the system resources, making them available for use by the user and the applications.
Applications. Various types: Word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, database management tools, drawing programs and antivirus software.
Programming languages. These programs can be used to create other programs and applications.
The operating system. Is the first thing that appears when you turn on your computer and the last thing you see when you´re turning it off.
Functions of the operating system
Manages the microprocessor
Manages the memory and storage systems
Allows communication between applications and peripheral devices.
Provides an interface or working enviornment for the user.
Computer networks
A computer network is a set of computers connected to each other so that they can share resources and exchange information.
We can divide computer networks into three categories, depending on their size:
local area networks
metropolitan area networks
wide area networks
6.1. Elements in a network
Each computer needs an adaptor or network card to send information to the other computers and receive information back.
The hub distributes all of the information it receives between the other computers in the network.
This information travels down a transmission medium, normally a cable similar to a telephone wire with an RJ45 connector on the end.
6.2. Wireless networks
They use electromagnetic waves to transmit data. All computers need to have a wireless network card.
6.3. Shared internet access
Using ICS, where all communication is through one computer that must be switched on all the time.
Using a router, which detects data and directs it to and form the Internet.