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CHAPTER 2 (a) COMPUTING COMPONENT - Coggle Diagram
CHAPTER 2 (a) COMPUTING COMPONENT
MEMORY
Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data (information)
Byte (character)
the basic storage unit in memory
Address
a unique number that identifies the location of a byte in memory
Type of Memory
Volatile
temporary
RAM is the most common type
Nonvolatile
permanent
include ROM, flash memory, and
CMOS
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
Consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices
Also called main memory
Most RAM is volatile, which means it loses its contents when the power is removed from the computer
Types of RAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
must be reenergized constantly
Static RAM (SRAM)
faster and more reliable
than any variation of
DRAM chips
more expensive
Memory Module
RAM chips usually reside on a memory module, which is a small circuit board
SIMM (single inline memory module)
has pins on opposite sides of the circuit board that connect together to form a single set of contacts
DIMM (dual inline memory module)
do not connect and, thus, form two sets of contacts
Memory Cache
helps speed the processes of the computer
L2 Cache
slightly slower than L1 cache but has a much larger capacity
L3 Cache
on the motherboard that is separate from the processor chip
exists only on computers that use L2 advanced transfer cache
L1 Cache
built directly on the processor chip
has a very small capacity
READ - ONLY
MEMORY (ROM)
The data on most ROM chips cannot be modified
ROM is nonvolatile, which means its contents are not lost when power is removed from the computer
These ROM chips, called firmware, contain permanently
written data, instructions, or information
FLASH MEMORY
Can be erased electronically and rewritten
Store data and programs on many mobile devices and peripheral devices
Most computers use flash memory to hold their start-up instructions because it allows the computer to update its contents easily
COMPLEMENTARY METAL - OXIDE SEMICONDUCTER (CMOS)
It provides high speeds and consumes little power
Uses battery power to retain information
even when the power to the computer is off
ACCESS TIME
The amount of time it takes the processor to read data, instructions, and information from memory
A computer’s access time directly affects how fast the computer processes data
ADAPTER CARD
Sometimes called an expansion card or adapter board
A circuit board that enhances the functions of a component of a desktop or server system unit and/or provides connections to peripheral devices
Expansion Slot
a socket on a desktop or server motherboard that can hold an adapter card
Sound Card
enhances the sound-generating capabilities of a
personal computer
input through a microphone
output through external speakers or headphone
Video Card
also called a graphics card
converts computer output into a video signal that travels through a cable to the monitor, which displays an image on the screen
USB ADAPTER
A dongle that plugs into a USB port
Enhances functions of a mobile computer, and/or provides connections to peripheral devices
Add memory, communications, multimedia, security, and storage capabilities to mobile computers
USB flash drive is a common USB adapter that provides
computers and mobile devices with additional storage capability as long as it is plugged in
Hot plugging allows you to insert and
remove a device while the computer is running
BUSES
Allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with one another
Data Bus
used to transfer actual data
Address Bus
used to transfer information about where the data should reside in memory
Bus Width
determines the number of bits that the computer can transmit at one time
word size is the number of bits the processor can interpret and execute at a given time
Types of Buses
System Bus
also called the front side bus (FSB)
part of the motherboard
connects the processor to main memory
Backside Bus (BSB)
connects the processor to cache
Expansion Bus
allows the processor to communicate with peripheral devices
POWER SUPPLY AND BATTERIES
The power supply or laptop AC adapter converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power
Built into the power supply is a fan that keeps the power supply cool
The AC adapter converts the AC power into the
DC power that the peripheral requires, and also often charges the battery in a mobile computer