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Hardware and operating systems - Coggle Diagram
Hardware and operating systems
Computer language and function
The smallest unit of information that we can store on a computer (0 or 1) is called a bit (b), which is an abbreviation for binary digit.
Eight bits together form a byte (B). Different multiples of a byte are used to store information.
ASCII
ASCII (the American Standard Code for Information Interchange) uses 7 bits to store up to 128 different characters.
Computer functions
Hardware.
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.
Software or programs
refer to the data and the instructions we use to manage that data.
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.
Computer elements
Microprocessor.
The 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 which processes are completed. The clock continuously generates electrical impulses.
Today's microprocessors can process 64 bits at a time.
A microprocessor's power also depends on its cache memory and the speed at which it communicates with the RAM.
Memory and units of storage.
RAM.
The computer's main memory is its RAM (random access memory). When we run an application, its instructions 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 much faster memory is installed between the RAM and the microprocessor: the cache memory. The cache memory stores the data that the microprocessor uses most often.
ROM BIOS.
When you turn on your computer, it automatically checks the system. This initial check is carried out using instructions stored in a special read- only memory: the ROM BIOS. If everything is correct, the BIOS starts the operating system in the main memory, so that this system can take control of the computer.
Storage devices.
The RAM stores data temporarily. When you turn off the computer, this data disappears. We use data storage units to permanently save this data.
Magnetic disks
Optical discs
Solid state memory (flash)
Motherboard and connecting devices.
Inside the computer you'll find a large board; we call it the motherboard. All the other components of the computer are connected to it.
Connecting external 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.
By special connectors on the motherboard, for such devices as the hard disk, DVD drives 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
Windows
Linux
MAC OS
Applications
Word Processors
Spread sheets
Presentations
Database management tools
Drawing programs
Programing languages
Computer networks
Local Area LAN
Metropolitan Area LAN
Wide area LAN
LAN
Linear
Star
Ring
Elements in a network
Adaptor or network card
Hub
Transmission medium
Wireless networks (WLANS)
Shared internet access
