Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Hardware and Operating Systems - Coggle Diagram
Hardware and Operating Systems
Computer Language and Function
Computers use the binary system, which means they only understand the numbers 0 and 1.
Storage Units
Bit (b): The smallest unit of information (a 0 or a 1).
Byte (B): A group of 8 bits.
Multiples: There are two different scales to measure data:
Binary scale (x 1,024): Kibibyte (KiB), Mebibyte (MiB), Gibibyte (GiB), and Tebibyte (TiB).
Decimal scale (x 1,000): Kilobyte (kB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), and Terabyte (TB).
Text Codes (ASCII) computers convert letters and symbols into codes of 0s and 1s to remember them:
Standard ASCII: Uses 7 bits to represent 128 characters.
Extended ASCII: Uses 8 bits to represent 256 characters, including international symbols.
Example of Capacity
A 1 TB hard disk has a huge capacity. It can hold 500,000 books or 50 million printed pages.
Computer functions
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you can touch, while software is the programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
The 4 Main Functions of a Computer
Input: Entering data into the computer using devices like the mouse and keyboard.
Output: Showing or presenting data using devices like the screen or printer.
Storing: Saving data for later inside storage devices like a hard drive.
Processing: Changing, calculating, or managing data in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) using the microprocessor and memory.
What is Processing?
Every time you change the font of a text, edit the colors of a photo, or calculate numbers, the computer is processing information.
Computer Elements: Microprocessor and
Memory
The microprocessor is like the brain of the computer. It processes data using billions of tiny transistors, and its speed is measured by the clock rate (in GHz).
The 3 Main Types of Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory): The main memory. It temporarily holds the data of the programs you are using because reading from the hard disk is too slow. It deletes everything when you turn off the computer.
Cache Memory: A super-fast memory located between the RAM and the microprocessor. It stores the data you use most often to save time.
ROM BIOS: A permanent, read-only memory. It checks if the system works when you turn on the computer and then starts the operating system.
Storage devices
Storage devices save your files forever, even when you turn off the computer.
The 4 Types:
SSD: Super fast and modern.
HDD: Slower but very cheap with lots of space.
Flash Memory (USB): Small and portable to carry your files.
Cloud Storage: Files saved on the internet (like Google Drive).
Motherboards and Connections
The motherboard is the large main board inside the computer. Every component connects to it.
Main components
Ports (USB, HDMI): Plugs on the outside used to connect the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.
Expansion Slots (PCIe): Slots used to add new internal cards, like a graphics card for gaming.
Storage Connectors (SATA / M.2): Plugs used to connect hard drives and fast SSDs.
Chipset: The "traffic cop" chips that control the flow of data between all parts.
Power Supply: Converts high-voltage electricity (230V) from the wall into safe, low-voltage power for the computer.
Software & Operating System
Software is the invisible part of a computer (programs). There are three main types:
Operating System (OS): The main program that controls the computer (Windows 11, Linux, macOS). It manages the CPU, memory, and lets you interact with the screen.
Applications: Programs you use to do things (Word, Excel, games, web browsers).
Programming Languages: Tools used to create other software (Python, JavaScript).
Artificial inteligence
AI is technology that allows computers to learn, find patterns, and make decisions.
Everyday Tools: Assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini (for text) and DALL-E (for images).
How it works: It uses Neural Networks (systems inspired by the human brain) trained with huge amounts of data and powerful graphic cards (GPUs).
Golden Rule: AI is an assistant, but it can make mistakes. Always verify the information!
Computer networks
A network is a group of computers connected to share files and internet.
Hardware Needed:
Sharing: Modern systems (Windows/Linux) let you share folders or printers with others on the network, or use Cloud Sharing (Google Drive).
Router: Connects your network to the internet.
Ethernet Cable / Fiber Optic: The physical wires that carry data.
Network Card: Inside the computer to send/receive data.
Topologies (Shapes): Star topology is the most common, where all computers connect to a central Switch.
Network Sizes: LAN (small like a home or school), MAN (a city), and WAN (huge like a country or the internet).