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Hardware and Operating Systems - Coggle Diagram
Hardware and Operating Systems
COMPUTER LANGUAGE AND FUNCTION
Binary system
Computers use 0 and 1
Bit (b): smallest unit of information
Byte (B): 8 bits
Units of storage
KiB = 1,024 bytes
MiB = 1,024 KiB
GiB = 1,024 MiB
TiB = 1,024 GiB
Decimal units: kB, MB, GB, TB (multiples of 1,000)
Character codes
ASCII: 7 bits, up to 128 characters
Extended ASCII: 8 bits, up to 256 characters
Computer functions
Input: keyboard, mouse
Output: monitor, printer
Storage: HDD, SSD, USB
Processing: CPU
Hardware and software
Hardware: physical components
Software: programs and instructions
MICROPROCESSOR AND MEMORY
Microprocessor (CPU)
Processes instructions and data
Made of integrated circuits and transistors
Clock rate: measured in GHz
Performance depends on clock speed, cores, cache and RAM
ROM BIOS
Checks the computer when it starts
Starts the operating system
RAM
Temporary main memory
Stores programs and data in use
Loses information when power is off
Cache memory
Very fast memory
Stores frequently used data
STORAGE DEVICES
SSD
Uses electronic memory
Very fast
No moving parts
HDD
Uses magnetic disks
Slower than SSD
Large capacity at lower cost
Flash memory
USB drives and memory cards
Portable storage
Cloud storage
Files stored on remote servers
Accessed through the Internet
Examples: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
MOTHERBOARD AND CONNECTIONS
Motherboard
Connects all computer components
Buses carry data between components
Expansion slots
PCI and PCI Express
Graphics cards and network cards
Storage connectors
SATA
M.2 and NVMe
Chipset
Controls data flow
Determines compatible components
Ports
USB-A and USB-C
HDMI and DisplayPort
Ethernet
Audio connectors
Power supply
Converts 230 V AC into low-voltage DC
SOFTWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEMS
Operating system
Manages computer resources
Examples: Windows 11, Linux, macOS
Functions
Manages CPU time
Manages memory and storage
Provides the user interface
Controls communication with devices
Applications
Word processors: Word, Google Docs, Writer
Spreadsheets: Excel, Google Sheets, Calc
Presentations: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Impress
AI tools: ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini
Browsers, antivirus, games and file compressors
Programming languages
Python
JavaScript
Java
C++
COMPUTER NETWORKS
Definition
Connected computers share resources and information
Types of networks
LAN: local area network
MAN: metropolitan area network
WAN: wide area network
Network topologies
Linear: computers connected along one cable
Star: computers connected to a central switch
Ring: computers connected in a closed loop
Network components
Network card: sends and receives data
Switch: sends data to the intended recipient
Transmission medium: Ethernet or fibre optic cable
Wireless access point: connects wireless devices
Router: directs data between the local network and the Internet
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Definition
Systems learn patterns from data
Make predictions and assist with decisions
Applications
AI assistants: ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini
Image generation: DALL-E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion
Programming assistance: GitHub Copilot
How AI works
Machine learning algorithms
Neural networks
Training data
Powerful processors and GPUs
Cloud computing
Responsible use
Check information because AI can make mistakes
Use AI as an assistant
Think critically
SHARING RESOURCES
Shared Internet access
Router connects the network to the Internet
Printer sharing
Several computers use one network printer
Windows: Settings > Printers & scanners > Printer properties > Sharing
Linux: Settings > Printers > Sharing
File and folder sharing
Windows: Properties > Sharing
Cloud sharing: OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox
Network security
Use strong passwords
Update software
Use antivirus
Share files with trusted users
Encrypt sensitive data
ENVIRONMENT
Computers contain contaminating materials
Recycle old computers at specialist recycling centres
KEY QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Calculate the bits and bytes in a 1 TB SSD
Compare RAM and SSD
Research modern Intel or AMD processors
Draw the school's computer network
Test and evaluate an AI assistant
Compare HDD and SSD speeds
Compare cloud storage and local storage