Computer Hardware

Simplified
By Lameck nsama
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

1. Differentiate between hardware and software:

Hardware is the tangible part of the computer e.g case, keyboard,
motherboard etc..
Software is the set of instructions e.g. operating system, Microsoft office,
etc..
2. Major pc components:
Processor
Main memory (RAM)
Secondary memory(HARDDISK, FLOPPY DISK, and CDROM)
Input devices
Output devices
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. List the purpose and function of the operating system:

For hardware to work it needs software. Are we talking about the third
part(application) software like Microsoft office or spreadsheet? Partly, but an
application software package does not communicate with the hardware
directly. As shown on the next slide.
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. List the purpose and function of the operating system:

Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. List the purpose and function of the operating system:

Between the applications software and hardware is a software interface - an
operating system.
The operating system is the set of program lies in between the applications
software and computer hardware. Conceptually, an operating system software
is an intermediary between the hardware and application software.
The word System software is sometimes interchangeably used with operating
system, but system software means all programs related coordinating the
computer operations. The operating system is included in the system
software.
System software includes: OPERATING SYSTEM, BIOS, DRIVERS, and SERVICES.
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. List the purpose and function of the operating system:

Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. List the purpose and function of the operating system:

An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer's
resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and
printers, (2) establish a user interface, and (3) execute and provide services
for applications software.
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. Explain the difference among a personal computer, a minicomputer and a

mainframe computer:
An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer's
resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and
printers, (2) establish a user interface, and (3) execute and provide services
for applications software.
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
A PC OVERVIEW

3. Parts of the Computer:

The Central Processing Unit: Below shows the parts of a computer
(CPU),
Buses,
Ports and controllers,
ROM;
Main Memory (RAM);
Input Devices;
Output Devices;
Secondary Storage;
floppy disks,
hard disk,
CD-ROM
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
Microprocessor

3. Explain what the processor is and how it works

The microprocessor is sometimes called a logic chip.
A microprocessor is designed to perform the arithmetic and logic operations
that make use of the small number holding areas called the registers.
Typical microprocessor operations include the adding, subtracting, comparing
two numbers, and fetching numbers from one area to another.
CPU basics
A typical cpu has three major components:
1. Register set
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit(ALU)
3. Control Unit(CU)
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"
Microprocessor

3. CPU BASICS
The register set differ from one computer architecture to another.
It is usually the combination of general purpose registers and special purpose
registers.
General purpose registers are used for any purpose, hence name general
purpose.
Special purpose registers they have specific have specific functions inside the
cpu, e.g. the Program counter(PC) holds the address for the next instruction
to be executed, the Instruction Register (IR) it is used to hold the instructions
that is currently being executed.
The ALU provides the circuitry needed to perform the arithmetic, logical and
shift operations demanded of the instruction set.
The Control Unit (CU) its the entity responsible for fetching the instruction to
be executed from the main memory and decoding and then executing it.
 Microprocessor

3. CPU BASICS
Below shows the main components of the CPU and its interactions with the
memory system and the input/output devices.
 Microprocessor

3. CPU BASICS
simple execution cycle can be summarized as follows:
1. The next instruction to be executed, whose address is obtained from the
fetched from the memory and stored in the IR.

2. The instruction is decoded.

3. Operands are fetched from the memory and stored in CPU registers, if
needed.

4. The instruction is executed.

5. Results are transferred from CPU registers to the memory, if needed.

 Microprocessor

3. CPU BASICS
Memory Access Registers
Two registers are essential in memory write and read operations: the memory data
register(MDR) and memory address register(MAR).
The MDR and MAR are used exclusively by the CPU and are not directly accessible to
programmers.
In order to perform a write operation into a specified memory location, the MDR
and MAR are used as follows:

1. The word to be stored into the memory location is first loaded by the CPU into MDR.
2. The address of the location into which the word is to be stored is loaded by the
CPU into a MAR.
3. A write signal is issued by the CPU.

Similarly, to perform a memory read operation, the MDR and MAR are used as
follows:
1. The address of the location from which the word is to be read is loaded into
the MAR.

2. A read signal is issued by the CPU.

3. The required word will be loaded by the memory into the MDR ready for use
by the CPU.
 Microprocessor

3. EEPROMS
EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) is user-modifiable
read-only memory (ROM) that can be erased and reprogrammed (written to)
repeatedly through the application of higher than normal electrical voltage. Unlike
EPROM chips, EEPROMs do not need to be removed from the computer to be
modified.
Note: difference between the flash and the EEPROM
Flash is a type of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).
"Flash" is more of a marketing term than a specific technology. However, this terms
has sortof converged to mean a type of EEPROM that is optimized for large size and
density, usually at the expense of large erase and write blocks and lower
endurance.
 Microprocessor

4. ROM

Once data has been written onto aROMchip, it cannot be removed and can only be
read. Unlike main memory (RAM),ROMretains its contents even when the
computer is turned off.ROMis referred to as being nonvolatile, whereas RAM is
volatile.

Note: Unlike Random Access Memory (RAM), ROM is non-volatile, which means it keeps
its contents regardless of whether or not it has power.
 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

the following are the major parts of the motherboard:
CPU slot and socket :The CPU mounts to the motherboard through either a slot or
socket mounting.
Chipset : Many of the circuit and CPU level functions are contained in the chipset.
Memory sockets : Depending on the age of the PC, its memory is mounted on the
motherboard as individual memory chips that fit into separate DIP (dual inline
packaging) sockets or as memory modules, such as a SIMM (single inline memory
module) or a DIMM (dual inline memory module), that snap into edge connector
mountings
BIOS ROM : The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is stored as firmware on a read-
only memory (ROM) chip. The BIOS is used to start the PC up when the power is
turned on and provides a link for the CPU to the PCs peripheral devices.
 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

the following are the major parts of the motherboard:
CMOS battery : The configuration of a PC at the systems level is stored in a type of
memory, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), that requires very
little power to hold its contents. The CMOS battery supplies a steady power source
to store the system configuration for use during the PCs boot sequence.
Power connector: A connection must be made to the power supply so that power is
available to the circuitry on the motherboard. Motherboards use different
I/O connectors: The motherboard includes a variety of external I/O connectors
that allow external devices to communicate with the
Expansion slots: External peripherals and internal devices are interconnected into
the motherboard and CPU through the expansion bus. The motherboard features a
variety of expansion slots that usually include three or more of the different
expansion buses available.
 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

It is the most important element. The whole PC architecture is build on the main
board.
All devices and peripherals are connected to mother board.
If we have a look at its basic structure we can easily identify:
1.Microprocessor Socket
2.BIOS (and CMOS Battery)
3.RAM memory slots (DIMM, DDR, ...)
4.Card Slots (PCI, ISA, AGP, ...)
5.Chipset
6.Connectors
PS/2 (Keyboard, Mouse)
USB
IDE Bus
Serial and parallel ports (COM & LPT1) Power supply(CN1)
 Motherboard

Main Board or Mother Board

 Motherboard

What is the difference between BIOS and CMOS?

The BIOS and CMOS are often times thought to be the same thing, but they are not.
They are two different components of a computer, but they do work together to make
the computer function properly.
 Motherboard

What is the difference between BIOS and CMOS?

The BIOS is a computer chip on the motherboard that resembles the picture above.
This chip contains a special program that helps the computer processor interact and
control the other components in the computer. These other components include disc
drives, video cards, sound cards, network cards, floppy drives, USB ports, hard drives,
and others. Without the BIOS, the processor would not know how to interact or
interface with the computer components, and the computer would not be able to
function.
 Motherboard

BIOS and CMOS

A PCs BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) includes the programming to perform three
vital and useful functions for the PC:
1. It boots the computer.
2. It validates the PCs configuration.
3. It provides an interface between the hardware of the PC and its software.
System Boot Sequence
 Motherboard

System Boot Sequence

 Motherboard

Chipsets and Controllers

The chipset, is technically a group of chips that helps the processor and other
components on the PC communicate with and control all of the devices plugged into
the motherboard. The chipset only contains enough instructions to perform its function
sat the very most rudimentary level. Most of the function that occurs between the chip
set and advice is actually provided by the devices device driver reacting to the basic
commands communicated to it from the chipset. The chipset controls the bits (data,
instructions, and control signals) that flow
betweentheCPU,systemmemory,andoverthemotherboardsbus.Thechipsetalsomanages
data transfers between the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices and provides support
for the expansion bus and any power management features of the system.
 Motherboard

North Bridge and South Bridge

The north bridge is the major bus circuitry that provides support and control for the
main memory, cache memory, and the PCI bus controllers. The Northbridge is typically
a single chip(usually the larger of all chipset),but it can be more than one chip.
 Motherboard

North Bridge and South Bridge

The Southbridge includes the controllers for the peripheral devices and any controllers
not essential to the PCs basic functions, such as the EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Device
Electronics) controller and the serial port controllers. The south bridge is typically only
one chip and is common among all variations in a chipset family and even between
manufacturers, such as the SiS 5513 and the Intel PIIX south bridge chips
 Motherboard

Memory
Cach Memory (L1, L2)
Placed between RAM and Microprocessor.
It is extremely fast but with low capacity and high cost.
L1 is built in the Microprocessor.
L2 can be found on the Main Board.
Volatile (loses data when turned off).
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Stores data temporarily.
Higher capacity (Mbytes), cheaper and slower than Cach.
Need a refresh not to loose data.
Volatile(loses data when turned off).
ROM (Read Only Memory)
No-Volatile
 Motherboard

Memory

RAM memory

RAM memory slots on mother board

RAM card assembly

 Motherboard

Microprocessor
Also known as CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Processes the data arriving from storage units and peripherals.

Modern Microprocessors work at two different speeds:

Internal: the speed at which data can be processed.
External: the speed used to communicate with Main Board.
 Motherboard

Microprocessor

Socket
Microprocessor Placed on mother board allows microprocessor
connection
 Motherboard

Microprocessor
In order to have optimum performance, overheating problems must be avoided.
Thermic filling can help in heat dissipation.
 Motherboard

Microprocessor
.Other cooling methods as a fan can also be helpful.
Motherboard
Motherboard
Motherboard
Motherboard
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"

When the conversation turns to computer hardware, most people's eyes start to glaze
over. The jargon is at best confusing, and at worst intimidating. So what does the
average person really need to know about computer hardware? The good news is: not
much! Once you know the basic parts, and what they do, you're well on your way.

Here are the main parts inside your computer case:

The power supply -the power cord goes into it, and it distributes power to everything
else
The motherboard - a big circuit board that's connected to everything else
The daughter-boards (or "cards") - smaller circuit boards that plug into the
motherboard.
The CPU (or "chip") - a chip that plugs into the motherboard, covered by a fan
The hard drive - a small metal case and circuit board about 4" by 6"
The RAM (or "memory") - little circuit boards that plug into the motherboard
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"

The first three items are fairly self-explanatory. Thepower supplysimply supplies
power to all the other parts. Without themotherboard, none of the parts could work
together. Thecardsprovide ways to get information into and out of the computer. For
example, you plug your monitor into the video card.
"CPU" stands for "Central Processing Unit", and it directs traffic between the
motherboard and all the things connected to the motherboard. The CPU does all the
data processing and calculations, but it doesn't store any data. Think of the CPU as the
CEO of a corporation - it does all the thinking and directing, but it leaves filing to
others.
The hard drive is like your filing cabinet. All your data is stored on the hard drive. When
you open a file, the CPU directs the request to the hard drive to get the information.
"RAM" stands for "Random Access Memory", and it's similar to your short-term memory.
Without short-term memory, you'd have to get up and go to the filing cabinet each time
you needed information. When the CPU first requests data from the hard drive, the
data goes into RAM, which can be accessed more quickly than the hard drive. But, like
your short-term memory, there's only so much RAM available. As you work on more files,
the older data in RAM is replaced with the current data you're using.
Computer Hardware for the "Non-Techie"

This is why the CPU, RAM, and hard drive are all important in controlling the
speed of your computer. The advertised speed of the CPU (for example, "a 3.8
GigaHertz chip") is really the maximum speed it could go if it had adequate
RAM and hard drive space. So you don't necessarily need to buy a "faster"
computer - you might be able to add RAM or free up hard drive space to
improve performance.