Computer Based Technology: Micro computer Hardware

 

Computer Based Technology: Microcomputer Hardware

Definition: The Physical equipment that makes up the computer. A Computer specific combination of hardware components is referred to as its configuration.

Basic Hardware Components:

1. Input Device:

•   Transmit information into the computer.
• Translate data that people can understand into a form that the computer can process.
•  Eg. Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner

2. Central Processing Unit:

• The core element that carries out all the calculation and control the total system.
• Memories stores information for manipulation by the CPU.
• It control instruction and set of data are stored in two types of memory.
• Each type of CPU has its own machine language.
• The CPU consists of a Control Unit and Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU).
• The control unit controls the operation of the peripheral devices and the transfer of information between the units that make up the computer.
• The Arithmetic/Logic Unit performs calculation.

3. Read-Only Memory (ROM):

• ROM is called nonvolatile memory because the memory chips do not lose their information when power to the computer is turned off.
• Memory refers to the computer chips that store information for quick retrieval by the CPU.
• Consists of the control instructions that have been wired permanently into memory.
• Contains critical information and software that must be permanently available for computer operation, such as the operating system that directs the computer's actions from start up to shut down.
• Eg. –Programming languages, Internal monitoring functions.

4. Random-Access Memory (RAM):

• Is used to store the information and instructions that operates the computer's program.
• It is also know as volatile memory because the information within the computer chips is lost when power to the computer is turned off.
• Flexible part of the memory.
• Unfortunately, it is limited in size and needs to be constantly cleared and refill.
• Particular programme or set of data being manipulated by the user is temporarily stored in it.
• Then, it erased to make way for the next programme.
• A computer memory's size describe in terms of how many bytes it can store at one time.

5. Hard Disk Drive:

• Store information in magnetic particles embedded in a disk.
• Usually a permanent part of the computer, hard disk drives can store large amounts of information and retrieve that information very quickly.
• Hard drives come in different capacities.
• When it comes to hard drives, bigger is better, within reason.
• This would allow you to install quite a few programs and still have room left for your data.

6. Storage:

• The computer's operating system, application programmes and data files are stored outside its CPU when not in use.
• Most common storage mechanism the Magnetic disk, Pendrive, CD-ROMS.

7. Output Device:

• The output devices-CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Printer etc.
• Translate the process information from the computer into a form that people can understand.