COMPUTER BASICS

1.02 Processing/Storage

•The performance of a computer is directly related to its components and how well they work together.

•The CPU, memory, storage devices, and other parts of the computer system must work together to achieve the level of performance users expect and demand.

Processing Devices Processing devices are used by computer users to

process the input data and generate the desired output.

Central Processing Unit

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Controls everything the computer does.

Interprets and runs the commands the user gives to a computer.

Also called the microprocessor.

Processing Devices Process the input data and generate the

desired output.

Processing Devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Controls everything the computer does.

Interprets and runs the commands the user gives to a computer.

Also called the microprocessor

Referred to as the brain of the computer

Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Flash Memory

Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM)

the main memory

allows you to temporarily store commands and data

RAM is volatile, which means it is available only while the computer is turned on.

The contents of RAM must be copied to a storage device if you want to save the data in the RAM.

RAM

Read Only Memory (ROM) Read only memory (ROM)

the memory that retains its contents even after the computer is turned off

ROM is nonvolatile, or permanent memory

commonly used to store commands, such as the commands that check whether everything is working properly.

cannot be changed or edited

ROM

Flash Memory Flash memory

a nonvolatile memory that retains data even after a computer is turned off.

Unlike in ROM, you can erase or modify stored information.

Flash

Memory

Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is volatile or temporary and available only while the computer is turned on.

RAM is short term memory

Memory

RAM

short term memory

Read Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is nonvolatile or permanent memory

commonly used to store commands, such as the commands that check whether everything is working properly.

cannot be edited or changed

ROM is long term memory

Memory

ROM long term memory

Flash Memory

a nonvolatile memory that retains data even after a computer is turned off

unlike ROM it can be erased or edited.

Flash drives and data memory cards

Memory

Flash

Memory

Motherboard Motherboard

the main circuit board

inside the computer case

connects input, output, processing , and internal storage devices together

tells the CPU how to run

sometimes called a system board

Storage Devices Storage devices

used to store computer information

can be divided into two types

internal storage devices

external storage devices

Types of Storage Devices Hard disk drive

A magnetic disk that is usually the main storage device on most computers.

Floppy disk

A portable storage device that allows you to store a small amount of data.

Types of Storage Devices

CD-ROM

A portable storage medium that allows you to store 400 times more data than on a floppy disk.

DVD

A portable storage medium that is similar to a CD-ROM

can store larger amounts of data than a floppy disk or a CD-ROM

commonly used to store movies and videos.

Types of Storage Devices

USB Flash Drive

A small portable storage device that is typically the size of a thumb which has less storage capacity as compared to an external hard-drive but are more durable and easy-to-use and can be plugged into any computer with a USB drive. A very popular medium of storage.

Cloud Storage Cloud storage is a modern, fast growing storage service

that uses the Internet and central remote servers to maintain and store data and applications..

Example:

Windows Live

SkyDrive

Storage Devices used to store computer information

Hard Disk Drive

Floppy Disk

CD-ROM

DVD

Flash Drive

Cloud

External

Internal

Click the computer tower to watch the video Computer Tour from howstuffworks.com.

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/computer/ultimate-computer-hardware-videos-playlist.htm#video-23

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