Computer Hardware In-Depth Reading Pt.

1
​ What is a hardware?
​ It is defined as all the physical components of the machine itself.
​ The computer systems are composed of many parts that enable the user to communicate with
the computer, and with other computers to produce work.
​ Computers are now pervasive throughout the healthcare industry. Their applications are
expected to continue to expand and thereby improve the quality of health care while at the same
time reducing some costs.
​
​ Computer Hardware Fundamentals
Four Basic Components of a Computer:
​ CPU (Central Processing Unit)
​ Input Devices
​ Output Devices
​ Storage Media
​ CPU (Central Processing Unit):
​ It is the “brains” of the computer. It consists of at least one arithmetic and logic unit, a control unit,
and a memory.
​ The arithmetic and logic unit controls mathematical functions.
​ The control unit carries out the machine language functions like fetch, execute, decode, and
store.
​ The memory includes the locations of the computer’s internal or main working storage. It consists
of registers, RAM, and cache.
​
​ Memory and the Two Types of Memory:
Memory refers to the electronic storage space in a computer or other digital devices where data and
instructions are stored for quick access by the processor. There are two primary types of memory in a
computer system: RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory).
RAM (Random Access Memory):
​ Volatility: RAM is a volatile memory, meaning that it loses its contents when the power is turned
off. It is used for temporarily storing data that is actively being used or processed by the
computer.
​ Functionality: RAM is a form of temporary or short-term memory. It allows the CPU to quickly
read and write data, providing fast access times compared to other types of storage like hard
drives.
​ Purpose: RAM is crucial for the smooth operation of a computer system. It is used to store the
operating system, running applications, and data actively being processed by the CPU. The more
RAM a system has, the more data it can handle simultaneously, leading to better performance.
​ ROM (Read-Only Memory):
​ Volatility: ROM is a non-volatile memory, meaning it retains its content even when the power is
turned off. Unlike RAM, ROM does not lose its stored data when the system is powered down.
​ Functionality: ROM is used to store firmware and permanent system instructions that are
required to boot up the computer and initiate essential functions. It contains data that is
"read-only," meaning it cannot be easily modified or overwritten.
​ Purpose: ROM is essential for the initial bootstrapping of the computer. It holds the BIOS/UEFI
firmware, which is responsible for initiating the hardware and loading the operating system.
Additionally, ROM is used in embedded systems and other devices where permanent,
unchangeable data is needed.
​ These two types of memory work together to enable the proper functioning of a computer system. RAM
provides the volatile, quick-access storage needed for active tasks, while ROM holds the essential,
non-volatile instructions required for the system's basic operations.

​ Storage Media
Storage media refers to the physical devices or materials used to store and retrieve data. There are
various types of storage media, each with its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Here are
some common types of storage media:
​ Hard Disk Drives (HDD): These are magnetic storage devices that use rotating disks to store
and retrieve data. HDDs are commonly used in computers and external storage devices.
​ Solid-State Drives (SSD): SSDs use NAND-based flash memory to store data. They are faster
and more durable than HDDs but tend to be more expensive. SSDs are often used in laptops,
desktops, and other electronic devices.
​ USB Flash Drives: Also known as thumb drives or pen drives, these are portable, small-sized
storage devices that use flash memory. USB drives are widely used for transferring and storing
data.
​ CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs): Optical discs that use laser
technology to read and write data. CDs and DVDs were popular for software distribution and
media storage, but they have become less common with the rise of digital downloads and
streaming.
​ Blu-ray Discs: An optical disc format that offers higher storage capacity compared to CDs and
DVDs. Blu-ray discs are commonly used for high-definition video storage.
​ Memory Cards: Small, removable flash memory devices used in digital cameras, smartphones,
and other portable devices. Common formats include SD cards, microSD cards, and
CompactFlash cards.
​ Magnetic Tape: A sequential storage medium that uses a long strip of magnetic material to store
data. Magnetic tape is often used for large-scale data backups and archival purposes.
​ Cloud Storage: Online storage services that allow users to store and access data over the
internet. Examples include Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.
​ Network Attached Storage (NAS): Storage devices connected to a network, allowing multiple
users and devices to access and share data. NAS devices often include multiple hard drives for
increased storage capacity and data redundancy.
​ External Hard Drives: Portable hard drives that connect to computers and other devices via
USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces. They provide additional storage capacity and can be
easily transported.
​ The choice of storage media depends on factors such as capacity requirements, speed,
durability, portability, and cost. Advances in technology continually introduce new storage
solutions and improvements to existing ones.
​

Computer Power:
Bits and Bytes:
​ The terms bits and bytes refer to how the machine stores information at the lowest, or “closest to
machine registers and memory” level.
​ Computers do not process information as words or numbers, they handle it by bytes.
​ A “bit” (binary digit) is a unit in the binary numbering system. Binary means two, so a bit can
assume one of two positions. on/off switch – on equals the value 1 and off equals the value 0.
Computer Speed:

​ The CPU speed is measured in cycles per second which are called the clock speed of the computer.
One million per second is called one megahertz (MHz).
​ In general, the higher the clock speed possessed by the CPU, the faster and the more powerful the
computer.

Descriptive Terms Used in Computing:

​ The computer is automatic because it is self-instructed.

​ The computer is electronic because it uses microelectronic components etched on silicon chips for its
security.
​ Computers are general-purpose machines because the user can program, them to process all types of
problems and can solve any problem.
​ The computer is also characterized by its speed, reliability due to silicon circuitry, and its ability to store
large amounts of data that can be retrieved quickly.