HARDWARE
CPU
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the “brain” of a computer—it follows
instructions to perform all the basic operations that make software work.
The CPU is a tiny silicon chip inside your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It
processes instructions from programs, performs calculations, and moves
data around. Without a CPU, your device couldn’t run apps, load
webpages, or even display text.
CORE COMPONENTS OF A CPU
Control Unit: Directs the operation of the CPU. It tells other parts when
and how to move data and execute instructions.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs math (addition, subtraction)
and logic operations (comparisons like “is A greater than B?”).
Registers: Tiny, super-fast memory cells inside the CPU that hold data
or instructions the CPU is currently using.
Cache: Small, very fast external memory to store frequently used data
and instructions, reducing the time the CPU waits for information.
HOW A CPU WORKS: THE FETCH-DECODE-
EXECUTE CYCLE
Fetch: The CPU gets (fetches) the next instruction from RAM into a
register.
Decode: The CPU’s Control Unit reads the fetched instruction and
figures out what needs to be done.
Execute: The ALU or other parts carry out the instruction (for example,
adding two numbers or moving data).
WHY CPU SPEED MATTERS
Clock Speed (GHz): How many cycles of fetch-decode-execute per
second (e.g., 3.0 GHz = 3 billion cycles/sec).
Multiple Cores: Modern CPUs have multiple “workers” (cores) inside one
chip, so they can perform several tasks simultaneously.
RAM
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer’s short term workspace,
where it holds and quickly uses the data and programs you’re actively
working on. More RAM lets your computer juggle more tasks smoothly.
Short Term Memory for Computers:
Just like you use scratch paper to solve a math problem jotting down
notes, erasing, and rewriting your computer uses RAM to store and access
temporary information while running programs.
Volatile Storage:
RAM only holds data while the computer is on. When you shut down or
restart, everything in RAM is cleared.
HOW RAM WORKS
Storage Cells:
RAM is made of millions of tiny units called “cells,” each storing a bit (0 or 1).
Addresses:
Every cell has a unique address, so the computer can jump directly
(“random access”) to read or write any cell in the same amount of time.
Fast Access:
Access times in RAM are measured in nanoseconds, making it much faster
than long-term storage (hard drives or SSDs), which operate in
milliseconds
WHY RAM MATTERS
Speed:
Programs and files you open get loaded from slower storage into RAM. The
more RAM you have, the less often the computer must fetch data from the
hard drive or SSD, speeding up performance.
Multitasking:
Each open application takes up a portion of RAM. More RAM means you
can run more applications at once without slowing down.
Gaming and Media:
Graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing load large textures
and files into RAM for instant access.
STORAGE DEVICES
STORAGE DEVICES
Storage devices are hardware components that hold your data like
documents, photos, and programs either temporarily or permanently. They
come in various types, each balancing speed, capacity, cost, and
portability.
A storage device is any piece of hardware that records and retrieves digital
information. Unlike memory (RAM), which loses its data when the power
goes off, storage devices keep data intact even when the computer is
turned off.
MAIN TYPES OF STORAGE DEVICES
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Spinning magnetic disks with read/write heads
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Flash memory chips with no moving parts
USB Flash Drive
Portable flash memory
Memory Card (SD)
Compact flash memory
Optical Disc (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
Laser reads/writes pits on disc surface
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
HDDs/SSDs in dedicated server, accessed over network
HOW THEY DIFFER
Speed:
SSDs are the fastest because they have no moving parts. HDDs and optical
discs are slower due to mechanical movement.
Durability:
SSDs and flash drives resist shock better than HDDs, which can fail if
dropped.
Capacity:
HDDs typically offer the most storage per dollar; SSDs are pricier but faster.
Portability:
USB drives and memory cards are lightweight and pocket sized, while NAS
units stay in one place.
WHAT ARE INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are tools you use to give commands, data, or signals to a
computer. They convert your actions like typing, clicking, speaking, or
scanning into electronic information the computer can understand.
WHAT ARE OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are tools the computer uses to present information to you
in a form you can see, hear, or touch. They convert digital signals from the
computer into human-friendly formats.
THANK YOU