Computing Overview
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This document provides an overview of key concepts in personal computer hardware and software. It defines analog and digital data, and explains the basic components and functions of a PC including input, processing, output, hardware, firmware, software, binary and decimal numbering systems, and common computer types. It describes the roles of the BIOS, operating system, and applications in a computer system.
Computing Overview
- 1. PC Hardware Servicing NC II Chapter 1: Computing Overview
- 2. Chapter 1 Objectives • Explain analog versus digital data • Explain input, processing, and output • Understand binary and decimal numbering • Identify key components of a PC • Differentiate between computer types • Understand BIOS, OS, and applications
- 3. What All Computers Have in Common • Digital Operation • Hardware and Software • User Input • Processing • Output
- 4. Analog • Continuously variable • No precisely defined values • Often associated with sound (waveforms) • Examples: radio, television broadcasts, telephone
- 5. Digital • Precise values • Numeric data • Quantifiable • Not continuously variable
- 6. Hardware and Software • Hardware: Physical parts of the computer – Examples: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, disks • Firmware: a hardware chip with software stored on it – Examples: BIOS chip, ROM storage of OS in a PDA • Software: Programming instructions for the hardware to execute
- 7. Binary Numbering • Two digits: 0 and 1 • Native format for CPU processing of data
- 8. Decimal Numbering • Ten digits: 0 to 9 • Standard numbering system for humans
- 9. Hexadecimal Numbering • Sixteen digits: 0 to 9 and A to F • Used for memory addresses
- 12. PC Exterior: Front CD drive Floppy drive Hard disk light Power button
- 14. Key Components: Inside the PC Ribbon cables from drives connect to motherboard Expansion boards CPU (under cooling block) RAM Power supply connector to motherboard Power supply
- 15. Key Components: Drive Bays Drives Ribbon cables connect drives to motherboard
- 16. Key Components: Drives • Storage for data • Persists when power is off • Some can be externally accessed (floppy, CD) • Some are internal only (hard) Ribbon cable connector Power connector
- 17. Key Components: Motherboard Power supply connector IDE connectors BIOS chip ISA slots Battery PCI slots RAM CPU Ports AGP slot
- 18. Key Components: Expansion Boards • Add functionality to the PC that the motherboard does not provide • Fit into ISA, PCI, or AGP slots Single-edge connector to motherboard Backplate Externally accessible port
- 19. Notebook PCs Built-in LCD screen Built-in pointing device Can run on AC or battery PCMCIA slots instead of ISA/PCI
- 20. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) • Hand-held computer • Limited amount of RAM • Limited in functionality • Write, tap with stylus on touch- sensitive screen
- 21. Basic Input Output System (BIOS) • Startup instructions for low-level hardware • Typically on a chip on the motherboard • Does not change readily; requires special utility
- 22. Operating System • Interacts with human user • Manages communication with software • Runs applications • Controls input and output
- 23. Applications • Perform useful human tasks • Run on top of an operating system • Are written for a specific OS • Examples: Word, Quicken, games