Class notes
1.1 Hardware and Communications
- Course
- Institution
- Book
Full notes for module 1.1 Hardware and Communications
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
More summaries for
-
1.2 Logical Operations
-
1.3 Data Transmission
-
1.4 Data Representation and Data Types
Seller
Followluca_pass
Content preview
AS ComputingUnit 1.1 - Hardware and Communications
Background Information
The first computer was built in 1937 and could only do algebra. It was built at Iowa University by a
professor, Clifford Berry, to help his students with complex partial differential equations.
Central Processing Unit
The central processing unit is the so-called ‘brain’ of the computer. It controls everything that the
computer does by performing millions, sometimes billions of calculations per second. The CPU has
an aluminium cap on it which dissipates heat and protects the chipset itself. It also has around 1000
pins on the board which connect it to a motherboard. Different sections of the pins on the board
control different things such as memory etc. These pins are also used to spread out the current so
that individual pins don’t disintegrate.
Standard CPU Cycle
Input Device Output Device
Central Processing Unit
Converts collected data in Converts data from the
a format humans can (CPU) computer format to a
understand, to a format format that humans can
that the computer Control Unit read.
understands.
E.g. Monitor/Speakers
E.g. Keyboard/Mouse Immediate Access Store
(RAM Memory)
Peripheral Device
Program Data
Devices outside the CPU
but are under its control
i.e. input devices, output Arithmetic Logic Unit
devices or storage
devices. Registers
Backing Storage
Programs and data can be saved on backing
storage so that they are not lost when we
switch off the computer E.g. Magnetic Disk,
Magnetic Tape and CDROM
Page |1 Luca Passariello AS Computing
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller luca_pass. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.31. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
83430 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now