BridgUnit 2

Taylor Bradley

The Most Fundamental Computer Language

• The only language computers can understand directly
• Only has 2 digits
• Everything a computer does gets simplified into a bunch of 1s and 0s

Binary Digits

• 1 and 0 each represent a single binary digit.

Byte Comparisons

• GIGABYTE: (2^{30}) bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes = 1,024 megabytes = 1,048,576 kilobytes.
• MEGABYTE: 1,048,576 bytes or 1,024 kilobytes.
• KILOBYTE: 1,024 bytes (about 2 or 3 paragraphs of text).
• TERABYTE: (2^{40}) bytes = 1,024 gigabytes = 1,048,576 megabytes.

Types of Personal Computers

• Personal Computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.
• Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer.
• Server Computer: A central computer that contains collections of data and programs.
• Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer.
• Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer.

Motherboard

• The motherboard contains ports to connect all the system components.
• It provides a single socket for the CPU.
• The motherboard is also home to the BIOS.

Input Devices

• Keyboard & mouse
• Webcam
• Monitor
• Microphone

Output Devices

• Monitor
• Speakers
• Printer
• Projector
• GPU (Graphics Cards)

Processor

• There are different architectures for processors.
• The processor is placed and secured into a compatible CPU socket.
• Processors produce heat; the CPU’s main function is to take input from a peripheral and interpret what it needs.
• A computer’s CPU handles all instructions.

Memory

• RAM: The internal memory of the CPU.
  • It is read/write.
  • RAM is volatile.
  • RAM has two types.

Storage

• Magnetic Storage
• Optical Storage
• Any hardware capable of holding information.
• Secondary storage can be removable or internal/external.

Ports

• A port is a physical docking point.
• Ports are slots on the motherboard.
• All peripherals get plugged into a port.
• External devices are connected to a computer using cables and ports.

Ergonomics

• Helps or harms computer productivity.
• Placement and posture prevent health problems.

References

1. (2020). Retrieved 28 April 2020, from techwalla
2. Barnatt, C. (2017). ExplainingComputers.com: Storage. Retrieved 28 April 2020, from explainingcomputers
3. Christensson, P. (2008). Input Device Definition. Retrieved 28 April 2020, from techterms
4. Martindale, J. (2020). What Is RAM? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About It. Retrieved 28 April 2020, from digitaltrends
5. Mullins, D. (2020). Introduction to Computers: Types of Computers. Retrieved 28 April 2020, from sru.edu
6. Rodzinak, D. The Science of Computer Ergonomics. Retrieved 28 April 2020, from thejoint