© Thomas Kabalin
Information
Technology
Hardware
Computer hardware: refers to the physical components that make up a computer.
Input devices: any device that allows you to add data to a computer, like a keyboard, mouse,
camera, or microphone.
Memory: the storage space in a computer where data is temporarily kept while it is being
processed.
Output devices: a device that takes data from a computer and makes it available to the user
in a way the user understands. Examples include monitors, speakers and printers.
Storage devices: a device that stores data permanently. Different storage devices like hard
disk drives, CDs and flash drives simply store different amounts of data.
Processing devices: the computer devices responsible for implementing instructions and
doing calculations. (CPUs and GPUs)
Communications devices: devices, such as modems and routers, that allow a computer to
connect to other computers on a network.
CPU – the processing unit responsible for processing general instructions
GPU – the part of a computer responsible for processing the instructions that create a
picture on the screen
Motherboard
Motherboard: device responsible for connecting all the hardware devices and sending
signals between devices
Large, printed circuit board with slots for components
Performs following tasks:
o provides physical structure for other hardware.
o connects the hardware.
o provides power to the hardware.
o sends signals between the hardware.
Circuits laid out so that signals arrive at the same time (zigzags)
Width determines amount of data
Processing devices which manipulate data & perform calculations receive data from RAM,
perform instruction, return data to RAM
Different slots:
o CPU slot: The CPU socket (also called the ZIF socket – zero insertion force) is used to
connect the CPU to the motherboard. Intel and AMD each have their own sockets,
and each brand occasionally change their standard socket when a new generation of
CPUs released.
1|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
o DIMM slot (dual inline memory module): The DIMM slot is used to connect the
computer’s RAM to the motherboard.
o PCI/PCIe: The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or PCI express slots allow
you to plug additional hardware like a GPU, sound card, ethernet card or Wi-Fi card
o GPU/PCIe x16: this is a high-speed slot generally used for the computer’s graphics
card since it receives and sends the most data.
o SATA: The Serial AT Attachment (SATA) port is used to connect internal devices such
as hard drives to the computer.
o Power: the main power connection connects the motherboard to the power supply
which connects to a normal household power outlet. This supplies power to and all
connected components.
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
BIOS chip A computer’s BIOS (or Basic Input/Output System) is the first set of instructions that
run every time a computer is started up. The BIOS is stored on your computer’s ROM
(or read-only memory) and is responsible for making sure your computer starts up
correctly. However, the BIOS application can also be accessed by users to specify the
hardware settings to the motherboard.
Performs a POST (power on self-test)
CPU The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most important component of the
computer. It is the brain of the computer which runs all programs and processes all
software instructions.
CPU is responsible for processing general instructions. Every application makes use
of the CPU to collect, decode and execute instructions as required by the
application.
GPU Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for processing the instructions that
create the pictures on your screen, for example, three-dimensional games rely
heavily on the GPU to create their images.
RAM The RAM (random-access memory) is the short-term memory of the computer
which can store and retrieve active programs and data at very high speeds. Your
computer can access and utilise the data in the RAM immediately without delay. All
data is erased from your RAM when your computer is turned off.
VRAM Video Random Access Memory is the memory used to store image data that the
computer displays. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the video card. When a
picture is to be displayed on the screen, the image is first read by the processor and
then written to the VRAM.
ROM (Read- The ROM (or read-only memory) stores the motherboard’s operating software,
only memory) called the BIOS.
Machine cycle of CPU:
Gets data & instructions from RAM
Decodes instructions
2|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
Executes instructions
Sends data back to memory
3|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
Motherboard buses
Bus: a communication system transferring data between components inside a computer, or
between computers
Whole communication systems including hardware components, electrical conductors,
communication format and software
Can allow multiple connections at the same time
Point to point connections built into motherboard & CPU to allow easy communication - do
not allow additional connections
Motherboard bus is a set of wires that connect 1 part of the motherboard to other parts &
serves as interface between CPU & external devices
Two types of buses:
o Internal bus is communication highway of motherboard, sending data & instruction
to different parts of motherboards (links different parts to CPU & RAM)
o External type (expansion bus) is the interface for peripheral devices (unique shapes
to prevent plugging into wrong port, causing damage to device being connected to)
All buses have:
o Control bus - used by CPU to send signals to different parts of system to keep
actions co-ordinated
o Data bus – provides path to transfer data & instructions among components
o Address bus - provides physical address of data in system memory
Modular Design
Built from several components which can be removed from motherboard (not soldered)
Can repair or replace individual parts
Purpose & Role of Expansion Cards
PCI & PCI-express slots allow adding of features to computer with expansion cards
Circuit boards for computer components that are purchases separately & use PCI/PCI-
express slots to connect
Examples: ethernet card, Wi-Fi card, sound card
Flow/Transfer of Data between Components
4|Page
Information
Technology
Hardware
Computer hardware: refers to the physical components that make up a computer.
Input devices: any device that allows you to add data to a computer, like a keyboard, mouse,
camera, or microphone.
Memory: the storage space in a computer where data is temporarily kept while it is being
processed.
Output devices: a device that takes data from a computer and makes it available to the user
in a way the user understands. Examples include monitors, speakers and printers.
Storage devices: a device that stores data permanently. Different storage devices like hard
disk drives, CDs and flash drives simply store different amounts of data.
Processing devices: the computer devices responsible for implementing instructions and
doing calculations. (CPUs and GPUs)
Communications devices: devices, such as modems and routers, that allow a computer to
connect to other computers on a network.
CPU – the processing unit responsible for processing general instructions
GPU – the part of a computer responsible for processing the instructions that create a
picture on the screen
Motherboard
Motherboard: device responsible for connecting all the hardware devices and sending
signals between devices
Large, printed circuit board with slots for components
Performs following tasks:
o provides physical structure for other hardware.
o connects the hardware.
o provides power to the hardware.
o sends signals between the hardware.
Circuits laid out so that signals arrive at the same time (zigzags)
Width determines amount of data
Processing devices which manipulate data & perform calculations receive data from RAM,
perform instruction, return data to RAM
Different slots:
o CPU slot: The CPU socket (also called the ZIF socket – zero insertion force) is used to
connect the CPU to the motherboard. Intel and AMD each have their own sockets,
and each brand occasionally change their standard socket when a new generation of
CPUs released.
1|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
o DIMM slot (dual inline memory module): The DIMM slot is used to connect the
computer’s RAM to the motherboard.
o PCI/PCIe: The Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or PCI express slots allow
you to plug additional hardware like a GPU, sound card, ethernet card or Wi-Fi card
o GPU/PCIe x16: this is a high-speed slot generally used for the computer’s graphics
card since it receives and sends the most data.
o SATA: The Serial AT Attachment (SATA) port is used to connect internal devices such
as hard drives to the computer.
o Power: the main power connection connects the motherboard to the power supply
which connects to a normal household power outlet. This supplies power to and all
connected components.
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
BIOS chip A computer’s BIOS (or Basic Input/Output System) is the first set of instructions that
run every time a computer is started up. The BIOS is stored on your computer’s ROM
(or read-only memory) and is responsible for making sure your computer starts up
correctly. However, the BIOS application can also be accessed by users to specify the
hardware settings to the motherboard.
Performs a POST (power on self-test)
CPU The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most important component of the
computer. It is the brain of the computer which runs all programs and processes all
software instructions.
CPU is responsible for processing general instructions. Every application makes use
of the CPU to collect, decode and execute instructions as required by the
application.
GPU Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for processing the instructions that
create the pictures on your screen, for example, three-dimensional games rely
heavily on the GPU to create their images.
RAM The RAM (random-access memory) is the short-term memory of the computer
which can store and retrieve active programs and data at very high speeds. Your
computer can access and utilise the data in the RAM immediately without delay. All
data is erased from your RAM when your computer is turned off.
VRAM Video Random Access Memory is the memory used to store image data that the
computer displays. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the video card. When a
picture is to be displayed on the screen, the image is first read by the processor and
then written to the VRAM.
ROM (Read- The ROM (or read-only memory) stores the motherboard’s operating software,
only memory) called the BIOS.
Machine cycle of CPU:
Gets data & instructions from RAM
Decodes instructions
2|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
Executes instructions
Sends data back to memory
3|Page
, © Thomas Kabalin
Motherboard buses
Bus: a communication system transferring data between components inside a computer, or
between computers
Whole communication systems including hardware components, electrical conductors,
communication format and software
Can allow multiple connections at the same time
Point to point connections built into motherboard & CPU to allow easy communication - do
not allow additional connections
Motherboard bus is a set of wires that connect 1 part of the motherboard to other parts &
serves as interface between CPU & external devices
Two types of buses:
o Internal bus is communication highway of motherboard, sending data & instruction
to different parts of motherboards (links different parts to CPU & RAM)
o External type (expansion bus) is the interface for peripheral devices (unique shapes
to prevent plugging into wrong port, causing damage to device being connected to)
All buses have:
o Control bus - used by CPU to send signals to different parts of system to keep
actions co-ordinated
o Data bus – provides path to transfer data & instructions among components
o Address bus - provides physical address of data in system memory
Modular Design
Built from several components which can be removed from motherboard (not soldered)
Can repair or replace individual parts
Purpose & Role of Expansion Cards
PCI & PCI-express slots allow adding of features to computer with expansion cards
Circuit boards for computer components that are purchases separately & use PCI/PCI-
express slots to connect
Examples: ethernet card, Wi-Fi card, sound card
Flow/Transfer of Data between Components
4|Page
