Basic Operation of Computer System - Lecture Notes | CSC 1113, Study notes of Computer Science

Download Basic Operation of Computer System - Lecture Notes | CSC 1113 and more Study notes Computer Science in PDF only on Docsity! CSC 1113 – Introduction to Computers LECTURE NOTES – CHAPTER 2 A. DESCRIBING HARDWARE PERFORMANCE CIYF 2.02 As discussed in Chapter 1, the basic operations of any computer system are all related to how data is handled—i.e., inputted, processed, outputted, and stored. Make time at the beginning of this lesson to assist students in recalling these processes. Link their existing knowledge to the concept of hardware performance by referring back to the prior lecture. Web Link: As noted in the Destinations margin note, the Web guide to personal computer hardware, PC Guide (www.pcguide.com/), is one of the premier sites for tutorials on hardware components. In addition, the PC Mechanic (www.pcmech.com/index.htm) offers in-depth case studies on many subjects entitled “How It Works.” 1. BITS AND BYTES CIYF 2.03 Teaching Tip: The concept of bits and bytes scares many students. Take care at this time to present the information so that students can master this concept before moving on. Often, it is helpful to assure them that they will not be required to count in binary. However, a basic understanding of binary numbers is necessary and will be useful when the differences between digital and analog data streams are discussed at the end of this chapter. 2. MILLIONS, BILLIONS, AND MORE CIYF 2.4 Define bit, data transfer rate, and byte. Explain that, among other things, these terms are used for describing the rate at which information is transferred between computers. Note that bits are commonly used to measure the data transfer rate of communication devices, while bytes are commonly used to measure data storage. Refer students to Figure 2.1 for definitions of kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), and gigabits per second (Gbps). B. INTRODUCING THE SYSTEM UNIT CIYF 2.05 Teaching Tip: Begin a discussion of the system unit by directing students’ attention to a computer in the classroom. All of the terms they should be familiar with can be illustrated using this computer for examples. Point out the box-like case that houses the components is the system unit and explain that the space taken up by the system unit on the desk or floor is called the footprint. Open up the case to illustrate the form factor, the style in which the internal components are mounted in the system unit. If possible, show and describe types of system units other than desktop computers, such as laptops, PDAs, and MP3 players. 1. INSIDE THE SYSTEM UNIT CIYF 2.06 Teaching Tip: If you have a computer available, enlist the aid of a student and have them remove the cover of the system unit to display the contents. Point out each component so students are able to see how they fit together and connect to the motherboard. CSC 1113 –Introduction to Computers Page 2 Chapter 2 Lecture Notes Describe the inside of the system unit, and point out the motherboard, power supply, cooling fan, speaker, drive bay(s), and expansion card. Refer students to Figure 2.5a to illustrate the topic. a. Define motherboard and printed circuit board (PCB), and provide an overview of what the motherboard does. If possible, have one available to show and discuss during class. b. Explain how the computer’s power supply transforms the alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) which is needed for the computer’s operation, and explain its rating in watts. c. Stress the importance of the cooling fan, and explain how it protects the computer’s components from heat damage. d. Describe the purpose of drive bays. Point out the computer’s internal speaker, and mention that it is not designed to be the computer’s stereo system. Compare the differences between external stereo speakers and the computer’s internal speaker. Class Exercise: Ask students to name the various components that are inside the system unit, using Figure 2.5 as a reference. Web Link: The Web site How Stuff Works (computer.howstuffworks.com/pc1.htm) has a very thorough description of all of the components inside a personal computer. If students are not able to see one for real, or if you are teaching this class online, encourage them to visit this Web Link. C. WHAT’S ON THE MOTHERBOARD? CIYF 2.08 Using Figure 2.6 or an actual motherboard you have available for demonstration, show that the motherboard provides both the physical and electrical setting for the computer’s most important components, most of which are integrated circuits (ICs0), or chips. These chips can emulate millions of electronic switches, called transistors or gates. Explain that these chips are housed in black plastic boxes, of which many types exist. Define dual-inline packages (DIPs), pin grid array (PGA), zero-insertion force (ZIF), and single-edge contact (SEC). 1. THE SYSTEM CLOCK CIYF 2.09 Describe the purpose of the system clock, clock speed, and clock tick. Web Link: Explain to students that every week their system clock loses a few minutes. However, this problem can be permanently corrected by using software that synchronizes their personal computer with an atomic clock. If time allows, direct them to a collection of downloads provided by PC Magazine (www.pcworld.com/downloads/collection/0,collid,604,00.asp). Ask them to choose one of the free utilities to download and install on their computer. CSC 1113 –Introduction to Computers Page 5 Chapter 2 Lecture Notes a. Volatile vs. Nonvolatile Memory Computer memory falls into two categories: volatile and nonvolatile. Volatile memory is erased when the computer’s power is switched off; nonvolatile memory retains information even when the power is switched off. Refer to Figure 2.18 to illustrate the concept of random- and direct-access memory addressing. Teaching Tip: Consider using an analogy to enforce the concept of volatility. A simple analogy would be a blackboard in front of the classroom. During class, the instructor writes on the board. After class, the board is wiped clean. Thus, the information on the board is volatile and not permanent. However, if the information on the board is copied down or photographed, it is stored in a permanent, or nonvolatile, fashion. b. ROM (Read-Only Memory) 1. Describe read-only memory (ROM). Note that most computers use flash memory, or flash BIOS, to allow ROM upgrades. Define basic input/output system (BIOS), booting, operating system (OS), and setup program. 2. Explain that the “beep” we hear when turning on our computer is part of the boot sequence, where the BIOS conducts power-on self-tests (POST), a diagnostic testing sequence. The POST will determine if the computer’s RAM, disk drives, peripheral devices, and other hardware components are properly working. If the diagnostic determines that everything is in working order, the boot sequence continues. c. CMOS Review the purpose of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). Note that unlike ROM, CMOS is volatile. d. Cache Memory Clearly pronounce the term cache (“cash”) and refer to Figure 2.19 as you define cache memory. Describe the two types of cache available: secondary cache and backside cache. 4. THE CHIPSET AND INPUT/OUTPUT BUSES CIYF 2.24 a. Explain that a chipset is simply a collection of chips that are designed to work together. One chipset might provide the CPU functions for a computer, while another might provide the basic functions of a modem. b. Define the role of an input/output (I/O) bus and show that it contains expansion slots, which accommodate expansion cards. Note that expansion cards are also referred to as expansion boards, adapter cards, or adapters. Describe how today PCs and Macs use the Personal Computer Interface (PCI) bus, while many motherboards still contain an Industry Standard Architecture CSC 1113 –Introduction to Computers Page 6 Chapter 2 Lecture Notes (ISA) bus. The Accelerated Graphics port (AGP) bus is designed for video adapters. D. WHAT’S ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX? CIYF 2.26 Teaching Tip: List the system unit components found on the outside of the case and define each, beginning with the power switch. If possible, have examples of the components available to use for demonstration in class. 1. THE POWER SWITCH CIYF 2.28 2. CONNECTORS AND PORTS CIYF 2.28 Using Figures 2.21 and 2.22 as a guide to describe a connector and explain the difference between a male and a female connector. Note the use of USB peripheral connection technology that allows hot swapping, and define that term. Clarify the difference between a connector, port, and interface. a. Serial Ports Define serial port using Figure 2.23. Explain the four serial ports found on IBM- compatible personal computers (PCs). Note that serial ports conform to one of two international standards: the RS-232 standard and the RS-422 standard. b. Parallel Ports Describe a parallel port using Figure 2.24. Define Centronics ports (or Centronics interfaces) and discuss the newest parallel ports, called enhanced parallel port (EPP) and extended capabilities port (ECP). Web Link: Encourage students to visit the Web site www.beyondlogic.com to find more information on PC interfaces. c. SCSI Ports Teaching Tip: Pronounce the term “scuzzy.” Describe the Small Computer System Interface, SCSI, and inform students that SCSI interfaces provide for faster data transmission rates (up to 80 megabytes per second) than standard serial and parallel ports. d. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports Explain that the universal serial bus (USB) port is similar to the SCSI port in that it enables the user to connect more than one peripheral device at a time. USB ports support hot swapping and Plug and Play (PnP). Many industry observers believe that in time USB ports will completely replace parallel and serial ports. e. 1394 Port (FireWire) CSC 1113 –Introduction to Computers Page 7 Chapter 2 Lecture Notes FireWire is a trademarked term developed by Apple Computer that describes the IEEE 1394 external bus standard. Explain that although it is extremely fast and flexible, 1394 is also expensive. Like USB, 1394 supports both Plug and Play and hot plugging, and it also provides power to peripheral devices. f. IrDA Port IrDA is infrared technology used by some keyboards, mice, printers, and television remote controls. Although there is no physical connection required, the transmitter must be in a direct line of sight with the receiver. g. Monitor Connector In discussing monitor connectors, define video adapter, video card, VGA connector, and on-board video. h. Additional Ports and Connectors Note that there are additional ports and connectors. Define telephone connector, network connector, PC card slots and PC card, sound card connectors, and TV/sound capture board connectors. Define and discuss PCMCIA. Teaching Tip: If you have any additional ports and connectors in the box of hardware you use for demonstration purposes, pass these around so students can take a look at them. 3. THE FRONT PANEL CIYF 2.32 Discuss the front panel, identifying the reset switch, drive activity light, power-on light, and keylock. E. HOW COMPUTERS REPRESENT DATA CIYF 2.33 This section is another critical step along your students’ path to computer fluency. Make an effort to present this material as thoroughly as possible. Explain that humans tend to experience the world in an analog fashion, while computers are digital. Of course, there are some exceptions, and you should give examples of some of these: There are analog computers which are typically used for measuring, as in gas pumps and various scientific applications. 1. DIGITAL VS. ANALOG REPRESENTATION CIYF 2.33 Teaching Tip: Perhaps the best way to explain digital and analog representation is to compare the two. Everyone is familiar with a clock, which is a typical analog device. The hands move around the face of the clock continuously, indicating every possible time of day. Digital is the opposite of analog. A digital clock is capable of representing only a finite number of times (every tenth of a second, for example). Another simple summation is to state that digital computers count, whereas analog computers measure.