COMPUTER HARDWARE ESSENTIALS
MICROPROCESSOR:
The microprocessor is the human brain of any computer. That controls all activities on the computer. Basically it functions 2 types of operations : arithmetic & logical operations (internally), read & compose (externally). Read /write functions are performed on two types of devices – I/O and memory devices. That uses the “address bus” to select any “location” in these devices, sends a read/write signal over the “control bus” and then the information over the “data bus.”
MEMORY DEVICES:
Often the CPU stores all information inside the computer’s memory. There are a couple of memory types – GOOD OLD RAM & ROM.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
This erratic type is a read-along with the write memory device. This specific loses its contents while power is shut off.
The kinds of RAM are
· LITTLE (Dynamic ram) – resembles a capacitor, as it is likely to lose its contents and thus requires to be refreshed. This is the Personal computer RAM.
· SRAM (Static ram) – This is quicker than Dram and won’t require to be refreshed. This is certainly costly; hence, only a minimal amount is used as CACHETTE memory in the computer.
RANGE OF MOTION (Read only memory):
RANGE OF MOTION can be programmed using an engineer and act as a new “read-only” device. This revolutionary product is used as the textbook for any CPU in the computer and is particularly called ROM BIOS. The item stores all the basic facts of programming the units present inside the system in addition to the POST (Power On Home Test) sequence. AMI BIOS, in addition to AWARD BIOS, is the most usual ROM BIOS.
The types of RANGE OF MOTION are
· PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
· EPROM (Erasable & Pré-réglable Read Only Memory)
· FLASH ROM
· EEPROM (Electrically EPROM)
· EEPROM (Electrically Alterable ROM)
I/O DEVICES:
Apart from passive storage devices, certain controllers inside the system assist the particular CPU in performing different operations. These are referred to as I/O devices. These devices include an Affect controller, Timer, Ports, DMA Controller, Floppy Drive Operator, CRT Controller, etc.
CHARTERING & EXPANSION SLOTS:
These are generally the means through which connection between various devices in the computer takes place, and the sorts are as mentioned below.
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture):
ISA bus consists of a 24-bit handle bus and the 16-bit records bus. ISA can support 8MHZ clock speed.
MCA SHUTTLE BUS (Micro Channel Architecture):
MCA bus is available either with 16-bit or 33-bit versions. It was formulated in a new line of desktops called the PS/2 (personal process 2). The clock speed is slightly faster (10MHZ in place of 8MHZ).
EISA BUS:
EISA has a 32-bit Address in addition to a Data bus and 10MHZ CLK speed.
VL BUS/VESA LOCAL BUS:
It is a 32-bit bus positioned neighborhood to the CPU, hence its name. Therefore it could support substantial bus speeds (that on the CPU).
PCI BUS:
PCI has many benefits over various other bus types. First, the idea supports 64-bit along with 32-bit data paths. Thus it can be used both for 486 along with Pentium-based systems. PCI can run up to 33MHZ speed and has the advantage of currently being isolated from the CPU. INTEL developed this bus.
PCMCIA: (PC Memory Card International Association):
The PCMCIA was first suitable for expanding the memory throughout small, handled computers. PCMCIA bus width is only sixteen bits, but a 32-bit version is on its way. You will find three types of cards specifically
· Type 1 (3. 3 m thick)- utilized for memory card.
· Type only two (5 mm thick) for modem and LAN joinder.
· Type 3 (10. 5 mm0 thick) — used for most common applications such as PC hard disk Cards.
ADD-ON CARDS:
These are cards connected to the main board and mom board (The one that homes the CPU & RAM/ROM Bios). Each performs particular functions of interfacing the actual Motherboard to peripheral gadgets like a mouse, Monitor, and so on. Some Add-ons are talked about below.
DISPLAY ADAPTER:
These types of the interface the motherboard while using monitor and several types of business. The variations are in res, no. Of colors supported along with speed.
CGA (Color Design Adapter)
640 X 190 pixels
MDA (Mono Exhibit Adapter):
80 characters extensive 25 lines long
EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter):
640 X 350 mode
VGA (Video Graphics Adapter):
Sophisticated versions of SVGA/TVGA which often start from a resolution of 640 X 480 pixel
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port):
Presented in the celeron/P II structured systems, this caters to typically demanding multimedia applications with high performance.
IDE I/O CARDS:
Supports the following functions.
DRAMÓN PORT:
Communication externally to the computer is done serially (bit after bit) through this particular port. It links communication devices like a computer mouse, modem, etc.
PARALLEL SLOT:
8 Bit data transfer happens between the computer and another device. It is typically utilized to connect a printer.
GAME SLOT:
It is used to connect the joystick for playing games.
GAGASAN (Integrated/Intelligent Drive Electronics) Program: This interface allows you to communicate with IDE Hard disks.
FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER:
The FDC can support up to two floppy disk drives. The FDC is connected to the system car and the DMA remote. It performs data transfer throughout DMA mode.
SOUND CREDIT:
This card gives audio effects to the computer system by providing an interface with a mike and speaker. This is employed in Multimedia Computers.
PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT:
FLOPPY DRIVES:
1 . 46 MB & 1 . two MB are two types of well-known Floppy Drives.
HARD DISK DRIVES:
SAINT 506 & ESDI tend to be old types. IDE hard drives are popular because their price-to-performance proportion is very good. For high performance, SCSI (Small Personal computers Interface) is the ideal option, in case price is not a criterion.
CDROM DRIVES:
CDROM drive is employed in a multimedia system as it supports all types of CD ROMs – data DISC, Audio CD, or Video DISC. It can hold about 650 MB of knowledge in a single CD.
KEYBOARD:
Keyboard translates the keystrokes straight into letters or numbers. They are interpreted, and the computer system CPU executes orders on what was sent. Versions regarding XT/AT, no . regarding keys, and type of keys applied may be observed.
MOUSE:
To be able to interact with the pictures (ICONS), an exclusive pointer device was launched into the computer world. This gadget is a mouse attached to the serial port.
The mouse button contains a round ball that produces contact with two rollers: one for the X-axis (the horizontal) and the other for the Y-axis (the vertical). Moving the mouse brings the ball to jiggle, and the ball touching the two rollers causes these phones to turn. This is used for clicking the mouse links, making a pointer head on the screen, and selecting.
PICTURES:
In addition to keyboards and leading devices, there is another usual method of getting data into the laptop or computer. A Scanner is used to help scan an image (say from your photo), and editing could be done using a suitable application.
MONITORS:
The monitor will get video signals from the personal computer adapter card and display the video information through pixels (picture elements) around the screen. Various displays ranging from CGA mono to SVGA color are available for consumers to choose from (though the former is obsolete).
CONFIGURATION SETUP:
This is how we define the system setup. This is done only when the machine is assembled and put together for the first time or when it is modern. (One may enter the ARRANGEMENT by pressing “Del” major as the system is powered up). Different BIOS support different choices, but the essential people found on all programs are listed below.
DATE along with TIME: It displays the appropriate Date & Time. It should be set when the system is initially installed.
FLOPPY TYPE:
To help define the Floppy drives connected (1. 2MB and 1 . 44MB).
HARD DISK STYLE: To select the Hard disk style (Primary or secondary)
PRESENT TYPE: Select the video adapter used for the machine monitor.
CACHE ENABLE/DISABLE:
It kind of speeds up the Memory entry. (Default value: Enable) and also defines the presence or lack of cache memory.
QUICK STRENGTH ON SELF-TEST: It speeds up the Power On Do it yourself Test after you power up your computer.
PASSWORD SETTING: This allows one to set the System password.
STRENGTH MANAGEMENT: This category allows you to pick the type (or degree) regarding power saving.
LOADING STANDARD VALUES:
Many parameters usually need to be defined in the CMOS setup, and one may not wish to accomplish so manually. This option has certain default values saved in the BIOS ROM that the manufacturer has defined for optimal system performance.
ENABLE/DISABLE ON-BOARD FUNCTIONS:
To enable/disable certain onboard functions such as Floppy Disk Control (This applies only to incorporated Motherboards where the ADD ON features are integrated on the Mainboard itself).
PNP FEATURES: Its kind is used to configure the actual PCI Bus slots.
GAGASAN AUTO DETECTION: This allows you to detect the IDE Hard disk drives automatically.
SAVING & GETTING OUT:
This allows you to save the brand new setting value in the CMOS memory and continue while using the booting process.
POST (POWER ON SELF TEST):
This kind of POST firmware is kept in ROM on the motherboard. This POST is a series of straightforward programs to test and find faults in different components and circuits. It tests the microprocessor, interrupt controller, PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE, DMA controller, ROM, RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY, peripheral controllers, etc.
SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS:
In case of error detection through POST, indications like fault beeps/error messages help troubleshoot problems.
SPEAKER:
With the help of loudspeaker error beeps, we can troubleshoot faults. Each fault leads the speaker to produce different patterns of beeps.
DISPLAYED ERROR MESSAGES:
Whenever the system is powered on, a mistake message will be displayed on the screen (Floppy disk fail) if the Video Adapter is functional.
DIAGNOSTIC CARDS:
The actual advanced diagnostic add-on cards capture details of the POST series and display a hex code which may be used for complex & accurate diagnosis of the POST problem.
CDROM TURNS:
A computer CD-ROM drive utilizes small, interchangeable, plastic-encased disks from which data is reclaimed using a laser beam, much like tunes compact discs. And like a tunes CD, a computer CD-ROM merchants vast amounts of information. It is achieved by using light for you to record data in an application form that’s more tightly bundled than the relatively clumsy permanent magnetic read/write heads conventional travel must manage.
The travel is controlled by computer software in your PC that delivers instructions to controller circuitry that’s either a part of the pcs motherboard or on an independent board installed in a development slot.
How does a CD_ROM generate work?
· An electric motor constantly varies the rate where the CD-ROM disc spins to ensure that regardless of where a component, called DETECTOR, is located about the radius of the disc, the part of the disc immediately over a detector is always at the same pace.
· The laser tasks a concentrated beam of light further focused by a concentrating coil.
· The laser light penetrates a protective coating of plastic and attacks a reflective layer which looks like aluminum foil at the bottom of the disc.
· The top of the reflective layer alternates among lands and pits. The position is flat surface areas; holes are tiny depressions inside the reflective layers. These floors are records of the 1s and 0s used for retailer data.
· Lights this strike a pit existing. But the light that visits a land resembles directly back at the detector, where it passes by using a prism that deflects laser to a LIGHT-SENSING DIODE.
· Each light pulse strikes the light-sensing diode, generating a small electrical résistance. These voltages are compared to a timing circuit to help generates a stream regarding 1s and 0s that will understand.
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