Computer parts are named. Internal structure of a computer. Structure of a personal computer
The main devices of the computer “live” in the system unit. These include: motherboard, processor, video card, RAM, hard drive. But outside of it, usually on the table, no less important computer devices also “live”. Such as: monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, printer.
In this article we will look at, what does a computer consist of? what these devices look like, what function they perform and where they are located.
System unit.
In the first category, we will analyze those devices, or they are also called components, that are “hidden” in the system unit. They are the most important for his work. By the way, you can immediately look into the system unit. It's not difficult. It is enough to unscrew the two bolts on the back of the system unit and move the cover to the side, and then we will see a view of the most important devices of the computer, which we will now consider in order.
The motherboard is PCB, which is designed to connect the main components of a computer. Some of them, for example, a processor or video card, are installed directly on the motherboard into the connector provided for this purpose. And the other part of the components, for example, a hard drive or power supply, is connected to the motherboard using special cables.
A processor is a microcircuit and at the same time the “brain” of a computer. Why? Because he is responsible for performing all operations. How better processor the faster it will perform these same operations, and accordingly the computer will work faster. The processor, of course, affects the speed of the computer, and even very strongly, but it depends on your hard drive, video card and RAM will also depend on the speed of the PC. So the most powerful processor does not guarantee greater speed of the computer if the remaining components are already outdated.
3. Video card.
A video card, or otherwise a graphics card, is designed to display images on a monitor screen. It is also installed on the motherboard, in a special PSI-Express connector. Less commonly, a video card can be built into the motherboard itself, but its power is most often only enough for office applications and working on the Internet.
RAM is a rectangular strip, similar to the cartridge from the old game consoles. It is intended for temporary storage of data. For example, it stores the clipboard. We copied some text on the site, and it immediately got into the RAM. Information about running programs, computer sleep mode and other temporary data are stored in RAM. A special feature of the RAM is that the data from it is completely deleted after the computer is turned off.
A hard drive, unlike RAM, is designed for long-term storage of files. It is otherwise called a hard drive. It stores data on special plates. Also in lately spread SSD drive And.
Their features include high speed work, but there is an immediate disadvantage - they are expensive. A 64 GB SSD drive will cost you the same price as a 750 GB hard drive. Can you imagine how much an SSD of several hundred gigabytes will cost? Whoa, whoa! But don’t be upset, you can buy a 64 GB SSD drive and use it as system disk, that is, install Windows on it. They say that the speed of work increases several times. The system starts up very quickly, programs fly. I plan to upgrade to an SSD and store regular files on a traditional hard drive.
A disk drive is needed to work with disks. Although it is used much less frequently, it still won’t hurt on desktop computers. At a minimum, the drive will be useful for installing the system.
6. Cooling systems.
The cooling system consists of fans that cool the components. Typically three or more coolers are installed. Be sure to have one on the processor, one on the video card, and one on the power supply, and then as desired. If something is warm, it is advisable to cool it. Fans are also installed on hard drives and in the building itself. If the cooler in the case is installed on the front panel, then it takes away heat, and coolers installed on the rear compartment supply cold air to the system.
The sound card outputs sound to the speakers. It is usually built into the motherboard. But it happens that it either breaks and therefore is purchased separately, or initially the PC owner is not satisfied with the quality of the standard PC owner and he buys another sound system. In general, a sound card also has the right to be on this list of PC devices.
A power supply is needed for all of the computer devices described above to work. It provides all components with the necessary amount of electricity.
8. Body
And in order to put the motherboard, processor, video card, RAM, hard drive, floppy drive, sound card, power supply and possibly some additional components somewhere, we need a case. There, all this is carefully installed, screwed in, connected and begins daily life, from switching on to switching off. The required temperature is maintained in the case, and everything is protected from damage.
As a result, we get a complete system unit, with everyone essential devices computers that are needed for its operation.
Peripherals.
Well, in order to fully start working on the computer, and not look at the “buzzing” system unit, we will need Peripheral devices. These include those computer components that are outside the system unit.
A monitor is naturally needed to see what we are working with. The video card supplies the image to the monitor. They are connected to each other using a VGA or HDMI cable.
The keyboard is designed for entering information, well, of course, what kind of work is there without a full-fledged keyboard. To type text, play games, surf the Internet, and everywhere you need a keyboard.
3. Mouse.
The mouse is needed to control the cursor on the screen. Take him to different sides, click, open files and folders, call various functions and much more. Just like without a keyboard, you can’t live without a mouse.
4. Speakers.
Speakers are needed mainly for listening to music, watching movies and playing games. Who else today uses speakers more than average users reproduce them daily in these tasks.
A printer and scanner are needed to print and scan documents and everything else needed in the field of printing. Or MFP, multifunctional device. It will be useful to all those who often print, scan, make photocopies and perform many other tasks with this device.
In this article we have only briefly reviewed the main computer devices, and in others, links to which you see below, we will consider in detail all the most popular peripherals, as well as components that are part of the system unit, that is, components.
Happy reading!
A computer is a modular device. It consists of various devices (modules), each of which performs its own tasks.
Since a computer is designed to receive, process, store, transmit and use information, it must have blocks designed for each of these tasks.
Basic devices
Computer devices are divided into primary and secondary. The main ones are:
- system unit (this, in fact, is the computer or its “brain”);
- monitor (displays information on the screen);
- keyboard (used to enter symbols and commands);
- mouse-type manipulator(designed for entering commands).
The laptop is different from desktop computer because:
- the system unit and keyboard are combined (located “in one bottle”). The monitor, keyboard and all the “stuffing” are collected in a common case.
- The laptop has its own battery (“battery”), so it can work autonomously for some time, without being connected to electrical network. The laptop also works from the mains via external unit power supply, which is also a “charger” for the battery.
Let's look at the main devices of a computer; we'll talk about the system unit in the next article.
Monitor
The monitor looks like a TV. CRT televisions look the same as CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors.
LCD TVs are like twin brothers to LCD monitors (liquid crystal monitors).
The sizes of monitors, as well as the screen sizes of televisions, are determined by the length of the screen diagonal in inches - 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27 inches. One inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Accordingly, a monitor with a diagonal of 15 inches is nothing more than a monitor with a diagonal of 38 centimeters (if 15 inches are multiplied by 2.54 centimeters, the result is 38 centimeters).
LCD monitor
The monitor is connected to the computer via a video card. Currently, 17-inch monitors are the most common. For permanent job with graphics, drawings, large tables (in general, anywhere where there are a lot of small details), it is better to purchase larger monitors.
A monitor (both CRT and LCD) can be used not only as part of a computer, but also as a TV when an additional device (TV tuner) is connected to it. That's why old monitor can be used as a TV, for example, in the country.
Keyboard and mouse
A modern keyboard is every typist's dream come true. The mouse appeared much later than the keyboard.
You can do without a mouse by using keyboard shortcuts. However, there are many things that can be done more conveniently and quickly with a mouse.
Keyboard and mouse
Now there are a lot of different mice: from a simple two-button to a five-button with a scroll wheel. Mice may be with or without wiring. Sometimes you need a special mouse pad, sometimes you don't. The back of the mouse may or may not have a scroll wheel, and it may also have two or more buttons.
Mouse-type manipulators that fit on the hand like gloves will soon appear. With such a mouse, you can switch between using the pointing device and typing on the keyboard without unnecessary movements.
In addition to the mouse, the means of manipulation include various joysticks, steering wheels with pedals, and steering wheels, but they are intended mainly for controlling the game process.
If the basic devices are not enough, then additional equipment is connected to the computer to perform special tasks.
| How does a personal computer work? Main Features personal computer
Lesson 7
The device of a personal computer and its main characteristics. Familiarization with the configuration of PC devices, connecting external devices
§7. How does a personal computer work?
§8. Basic characteristics of a personal computer
How does a personal computer work?
Main topics of the paragraph:
What is a PC;
- basic PC devices;
- the main principle of interaction between PC devices.
Questions studied:
What is PC
In § 5 we got acquainted with the basic devices of a computer - an electronic computer (computer). Modern computers They can be very different: from large ones that occupy an entire room, to small ones that fit on a table, in a briefcase, and even in a pocket. Various computers are used for different purposes. Today, the most popular type of computer is personal computers. Personal computers (PCs) are intended for personal (personal) use. There are various types PCs: stationary (desktops) and mobile (laptops, tablets, pocket PCs).
Despite the variety of PC models, there are many similarities in their design. About these general properties and we will talk now.
Basic PC devices
The main “part” of a personal computer is the microprocessor (MP). It's miniature electronic circuit, created through very complex technology, performing the function of a computer processor.
A personal computer is a collection of interconnected devices. In a desktop PC, the central device is the system unit. The system unit contains the “brain” of the machine: a microprocessor and internal memory. The following are also located there: the power supply unit, disk drives, and external device controllers. The system unit is equipped with fans to cool elements that heat up during operation.
On the outside of the system unit there is a power switch, a computer reset button, connectors (called ports) for connecting external devices, and a pull-out tray for installing an optical drive.
Connected to the system unit are a keyboard (keyboard device), a monitor (another name is a display) and a mouse (manipulator). Sometimes other types of manipulators are used: joystick, trackball, etc. In addition to the PC, the following can be connected: a printer (printing device), a modem (for access to computer network) and other devices (Fig. 2.7).
Figure 2.7 shows a stationary PC model, Fig. 2.8 - laptop.
Everything in the laptop necessary components combined in one case, which folds like a book (hence the name of the computer).
All devices external memory, as well as input/output devices interact with the PC processor through special blocks called controllers (from English controller - controller, manager). There is a disk drive controller, a monitor controller, a printer controller, etc.
Relatively recently, a universal controller appeared as part of the PC, allowing you to connect via a universal connector (USB) various types devices: printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
The main principle of interaction between PC devices
The principle on which it is organized information communication between computer devices is called the backbone principle of interaction. The processor communicates with other devices through a multi-wire line called a trunk (another name is a bus) (Fig. 2.9).
Each device connected to a PC receives its own number, which serves as the address of this device. Information transmitted from the processor to the device is accompanied by its address and supplied to the controller. Next, the operation of the device is controlled by the controller.
The typical organization of the bus is as follows: one group of wires (data bus) transmits the information being processed, and another (address bus) carries the addresses of memory or external devices accessed by the processor. There is also a third part of the highway - the control bus; control signals are transmitted through it (for example, checking the device’s readiness for operation, a signal to start the device’s operation, etc.).
Briefly about the main thing
The system unit includes: microprocessor, internal memory, disk drives, power supply, external device controllers.
External devices(input/output devices, external memory devices) interact with the PC processor through controllers.
All PC devices are connected to each other via a multi-wire line called information highway, or tire.
Each external device has its own address(number). The information transmitted to it via the data bus is accompanied by the device address, which is transmitted via the address bus.
Questions and tasks
1. Name the minimum set of devices that make up a personal computer and take photographs of these devices.
2. What devices are included in the system unit?
3. What is a controller? What function does it perform?
4. How are they physically connected to each other? various devices PC?
5. How does information transmitted over the bus get to the desired device?
Basic characteristics of a personal computer
Main topics of the paragraph:
Microprocessor characteristics;
- volume of internal (RAM) memory;
- characteristics of external memory devices;
- input/output devices.
Questions studied:
Personal computer – a computer for personal use.
- Basic devices of a personal computer.
- Minimum set of devices.
- The main principle of interaction between personal computer devices.
- Microprocessor characteristics: clock frequency, bit depth.
- Volume is the main characteristic of RAM.
- Characteristics of external memory devices.
Increasingly, personal computers are used not only in production and in educational institutions, but also at home. You can buy them in the store the same way you buy them household appliances. When purchasing any product, it is advisable to know its main characteristics in order to purchase exactly what you need. PCs also have these basic characteristics.
Microprocessor Specifications
There are various models microprocessors produced by different companies. The main characteristics of MP are processor clock speed and bit depth.
The operating mode of the microprocessor and other related devices is set by a microcircuit called a generator clock frequency. This is a kind of metronome inside the computer. The processor is allocated a certain number of clock cycles to perform each operation. It is clear that if the metronome “knocks” faster, then the processor works faster. Clock frequency is measured in megahertz - MHz. A frequency of 1 MHz corresponds to a million clock cycles per second. Here are some typical microprocessor clock frequencies: 600, 800, 1000 MHz. The last value is called gigahertz - GHz. Modern models microprocessors operate at clock speeds of several gigahertz.
Next characteristic - processor capacity. Bit capacity is called maximum length binary code, which can be processed or transmitted by the processor as a whole. The processor capacity on the first PC models was 8 bits. Then 16-bit processors appeared. Modern PCs most often use 32-bit processors. The highest bit capacity of modern microprocessors used in PCs is 64 bits.
Volume of internal (RAM) memory
We have already talked about computer memory. It is divided into operational (internal) and long-term (external) memory. Machine performance is highly dependent on volume internal memory. If there is not enough internal memory to run some programs, the computer begins to transfer some of the data to external memory, which sharply reduces its performance. The speed of reading/writing data into RAM is several orders of magnitude higher than into external memory.
The amount of RAM affects the performance of your computer. For efficient work modern programs RAM of hundreds and thousands of megabytes (gigabytes) is required.
Purpose of cache memory
To reduce program execution time, the PC includes a special type of internal memory called cache memory. It is small in volume, but has the most short time read/write section of computer memory. Cache memory duplicates the data and instructions from RAM that the processor accesses most frequently when executing a program. Therefore, the processor initially looks for the required information in the cache memory, and only if it does not find it there, it turns to the slower RAM.
Characteristics of external memory devices
External memory devices are magnetic and laser drives, flash memory. Built into the system unit magnetic disks are called hard drives, or hard drives. This is a very important part of the computer because it is where all the programs necessary for the computer to operate are stored. Reading/writing to a hard drive is faster than all other types external media, but still slower than in RAM. The larger the hard drive capacity, the better. Modern PCs are equipped with hard drives, the volume of which is measured in gigabytes: tens and hundreds of gigabytes. When you buy a computer, you also purchase the necessary set of programs on your hard drive. Typically, the buyer himself orders the computer software.
All other external memory media are removable, i.e. they can be inserted into and removed from the drive. These include optical discs such as CDs (compact discs) and DVDs. Their properties were discussed in § 6. Disks are convenient for long-term storage of programs and data, as well as for transferring information from one computer to another.
The required set of a modern PC includes optical drives for working with CDs and DVDs. Software is distributed on these media. The capacity of a CD-ROM is hundreds of megabytes (standard volume is 700 MB). Information capacity DVD is measured in gigabytes (4.7; 8.5; 17 GB). Video films are often recorded onto DVDs. On one disc you can fit a two-hour video with several soundtracks in different languages.
Writeable optical drives allow you to write and rewrite information on CD-RW and DVD-RW.
Recently, flash memory has become the main means of transferring information from one computer to another. Flash memory is electronic device external memory used to read and write information to file format. Flash memory, like disks, is a non-volatile device. The storage capacity ranges from hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes. And the speed of reading and writing data to flash media is approaching the speed of reading and writing to a hard drive.
I/O Devices
All other device types are classified as number of input/output devices. Mandatory ones are a keyboard, monitor and manipulator (mouse; on mobile PCs: trackball, touchpad, joystick, etc.). Additional devices: printer, modem, scanner, sound system and some others. The choice of these devices depends on the needs and financial capabilities of the buyer. You can always find sources reference information about the models of such devices and their operational properties.
Briefly about the main thing
Main characteristics of the microprocessor: clock frequency and bit depth. The higher the clock frequency, the higher the speed of the processor. Increasing the bit depth leads to an increase in the amount of data processed by the computer per unit of time.
RAM capacity affects computer performance. Modern programs require hundreds or thousands of megabytes (gigabytes) of RAM to run efficiently.
Hard magnetic disk- a mandatory external memory device included in the computer.
Removable media are optical disks and flash memory.
Required set of input/output devices: keyboard, pointing device, monitor.
Additional I/O Devices: printer, scanner, modem, speaker system etc.
Questions and tasks
1. What characteristics of a computer determine its performance?
2. What order of information volume do hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs have?
3. Which memory devices are built-in and which are removable?
4. Which input/output devices are required for a PC, and which are optional?
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Today everyone is familiar with a computer. Even if he doesn’t spend a lot of time with it, he at least encounters it sometimes.
If you encounter any problems with computers or laptops, you can contact us, our experienced technicians will help you.
Therefore, it will not be superfluous to know the structure of the computer system unit, at least superficially.
After all, a computer (PC) has, for example:
- operating speed
- performance
- information storage
and it would be nice to know what they depend on and how to improve them.
Moreover, since information is stored on a PC, it is very important not to lose it. Knowing some rules, you can significantly improve the security of data storage, because no one would want to lose years of home videos or photographs, collections of films, important work data, and so on.
Therefore, let’s look at the structure of the system unit and find out what each component is responsible for and whether it can be improved or updated.
And so, the system unit (system unit, SB) is an iron box under the table in which the main PC parts are located.
It is thanks to them that we see everything that appears on the monitor screen. In order to get into the SB you need to unscrew its side cover.
Inside it (in the standard version) contains:
- power unit
- Motherboard
- CPU
- RAM
- Video card
- Hard drive (hard drive)
- DVD drive
In general, these are all the details that are needed for normal functioning PC. It is clear that there are some other details inside (a separate sound card, an additional video card, etc.), but they are not so important for the average user to have a good understanding of the design of the computer system unit.
Computer device. What does a computer consist of?
Let's look at each part separately, what it is needed for, whether it can be updated or improved, how to care for them in order to extend their operating time.
Let's start with the power supply unit (PSU). It is usually located at the top left and is an iron box with multi-colored wires.
It is needed for conversion electric current from socket to required current for the details inside. It’s worth saying right away that when buying a power supply, you should never skimp on it. It depends on it how stable the system will work, and whether breakdowns will occur, including data loss.
You can read more about choosing a power supply in the article. In order to extend its normal operation time, you should pay attention to a special source uninterruptible power supply(UPS).
It is needed so that, when a surge or unstable current comes from the outlet, it can drown out this interference or convert it into normal or turn off the PC altogether.
This is said for a reason; very often, it is because of poor-quality current in the electrical network that PC parts fail.
Plus, she connects them all and organizes joint work. Important characteristics For ordinary users she hasn't. Therefore, you can buy an inexpensive modern option. Of course, the purchase has its own nuances, so more detailed information about motherboards you can see.
It’s difficult to somehow extend her work from outside. Probably only if there is good block power supply and uninterruptible power supply, as described above.
Processor (percent, stone). This is the brains, so to speak. It carries out various computing and other operations.
For regular work for PC (movies, small games, music, social media) the most suitable simple model processor. But, if you want to play powerful games like GTA 5, then you need a powerful copy.
The processor, due to its high power and impressive work produces a lot of heat, for which the above-described cooling system is provided. That is, it heats up, and the radiator takes the heat, and the cooler, in turn, blows on the radiator. Thus, we get cooling of the processor.
Here lie many familiar problems - the fan is noisy, the processor is heating up, you can read more about them at the link Cleaning your computer from dust. Also, normal and long-term operation depends on a high-quality power supply and uninterruptible power supply, plus cleaning from dust and replacing thermal paste.
It is a good knowledge of the design of the computer system unit that allows you to avoid problems with overheating.
Random access memory (RAM) is often confused with permanent memory computer. Let's figure it out.
RAM comes from the word “operative”, that is, fast, fast. This means that the information is not stored for long. In a PC, RAM is needed to save data about operations while the PC is running. It is while it is working that all our actions, be it copying files, watching movies, playing games and other actions, go through the RAM.
The larger it is, the more data it can miss. As soon as we turn off the computer, all data from the RAM is deleted.
Assembling a computer system unit. Assemble/Build system unit.
That is, we conclude that RAM is needed while the PC is running, all the operations we perform are carried out through it. And it has nothing to do with permanent memory ( hard drive), on which information is remembered and stored after the PC is turned off. More about her below.
At the back of the system unit, a cable from the monitor goes to it. Responsible for displaying the image on the monitor (not to be confused with the monitor, it is needed to display the image that has already been created this map). For undemanding users (movies, music, small games, social networks), the simplest one, even built into the mat, is suitable. fee.
If you need to run powerful software on your PC modern games, then the video card must be correspondingly powerful. More details about their characteristics and tips for choosing when purchasing can be found in the article Which is the best video card. You also need a good power supply, plus cleaning from dust.
So, in the question about the design of the computer system unit, we got to the part that, unlike RAM, stores information permanently (at least until it breaks) - hard drive(hard drive, screw).
Outwardly it looks like a small iron box to which two wires go. One from the power supply to provide the necessary current for operation, and the second from the mat. boards in order to connect it with other devices for common operation.
We repeat, it is needed for constant memorization of information. It does not tolerate shocks, falls, or vibrations due to its high-tech device and settings. It is important to avoid any falls, shocks, etc. Plus, as always, a good power supply is important.
A DVD drive is needed to read or write data to magnetic disks. Now there is a need for this device is constantly falling, due to the development of the Internet (everything is there, why, something needs to be written to disks) and flash memory is an order of magnitude more convenient and faster, that is, ordinary flash drives for recording information.
These are the parts that make up the computer system unit. The article provides introductory information on these devices. Read more about them in the links provided next to them. After all, simply by familiarizing yourself with them, you can solve a number of sometimes arising questions, for example, why the PC slows down, how to make powerful games start working, or how to assemble an inexpensive PC for movies, surfing and social networks.
To summarize, I would like to note that for a good long work system unit, the choice of power supply is very important and, if possible, the purchase good source uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Of course, all other components should not be from cheap unknown manufacturers, plus balance is important.
If, for example, you have already decided to take action to purchase or update the configuration, then show the final version to someone else, for an outside perspective. And so, in general, that’s all. We examined the issue of the design of the computer system unit. We hope that the information presented will be useful to you and you will be more prepared in your further actions. Thank you for your attention.
According to its purpose, a computer is a universal device for working with information. According to the principles of its design, a computer is a model of a person working with information.
Personal computer(PC) is a computer designed to serve one workstation. Its characteristics may differ from mainframe computers, but it is functionally capable of performing similar operations. According to the method of operation, desktop (desktop), portable (laptop and notebook) and pocket (palmtop) PC models are distinguished.
Hardware. Since the computer provides all three classes of information methods for working with data (hardware, software and natural), it is customary to speak of a computer system as consisting of hardware and software, working together. The components that make up the hardware of a computer are called hardware. They perform all the physical work with data: registration, storage, transportation and transformation, both in form and content, and also present them in a form convenient for interaction with natural human information methods.
The totality of a computer's hardware is called its hardware configuration.
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Software. Programs can be in two states: active and passive. In a passive state, the program does not work and looks like data, the content of which is information. In this state, the contents of the program can be “read” by other programs, like books are read, and changed. From it you can find out the purpose of the program and how it works. In the passive state, programs are created, edited, stored and transported. The process of creating and editing programs is called programming.
When a program is in an active state, the content of its data is considered as commands according to which the computer hardware operates. To change the order of their operation, it is enough to interrupt the execution of one program and start the execution of another, containing a different set of commands.
The collection of programs stored on a computer forms its software. The set of programs prepared for work is called installed software. The set of programs running at one time or another is called a software configuration.
Computer device. Any computer (even the largest one) consists of four parts:
input devices
information processing devices
storage devices
information output devices.
Structurally, these parts can be combined in one case the size of a book, or each part can consist of several rather bulky devices
Basic PC hardware configuration. The basic hardware configuration of a personal computer is the minimum set of hardware sufficient to start working with a computer. Over time, the concept of a basic configuration gradually changes.
Most often, a personal computer consists of the following devices:
System unit
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Additionally, other input and output devices can be connected, such as speakers, a printer, a scanner...
System unit- main block computer system. It contains devices that are considered internal. Devices connected to the system unit externally are considered external. The term peripheral equipment is also used for external devices.
Monitor- a device for visual reproduction of symbolic and graphic information. Serves as an output device. For desktop PCs, the most common monitors today are those based on cathode ray tubes. They vaguely resemble household televisions.
Keyboard- a keyboard device designed to control the operation of a computer and enter information into it. Information is entered in the form of alphanumeric character data.
Mouse- graphical control device.
Internal devices of a personal computer.
Devices located in the system unit are considered internal. Some of them are accessible on the front panel, which is convenient for quickly changing information media, such as flexible magnetic disks. The connectors of some devices are located on the rear wall - they are used to connect peripheral equipment. Access to some system unit devices is not provided - it is not required for normal operation.
CPU. Microprocessor- the main microcircuit of a personal computer. All calculations are performed in it. The main characteristic of the processor is the clock frequency (measured in megahertz, MHz). The higher the clock speed, the higher the processor performance. So, for example, at a clock frequency of 500 MHz, the processor can change its
state 500 million times. For most operations, one clock cycle is not enough, so the number of operations a processor can perform per second depends not only on the clock speed, but also on the complexity of the operations.
The only device the existence of which the processor “knows from birth” is RAM - it works together with it. This is where data and commands come from. Data is copied into processor cells (called registers) and then converted according to the contents of the instructions. You'll get a more complete picture of how the processor interacts with RAM in the chapters on programming fundamentals.
RAM. RAM can be thought of as a vast array of cells that store numeric data and commands while the computer is turned on. The amount of RAM is measured in millions of bytes - megabytes (MB).
The processor can access any RAM cell (byte) because it has a unique numeric address. The processor cannot access an individual bit of RAM, since the bit does not have an address. At the same time, the processor can change the state of any bit, but this requires several actions.
Motherboard. The motherboard is the largest circuit board of a personal computer. It contains highways that connect the processor with RAM - the so-called buses. There is a data bus through which the processor copies data from memory cells, an address bus through which it connects to specific memory cells, and a command bus through which the processor receives commands from programs. All other buses are also connected to the motherboard buses. internal devices computer. The operation of the motherboard is controlled by a microprocessor chipset - the so-called chipset.
Video adapter. A video adapter is an internal device installed in one of the connectors on the motherboard. The first personal computers did not have video adapters. Instead, a small area was allocated in RAM for storing video data. A special chip (video controller) read data from video memory cells and controlled the monitor in accordance with them.
As the graphic capabilities of computers improved, the video memory area was separated from the main RAM and, together with the video controller, was separated into a separate device, which was called a video adapter. Modern video adapters have their own computing processor (video processor), which has reduced the load on the main processor when constructing complex images. The video processor plays a particularly important role when building on flat screen three-dimensional images. During such operations, he has to perform a particularly large number of mathematical calculations.
In some motherboard models, the functions of the video adapter are performed by chipset chips - in this case they say that the video adapter is integrated with motherboard. If the video adapter is made as a separate device, it is called a video card. The video card connector is located on the rear wall. A monitor is connected to it.
Sound adapter. For IBM computers PC work with sound was not initially provided. For the first ten years of its existence, computers on this platform were considered office equipment and did without sound devices. Currently, audio tools are considered standard. To do this, a sound adapter is installed on the motherboard. It can be integrated into the motherboard chipset or implemented as a separate plug-in card called a sound card.
Connectors sound card displayed on the back wall of the computer. To play sound, speakers or headphones are connected to them. A separate connector is intended for connecting a microphone. If you have a special program, this allows you to record sound. There is also a connector (line output) for connecting to external sound recording or sound reproducing equipment (tape recorders, amplifiers, etc.).
Hard drive. Since the computer's RAM is cleared when the power is turned off, a device is needed to store data and programs for a long time. Currently, so-called hard drives are widely used for these purposes.
The operating principle of a hard drive is based on recording changes in the magnetic field near the recording head.
Main hard parameter disk capacity is measured in gigabytes (billions of bytes), GB. The average size of a modern hard drive is 80 - 160 GB, and this parameter is steadily growing.
Floppy drive. To transport data between remote computers They use so-called floppy disks. A standard floppy disk (floppy disk) has a relatively small capacity of 1.44 MB. By modern standards, this is completely insufficient for most data storage and transportation tasks, but the low cost of media and high availability have made floppy disks the most common storage media.
To write and read data stored on floppy disks, a special device is used - a disk drive. The drive receiving hole is located on the front panel of the system unit.
CD-ROM drive. To transport large amounts of data, it is convenient to use CD-ROMs. These discs can only read previously written data; they cannot be written to. The capacity of one disk is about 650-700 MB.
CD-ROM drives are used to read CDs. The main parameter of a CD-ROM drive is the reading speed. It is measured in multiple units. The reading speed approved in the mid-80s is taken as one. for music CDs (audio CDs). Modern CD-ROM drives provide reading speeds of 40x - 52x.
Main disadvantage CD-ROM drives- impossibility of recording discs - overcome in modern devices write-once - CD-R. There are also CD-RW devices that allow multiple recordings.
The principle of data storage on CDs is not magnetic, like floppy disks, but optical.
Communication ports. To communicate with other devices, such as a printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, etc., the computer is equipped with so-called ports. A port is not just a connector for connecting external equipment, although a port ends in a connector. A port is a more complex device than just a connector, having its own chips and controlled by software.
Network adapter. Network adapters are necessary for computers to be able to communicate with each other. This device ensures that the processor does not send a new portion of data to the external port until network adapter the neighboring computer did not copy the previous portion to itself. After this, the processor is given a signal that the data has been collected and new ones can be submitted. This is how the transfer takes place.
When a network adapter “learns” from a neighboring adapter that it has a piece of data, it copies it to itself, and then checks whether it is addressed to it. If yes, it passes them to the processor. If not, it puts them on the output port, from where the network adapter of the next neighboring computer will pick them up. This is how data moves between computers until it reaches the recipient.
Network adapters can be built into the motherboard, but are more often installed separately, in the form additional fees called network cards.