Introduction to Computers
4 Computer Stages
•Input
•Processing
•Output
•Storage
What happens during Processing?
CPU = Central Processing Unit
The Function of the CPU
The “Brain” of the
The CPU is the
computer!
main chip in the
computer.
Performs Calculations
Manages the flow of information through the
computer.
3 Factors
that determine the performance
of the CPU
Manufacturer (Most popular is Intel)
Generation (An example: Pentium 4)
Speed
Speed is measured in:
Megahertz [MHz] millions of cycles per second
or
Gigahertz [GHz] billions of cycles per second
Random Access Memory
Temporarily stores data
Constantly overwritten
Holds Application Software
What does RAM Determine?
1. The number of programs a computer can run
at one time.
2. How fast programs will operate/run.
Memory
Kilobyte = 1000 thousand bytes
Megabyte = 1,000,000 million bytes
Gigabyte = 1,000,000,000 billion bytes
Terabyte = 1,000,000,000,000 trillion bytes
Read Only Memory
Permanent
Cannot be changed
Stores Instructions
Holds operating system software
2 Types of Memory Cache
Memory cache—speeds up the computer by storing
data the computer has recently used.
Internal Cache External Cache
Located on the CPU Located on the
chip motherboard
Provides the fastest Generally slower
way for a computer to then internal.
retrieve data.
Cycle the CPU follows to access
data
1. Internal 3. RAM
2. External 4. Hard Drive
OUTPUT IS NEXT…