Introduction To CS

________
Danish Ali
Component of Computer
Central
Power Supply
Processing Motherboard Storage device
Unit (PSU)
Unit (CPU)

Graphics
Networking Peripheral Operating
Processing
Components Devices System (OS)
Unit (GPU)

BIOS/UEFI
What is a CPU?

A Central Processing Unit is the most important component of a

computer system. A CPU is a hardware that performs data input/output,
processing and storage functions for a computer system. A CPU can be
installed into a CPU socket. These sockets are generally located on the
motherboard. CPU can perform various data processing operations.
CPU can store data, instructions, programs, and intermediate results.
Component of CPU

The CPU consists of 3 major component, which

are:
• Memory or Storage Unit
• Control Unit
• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory or Storage Unit
As the name suggests this unit can store instructions, data, and
intermediate results. The memory unit is responsible for transferring
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also
known as an internal storage unit or the main memory or the
primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM) as all these are
storage devices. Its size affects speed, power, and performance.
Control Unit
A control unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but it does
not carry out any data processing operations. For executing already stored
instructions, It instructs the computer by using the electrical signals to instruct
the computer system. It takes instructions from the memory unit and then
decodes the instructions after that it executes those instructions. So, it
controls the functioning of the computer. It’s main task is to maintain the flow
of information across the processor.
Functions of the Control unit
• Controlling of data and transfer of data and instructions is done by the control unit among
other parts of the computer.

• The control unit is responsible for managing all the units of the computer.

• The main task of the control unit is to obtain the instructions or data which is input from the
memory unit, interprets them, and then directs the operation of the computer according to that.

• The control unit is responsible for communication with Input and output devices for the
transfer of data or results from memory.

• The control unit is not responsible for the processing of data or storing data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is
responsible for performing arithmetic and
logical functions or operations. It consists
of two subsections, which are:
• Arithmetic Section
• Logic Section
Subsections of ALU

Arithmetic Section:

By arithmetic operations, we mean operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
and all these operation and functions are performed by ALU. Also, all the complex operations are done
by making repetitive use of the mentioned operations by ALU.

Logic Section: (condition)

By Logical operations, we mean operations or functions like selecting, comparing, matching, and
merging the data, and all these are performed by ALU.
Motherboard

A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware components of a computer, like

the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card. There are multiple types of
motherboards, designed to fit different types and sizes of computers.

Each type of motherboard is designed to work with specific types of processors and memory,
so they don't work with every processor and type of memory. However, hard drives are mostly
universal and work with most motherboards, regardless of the type or brand.
Power supply

A power supply is an electrical device that offers electric power to an electrical load such as
laptop computer, server, or other electronic devices. The main function of a power supply is
to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to
power the load. It could be AC to DC or DC to DC. Consequently, power supplies are
sometimes regarded as electric power converters. Some power supplies are standalone and
separated from equipment to be external power supplies and others inside the device to be
the internal power supplies
Storage Device

A hardware device which can be used to store digital data

and applications which may be in the form of images, video,
audio, etc. is called a storage device. It is a key component
of a computer and the hard drive is one of its examples.
Types of Computer Memory

The computer memory unit is divided into three parts. Given

below are details about the three types of computer memory:

1. Primary Memory

2. Secondary Memory

3. Tertiary Memory
Primary Memory

• This is the direct memory which is accessible to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

• This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.

• This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased

• It is smaller in size

• Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory

• Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.

Secondary Memory

Secondary memory, also known as auxiliary or external memory, refers to non-volatile

storage in a computer system used for long-term data retention even when the power is
turned off. Unlike primary memory (RAM), which is volatile and temporary,
secondary memory retains data for an extended period. Examples of secondary
memory include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs). Secondary
memory is used for storing the operating system, applications, files, and other data.
Tertiary Memory

Tertiary memory refers to a category of storage in a computer system that is distinct

from both primary (RAM) and secondary (hard drives, SSDs) memory. Tertiary
memory is primarily used for long-term storage and backup purposes. Unlike primary
and secondary memory, tertiary memory is typically slower in terms of access speed
and is often characterized by a higher storage capacity at a lower cost per unit of data.
Examples of tertiary memory devices include magnetic tapes, optical discs like DVDs.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Graphics processing technology has evolved to deliver unique

benefits in the world of computing. The latest graphics
processing units (GPUs) unlock new possibilities in gaming,
content creation, machine learning, and more.
Networking Components

Computer network components are the major parts which are needed to install the
software. Some important network components are NIC, switch, cable, hub,
router, and modem. Depending on the type of network that we need to install,
some network components can also be removed. For example, the wireless network
does not require a cable.
Components of Network

Some important network components are:

1. NIC (Network interface Card)

2. Switch

3. Cable

4. Hub

5. Router

6. modem
NIC

• NIC stands for network interface card.

• NIC is a hardware component used to connect a computer with another computer onto a
network

• It can support a transfer rate of upto1000 Mb/s.

• The MAC address or physical address is encoded on the network card chip which is assigned
by the IEEE to identify a network card uniquely. The MAC address is stored in the PROM
(Programmable read-only memory).
Types of NIC

There are two types of NIC

1. Wired NIC

2. Wireless NIC
Wired NIC & Wireless NIC

Wired NIC:

The Wired NIC is present inside the motherboard. Cables and connectors are used
with wired NIC to transfer data.

Wireless NIC:

The wireless NIC contains the antenna to obtain the connection over the wireless
network. For example, laptop computer contains the wireless NIC.
Hub

A Hub is a hardware device that divides the network connection among

multiple devices. When computer requests for some information from a
network, it first sends the request to the Hub through cable. Hub will
broadcast this request to the entire network. All the devices will check
whether the request belongs to them or not. If not, the request will be
dropped.
Switch

A switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices on a computer network. A

Switch contains more advanced features than Hub. The Switch contains the updated table
that decides where the data is transmitted or not. Switch delivers the message to the correct
destination based on the physical address present in the incoming message. A Switch does
not broadcast the message to the entire network like the Hub. It determines the device to
whom the message is to be transmitted. Therefore, we can say that switch provides a direct
connection between the source and destination. It increases the speed of the network.
Router

• A router is a hardware device which is used to connect a LAN with an internet

connection. It is used to receive, analyze and forward the incoming packets to another
network.

• A router works in a Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI Reference model.

• A router forwards the packet based on the information available in the routing table.

• It determines the best path from the available paths for the transmission of the packet.
Modem

• A modem is a hardware device that allows the computer to connect to

the internet over the existing telephone line.

• A modem is not integrated with the motherboard rather than it is

installed on the PCI slot found on the motherboard.

• It converts the digital data into an analog signal over the telephone lines.
Cables and Connectors

Cable is a transmission media used for transmitting a signal.

There are three types of cables used in transmission:

1. Twisted pair cable

2. Coaxial cable

3. Fibre-optic cable
Peripheral Devices

A peripheral device is an internal or external device that

connects directly to a computer or other digital device but does
not contribute to the computer’s primary function, such as
computing. It helps end users access and use the functionalities
of a computer.
Operating System (OS)

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a

computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as
all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with
the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
BIOS/UEFI

What Is a BIOS?

BIOS is short for Basic Input-Output system. It's low-level software that resides in a
chip on your computer's motherboard. The BIOS loads when your computer starts
up, and the BIOS is responsible for waking up your computer's hardware
components, ensures they're functioning properly, and then runs the bootloader that
boots Windows or whatever other operating system you have installed.
UEFI

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) started to become more

common in the early 2010s, many new motherboards and systems were
being equipped with UEFI firmware instead of BIOS. This transition was
driven by several factors, including the need for support for larger storage
capacities, faster boot times, improved security features, and a more modern
and flexible architecture.