WEEK -02

COMPUTER HARD WARE

In the second week of this trimester we learned about the history of the computer. It has been divided computer into 5 generations.

 First generation (1940-1950): Vacuum Tube.

Second generation (1950-1964 ): Transistors.

Third generation (1964-1974): Integrated Circuits.

Fourth generation (1974- Present): VLSI/ULSI.

Fifth generation (now and the future)

There are six categorize, based on size, capability, and price, of computers including Embedded computers, Mobile device/computers, Personal computers, Mid-range servers, Mainframes computer, and Supercomputers. So, i want to mention the meanings about the each categorize of computer. First, embedded computer is a miniature computer embedded into a specific product for a specific function. For example, washing machine is used by pressing any buttons, the user will get what s/he needs. Second, Mobile computer fits on our lap/hand, contains built-in computing or internet capabilities. Third, Personal computers are fully functioning portable or desktop computers, designed for a single user at a time. Fourth, Mid-range servers physically likes small cabinet, hosting data and programs available to a small group of users. Fifth, Mainframe computer consume large space and powerful computers used to host a large amount of data and programs available to a wide range of users. The last one, Supercomputer is extremely powerful computers used for complex computation and processing.

Session 2

Before, i write about Motherboard, i would like to describe what is System Unit. Generally, system unit is a case that contains electronic components (processor, memory, expansion cards etc) and most storage devices. Also, there are four main components of system unit such as processor, Memory module, Expansion cards including sound card, modem card, video card, and network interface card, and Ports and connectors. Whereas, motherboard, also called system board, is main circuit board in system unit and contains chips, integrated circuits, and transistors.

What is Central Processing Unit? It is derived from Memory + Processor. It acts as the brain, that takes all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs different parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations, of any computer system. Moreover, there are two CPU components  include Control Unit-CU, which is part of the hardware that is in charge, and Arithmetic Logic Unit-ALU, which performs arithmetic operation such as Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. Also, Memory is divided into two types. First, RAM (Random Access Memory) can be edited data that being used by the processor and it loses its contents when we turn off computer. Whereas ROM (Read Only Memory) can be read only, but it doesn’t lose any its contents when we turn off computer.

Session 3

In the session 3, i learnt the meaning of computer terms. Those terms are divided into two main parts include Input and Output. Input includes Keyboard, Pointing Devices, Game Controllers, Digital Cameras, Voice Input, Video Input, Optical Scanner, Optical Reader, Bar Code Readers, Magnetic Stripe Card Readers, Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, Bio metric Input, Terminals. One more part, Output includes Display Devices, Printers, Audio Output Device, Data Projector, Force Feedback and so on. Furthermore, i want to mention about Storage. It holds data, instructions, and information for future use. There are seven types of storage to be used. They are Hard disks, Flash Memory Storage, Optical Discs, Tape, Magnetic Stripe Cards and Smart Cards, Microfilm and Microfiche, and Enterprise Storage.