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KembaraXtra-Case Law-Computer Hardware Overview
I. The Essence of a Computer: Programmability
I. The Essence of a Computer: Programmability
- Limitation of Hardware-Defined Features: Hard-wiring features into a circuit's design restricts innovation and modification after manufacturing.
- Programmability as a Key Differentiator: Computers can perform new tasks without hardware changes by accepting and executing instructions (a program).
- Hardware vs. Software:
- Hardware: Physical components of a computer (covered in this chapter).
- Software: Instructions that tell the computer what to do (covered in the next chapter).
- The ability to run software is what makes a computer a general-purpose device, instead of a fixed-purpose device
- Memory:
- Main Memory (RAM): The primary memory used in a computer.
- Volatility: Data is retained only while the computer is powered.
- Random Access: Any memory location can be accessed in roughly the same amount of time.
- A conceptual extension of simple memory devices like latches and flip-flops.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU):
- Also called a processor.
- Executes instructions specified in software.
- Can directly access main memory.
- Microprocessors: CPUs on a single integrated circuit (lower cost, improved reliability, increased performance).
- A conceptual extension of digital logic circuits.
- Necessity: Required for computers to interact with the outside world.
- Function: Facilitate communication into the computer (input) and out of the computer (output).
- Examples: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but think of things like keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, network interfaces, etc.
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