Download - Int 2 computer structure 2010
Computer Structure
Mr Arthur
Aims of Lesson 1
1. 5 Box Diagram of a Computer System
2. Main Memory V Backing Storage
5 Box Diagram
Main Memory
Random Access Memory Where programs are stored
temporarily while the computer is on
Volatile Memory = The contents of RAM is lost when the computer is switched off
Read Only Memory The contents of ROM are
stored permanently and cannot be edited
Programs are written to ROM during manufacture
Bootstrap Loader is stored in ROM and loads up the remainder of the OS
The Main Memory is required to store parts of programs whilst in use by the processor
Lesson Starter
1. I have an image that is 3 inches by 4 inches with a Resolution of 500dpi. Calculate the storage requirements.
2. What does RAM and ROM stand for?
3. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Aims of Lesson 2
Last Lesson
1. 5 Box Diagram of a Computer System
2. Main Memory V Backing Storage
Today’s Lesson
1. Backing Storage1. Magnetic
2. Optical
3. Serial Access
4. Direct Access
Backing Storage
A Backing Storage device is a piece of hardware that is used to store data permanently when the computer is switched off
Magnetic Hard Disk Magnetic Tape USB Memory Stick
Optical CDROM/R/RW DVDROM/R/RW
Sequential Access = This is Backing Storage where you access data in a particular order
Direct Access = This Backing Storage allows you to access data in any order
Lesson Starter
1. What is the purpose of Backing Storage?
2. List 4 examples of Backing Storage devices
3. What is the difference between Sequential and Direct data access?
Aims of Lesson 3
Last Lesson
1. 5 Box Diagram of a Computer System
2. Main Memory
3. Backing Storage
Today’s Lesson
1. The Processor
Lesson Starter
1. What is the purpose of purpose of the processor?
2. What is the measure of processor speed?
The Processor
The processor or Central Processing Unit is the brain of the computer where all the decision making, calculations etc are carried out
We send instructions (programs) to the processor to get the computer to do something
Processor speed (clock speed) is measure in how many millions of instructions the processor can process per second (typically 3-4Ghz)
Clock speed is one of the main measures of computer performance
Parts of the Processor Control Unit
Manages the fetching and executing of programs held in RAM
Makes sure programs are processed in the correct order
Arithmetic Logic Unit Performs + - X / calculations Makes AND, OR, NOT and IF decisions Handles FOR, loop untils
Registers Storage locations on the processor chip to
temporarily store instructions
Lesson Starter
1. List the 3 parts of the processor
2. Which part of the processor makes sure programs are processed in the correct order and manages the timing of processing?
Computer Comparison
Type RAM Hard Disk Processor Peripherals
Palmtop 256Mb 1Gb (Solid State) 500-800MHz StylusTouch SensitiveMonitor
Laptop 3Gb RAM 320GB 2.2 GHz possibly dual core
Touch PadLCD/TFT Monitor
Desktop 4Gb RAM 500Gb 3.2Ghz possibly quad core
Mouse, Keyboard, LCD Monitor
Mainframe Approx 32Gb RAM
8Tb or more 3.2Ghz possible 16 processors or more
EMBEDDED SYSTEM = A processor inside another device, for example, a microwave, sky + box.
Arrangements - Computer Structure Description of the purpose of a processor List the parts of a processor as ALU, control unit and registers Representation of the structure of a computer in the form of a simple
five box diagram representing: input devices, processor, main memory, output devices, and backing storage
Distinction between main memory and backing storage Description of the features and uses of RAM and ROM Description of the uses of embedded, palmtop, laptop, desktop and
mainframe computers Comparison of features of embedded, palmtop, laptop, desktop and
mainframe computers: type and speed of processor, size of main memory, backing storage, input and output devices
Description of clock speed as a simple indicator of system performance