1.3 Computer Hardware

1.3. Computer Hardware?

Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), and so on, all of which are physical objects that can be touched (that is, they are tangible).

1.3.1. Hardware components of a computer?

Case with hardware inside:

• Power Supply – The power supply comes with the case, but this component is mentioned separately since there are various types of power supplies. The one you should get depends on the requirements of your system. This will be discussed in more detail later
• Motherboard – This is where the core components of your computer reside which are listed below. Also, the support cards for video, sound, networking and more are mounted into this board.

• Processor (CPU) – This is the brain of your computer. It performs commands and instructions and controls the operation of the computer. A central processing unit (CPU) is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. It is the brain of a computer. It performs many calculations behind the scenes, ultimately allowing you to complete tasks as trivial as composing an e-mail to tasks as intensive as data analysis and modeling. Processors are encountered in many forms of consumer electronics. Most familiar to many are notebook and desktop computers as well as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Modern processors are pretty much all RISC.  Even CISC instruction sets (x86-64) are translated to RISC microcode on chip prior to execution.

But the general differences are:
CISC – larger, more feature-rich instruction set (more operations, addressing modes, etc.).  Slower clock speeds.  Fewer general-purpose registers.  Examples: x86 variants

RISC – smaller, simpler instruction set.  Faster clock speeds.  More general-purpose registers.  Examples: MIPS, Itanium, PowerPC

RISC CPUs generally run at faster clock speeds than CISC because max clock period is dictated by the slowest step of the pipeline (more complex instructions are slower).

Three Manufacturers: Intel, ARM and AMD

• Intel’s processors generally offer the best performance for all-around usage. This has been especially the case the last several years with the introduction and evolution of Intel’s Core series product line. Currently, Intel’s flagship consumer product line consists of mobile and desktop-grade Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, i9 processors. The third and latest generation of these processors (dubbed “Ivy Bridge”) began to roll out for release late April 2012. The biggest difference between these two generations amounts to a moderate improvement in all-around computing performance but a substantial improvement in integrated graphics performance. Another significant feature Ivy Bridge adds is native USB 3.0 support, overtaking USB 2.0.
• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is considered to be a viable alternative to Intel. Their current offerings are flanked by the Phenom series processors and Fusion APU processors. The Fusion APU (AMD A-Series) is a relatively new platform (as of 2011 and ongoing) that attempts to merge high-end graphical capabilities on the same chip as the processor. This means if your work or play requires a powerful graphics card, then AMD can potentially offer a cost effective alternative.
• Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) – An ARM processor is one of a family of CPUs based on the RISC (reduced instruction set computer) architecture developed by Advanced RISC Machines (ARM). ARM makes 32-bit and 64-bit RISC multi-core processors. The increased need for mobile productivity and entertainment has given rise to a relatively new class of devices: smartphones and tablets. ARM is well-known for the design of mobile, power-efficient processor designs. In recent years it has seen its technology used in the products of many prominent electronics companies. Apple’s A4/A5/A5X, Nvidia’s Tegra, Samsung’s Exynos and Texas Instruments’ OMAP products all integrate ARM processors into what is known as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). SoCs merge many of the essential components of a computer (such as the CPU, RAM, ROM etc.) on a single chip which allows devices that utilize them to be lightweight and compact

Memory – Volatile and Non-Volatile

• Volatile – The RAM in your system is mounted on the motherboard. This is memory that must be powered on to retain its contents. Memory refers to the computer hardware devices used to store information for immediate use in a computer; it is synonymous with the term “primary storage”.

• Non-volatile – The BIOS an acronym for Basic Input/output System and also known as the System BIOS, ROM BIOS or PC BIOS) is a type of firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process (power-on startup) on IBM PC compatible computers, and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs. The BIOS firmware is built into personal computers (PCs), and it is the first software they run when powered on.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the memory available for the operating system, programs and processes to use when the computer is running.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is the memory that comes with your computer that is pre-written to hold the instructions for booting-up the computer.

• RAM requires a flow of electricity to retain data (e.g. the computer powered on).
  ROM will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered off).
• RAM is a type of volatile memory. Data in RAM is not permanently written. When you power off your computer the data stored in RAM is deleted.
  ROM is a type of non- volatile memory. Data in ROM is permanently written and is not erased when you power off your computer.
• There are different types of RAM, including DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
• There are different types of ROM, including PROM (programmable read-only memory) that is manufactured as blank memory (e.g. a CD-ROM) and EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

Hard disk drive(s)

This is where your files are permanently stored on your computer. Also, normally, your operating system is installed here. Disk storage is a general category of storage mechanisms where data are recorded by various electronic, magnetic, optical, or mechanical changes to a surface layer of one or more rotating disks. A disk drive is a device implementing such a storage mechanism. Notable types are the hard disk drive (HDD) containing a non-removable disk, the floppy disk drive (FDD) and its removable floppy disk, and various optical disc drives and associated optical disc media.

• Drive controllers – The drive controllers control the interface of your system to your hard drives. The controllers let your hard drives work by controlling their operation. On most systems, they are included on the motherboard, however you may add additional controllers for faster or other types of drives.
• CD-ROM drive(s) – This is normally a read only drive where files are permanently stored. There are now read/write CD-ROM drives that use special software to allow users to read from and write to these drives.
• Floppy drive(s) – A floppy is a small disk storage device that today typically has about 1.4 Megabytes of memory capacity.
• Other possible file storage devices include DVD devices, Tape backup devices, and some others.
• External Storage Devices