Transcript tcom 308 - 9 - computers

MDIA 308
Computers
Computers
• Most PCs are based on a standard
architecture
• The computer is constructed of various
subunits
Computer architecture
Computers
• Subunits of the computer are attached to
the printed circuit board called the
“motherboard”
• The CPU is the computer’s “brain” and
executes the calculations required to
perform the various functions
• Other subunits are attached to the
motherboard as “daughterboards”
Central Processor
Daughtercards
Computer memory
• Short term storage call “random access
memory (RAM) retains data only while the
computer is operating
• Long term data storage is accomplished
using internal hard drives, or external
storage devices such as solid state drives
(compact flash, secure digital, etc.)
RAM
Hard drives
• Hard drives use the same magnetic
recording principles used in tape
• Hard drives are constructed by fixing oxide
to a polished glass or aluminum platter
• Hard drives contain multiple platters
attached to a common spindle
• The tiny recording and playback heads
move across the disk surface without
touching it
Hard drives
Hard drives
Optical storage
• Compact disks (CD) and digital versatile
disks (DVD) offer permanent external
storage
• Optical storage has the advantage of
being less volatile than magnetic storage
• Optical storage can be very high capacity
Connecting peripherals
• Peripheral or outboard devices may be
connected to the computer
• Various protocols exist to connect
peripherals
– Parallel and Serial Buses
– Universal Serial Bus (USB)
– IEEE-1394 (FireWire)
– Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
– Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
Connecting peripherals
• Parallel and serial are older systems
(legacy) that do not offer high enough
throughput for most audio and video
devices
• USB 2.0 provides fast data transfer
• IEEE 1394 offers high data transfer
capacity and is “hot swapable”
• SCSI and S/PDIF are less common and
used only for audio devices
Peripherals and interfaces
• Some peripherals are designed to allow
audio and video inputs and outputs to be
easily connected to the computer using
standard audio connectors
• Other interface devices allow the user to
have the same “tactile” experience as
using a mixing console
USB audio interface
User interface
User interface
User interface
Software
• BIOS – basic input-output system
– Permanent instructions on a chip
– Called “firmware”
– Instructions for organizing data flow
• Drivers – small software scripts that allow
the computer to communicate with various
hardware
Software
• Operating systems (OS) provide a
consistent software platform for application
software
• Most OS are single-user multitasking
• OS present a simple (text or graphic)
system for the user to operate the
software and hardware