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Introduction to Computers. 4 Computer Stages. Input Processing Output Storage. What happens during Processing?. The CPU accepts information from the input stage and processes it. CPU = Central Processing Unit. The Function of the CPU. The “Brain” of the computer!.
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4 Computer Stages • Input • Processing • Output • Storage
What happens during Processing? The CPU accepts information from the input stage and processes it. CPU = Central Processing Unit
The Function of the CPU The “Brain” of the computer! The CPU is the main chip in the computer. • Performs Calculations • Manages the flow of information through the computer.
3 Factors that determine the performance of the CPU • Manufacturer (Most popular is Intel) • Generation (An example: Pentium 4) • Speed Speed is measured in: Megahertz [MHz] millions of cycles per second or Gigahertz [GHz] billions of cycles per second
Random Access Memory • Temporarily stores data • Constantly overwritten • Holds Application Software RAM
What does RAM Determine? • The number of programs a computer can run at one time. • How fast programs will operate/run.
Memory Kilobyte = 1000 thousand bytes Megabyte = 1,000,000 million bytes Gigabyte = 1,000,000,000 billion bytes Terabyte = 1,000,000,000,000 trillion bytes
Read Only Memory • Permanent • Cannot be changed • Stores Instructions • Holds operating system software ROM
2 Types of Memory Cache Memory cache—speeds up the computer by storing data the computer has recently used. • Internal Cache • Located on the CPU chip • Provides the fastest way for a computer to retrieve data. • External Cache • Located on the motherboard • Generally slower then internal.
Cycle the CPU follows to access data • Internal • External 3. RAM 4. Hard Drive
