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Understanding Computer Architecture: Components, Storage, and Peripherals

This guide provides an overview of computer architecture, detailing the fundamental components such as the motherboard, CPU, memory (RAM), and long-term storage solutions like hard drives and SSDs. It explains how various subunits are connected, highlighting the differences between magnetic and optical storage, and the significance of peripheral connections through protocols like USB and FireWire. Additionally, the role of software, including BIOS and operating systems, is discussed, showing how they manage hardware communication and user interface needs.

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Understanding Computer Architecture: Components, Storage, and Peripherals

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  1. MDIA 308 Computers

  2. Computers • Most PCs are based on a standard architecture • The computer is constructed of various subunits

  3. Computer architecture

  4. 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”

  5. Central Processor

  6. Daughtercards

  7. 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.)

  8. RAM

  9. 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

  10. Hard drives

  11. Hard drives

  12. 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

  13. 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)

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. USB audio interface

  17. User interface

  18. User interface

  19. User interface

  20. 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

  21. 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

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