Make up different devices and. Computer device

So, what is our usual personal computer (PC), which we use at home or at work.

Consider its hardware ("Iron"):

• system block (the large box that is on your table or under the table, on the side of it, etc.). It contains all basic computer nodes.
• peripherals (Such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, scanner, etc.).

The system unit in the computer is "main". If you carefully unscrew the screws from its back wall, remove the sidebar and look inside, then only with the form of its device will seem complex. Now I will briefly describe his device, and then characterize the main elements in the most understandable language.

IN system block The following elements are accommodated (not necessarily all at once):

- Power Supply

- Hard magnetic disk drive (HDD)

- Drive on flexible magnetic disk (FDD)

- Drive on a CD or DVD (CD / DVD ROM)

- Connectors for additional devices (ports) on the rear (sometimes on the front) panel, etc.

— Motherboard (It is more often called the maternal), which, in turn, contains:

• microprocessor;
• mathematical coprocessor;
• clock pulse generator;
• memory chips (RAM, ROM, CASH memory, CMOS memory)
• controllers (adapters) of devices: keyboards, disks, etc.
• sound, video and network card ;
• timer and others.

All of them are connected to the motherboard using connectors (slots). Its elements highlighted in bold, we will consider below.

And now in order about the system unit:

one . With the power supply, everything is clear: it feeds the energy of the computer. I will only say that, the higher its power indicator, the cooler.

2. Hard magnetic disk drive (HDD - hard Disk. Drive) in commoner called Winchester.

This nickname arose from the jargon name of the first model. hard disk The capacity of 16 KB (IBM, 1973), which had 30 tracks of 30 sectors, which accidentally coincided with the "30/30" hunting rifle of the famous Hunting rifle. The container of this drive is usually measured in gigabytes: from 20 GB (on old computers) to several terrabytes (1TB \u003d 1024 GB). The most common capacity of the hard drive is 250-500 GB. The speed of operations depends on the speed of rotation (5400-10000 rpm). Depending on the type of hard drive with motherboard distinguish ATA and IDE.

3. Drive on a flexible magnetic disk (FDD - FLOPPY DISK Drive) - nothing but floppy disk drive. Their standard capacity is 1.44 MB with a diameter of 3.5 "(89 mm). Magnetic materials with special properties are used as a storage medium with special properties that allow you to record two magnetic states, each of which is put into line with binary numbers: 0 and one.

4 . Drives by optical disks (CD-ROM) There are different diameters (3.5 "and 5.25") and tanks. The most common ones are a capacity of 700 MB. It happens that CDs can be used to record only 1 time (then they are called R), and it is more profitable to use repeatedly rewritable RW discs.

DVD was initially decrypted as Digital Video Disk. Despite the name, you can write anything on DVDs anything, from music to data. Therefore, in recent times, the other decoding of this name is the Digital Versatile Disk, in the free translation of the "digital universal disk". The main difference between DVDs from CDs is the volume of information that can be recorded on such a carrier. The DVD can be recorded from 4.7 to 13, and even up to 17 GB. This is achieved in several ways. First, a laser with a smaller wavelength is used to read DVDs than to read CDs, which made it possible to significantly increase the recording density. Secondly, the standard provides so-called two-layer discs, in which the data on one side are recorded in two layers, while one layer of translucent, and the second layer is read "through" the first. This made it possible to record data on both sides of DVDs, and thus double their capacity, which is sometimes done.

five . TO personal computer others can connect additional devices (mouse, printer, scanner andother). Connection is performed through ports - special connectors on the rear panel.

Ports are parallel (LPT), serial (COM) and universal serial (USB). According to the serial port, the information is transmitted on the paired (more slowly) at a small number of wires. Mouse and modem are connected to the serial port. By parallel port, the information is transmitted simultaneously by a large number of wires corresponding to the number of discharges. The parallel port is connected to the printer and remote hard drive. USB port is used to connect a wide range peripheral devices - From the mouse to the printer. It is also possible to exchange data between computers.

6. The main devices of the computer (processor, RAM, etc.) are placed on motherboard.

Microprocessor (easier - processor) - a central PC unit designed to manage the work of all machine blocks and to perform arithmetic and logical operations on information.

Its main characteristics are a bit (than it is higher, the higher the performance of the computer) and the clock frequency (largely determines the speed of the computer). The clock frequency indicates how many elementary operations (clocks) processor performs in one second.
Respect in the market Intel Pentium processors and its economy version of Celeron, as well as appreciate their competitors - AMD Athlon with an economy version of Duron. Intel processors Characterized by high reliability in work, low heat generation and compatibility with all software and hardware. And AMD show a greater speed of working with graphics and games, but less reliable.

Computer memory is internal and external. To devices external memory There are already considered HDD, FDD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM. TO internal memory Refers constant memory (ROM, ROM English), operational memory (RAM, RAM English), cache.

The ROM is intended for storing constant software and reference information (BIOS - Basic Input-Output System - basic I / O system).

RAM has high speed and is used by the processor for short-term storage of information during computer operation.

When the power source is turned off, the information in the RAM is not saved. For the normal functioning of the computer today, it is advisable to have from 1 GB to 3 GB of RAM.

Cache memory is an operational ultra-speed intermediate memory.

CMOS memory - CMOS RAM (Compledenary Metall-Oxide Semiconductor RAM). It stores the computer configuration parameters that are checked each time the system is turned on. To change the computer configuration settings in the BIOS contains a computer configuration configuration program - SETUP.

Sound, Video and Network Cards can be as built-in in motherboardand external. External boards can always be replaced, whereas if the built-in video card comes out, you will have to change the entire motherboard. I trust from video cards ATI Radeon. and NVIDIA. The higher the memory of the video card, the better.

Peripherals

Computer consists of 6 key groups:

• Alphanumeric;
• Managers (Enter, Backspace, Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Tab, ESC, Caps Lock., Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Pause, Print Screen);
• Functional (F1-F12);
• Numeric keypad;
• Cursor control (-\u003e,<-, Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, Delete, Insert);
• Light indicators of features (CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, SCROLL LOCK).

Mouse (mechanical, optical). Most programs use two of the three mouse keys. The left key is the main one, it is controlled by a computer. She plays the Enter key role. The functions of the right key depend on the program. In the middle there is a scroll wheel to which you quickly get used to.

Modem - network adapter. It can be both external and inner.

The scanner automatically reads with paper media and enters in PC any printed texts and images.

The microphone is used to enter sound to the computer.

(Display) Designed to display information on the screen. Most often in modern PCs are used by SVGA monitors with resolution (by the number of points placed horizontally and vertically on the monitor screen) 800 * 600, 1024 * 768, 1280 * 1024, 1600 * 1200 during transmission to 16.8 million colors.

The size of the monitor screen is from 15 to 22 inches diagonally, but most often - 17 inches (35.5 cm). The size of the point (grain) is from 0.32 mm to 0.21 mm. What he is less, the better.

PCs that are equipped with television monitors (CRT) are not so popular. Of these, preference should be given to low radiation monitors (Low Radiation). Liquid crystal displays (LCD) are safer, and most computers have exactly such a monitor.

Designed for printing text and graphic images. Printers are matrix, inkjet and laser. In matrix printers, the image is formed from the shock points. Inkjet printers in the print head instead of needles have thin tubes - nozzles, through which the smallest droplets of ink are thrown on paper. Inkjet printers are performed and color printing with basic colors. Dignity - high print quality, disadvantage - the danger of drying ink, high cost of consumables.

In laser printers, an electrographic method of image formation is used. The laser serves to create an ultra-thin light beam, drawing on the surface of the pre-charged photosensitive drum contours of an invisible point electronic image. After the e-image manifestation of the dye powder (toner), sticking to the discharged sections, printing is performed - the transfer of toner from the drum on paper and fasten the image on the toner warming paper before melting it. Laser printers provide the highest quality printing with high speed. Color laser printers are widely used.

Sound columns Displays sound. The sound quality depends - again - from the power of the speakers and the material from which the housings are made (preferably a tree) and its volume. An important role is played by the presence of a phase inverter (hole on the front panel) and the number of bands of reproducible frequencies (high, medium and low speakers on each column).

USB drives on flash memory, in my opinion, have become the most universal means of transferring information. This is a miniature device size and weight less lighter. It has high mechanical strength, it is not afraid of electromagnetic emissions, heat and cold, dust and dirt.

The most sensitive part of the drive is a connector covered with a cap. The volume of these devices ranges from 256 MB to 32 GB, which allows you to choose the drive of the desired container, consistent with the needs. Thanks to the interface, the USB drive can be connected to any modern computer. It works with Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / VISTA / 7, Mac OS 8.6 ~ 10.1, Linux 2.4 operating systems. In Windows, you do not even need to install any drivers: connected to USB port - and work.

Need to enter a dynamic image to a computer and sound (to communicate and the possibility of creating teleconferences).

Uninterruptible power system Need for an emergency power outage of electricity.

Fuff, well, in my opinion, and everything is the main thing that I wanted to tell you about the hardware of the computer, the so-called Hardware.

The article "Computer Device" was written for quite a long time. Therefore, if you found a mistake or discovered some inaccuracy, please write about it using the comment form. We will be very grateful!

What are you, dear reader, know about the computer? Of course, the fullness and depth of your response will depend on many factors. Some of you will involuntarily turn to superficial knowledge from the school program obtained in computer science lessons. Yes, and hardly the ordinary user thought about what was hidden under the protective casing of the system unit. As a rule, the knowledge of the housewives is based on a visual understanding of the subject of our discussion: an iron or plastic box, monitor, keyboard and mouse. And this should agree, since the objectivity of this opinion really characterizes the PC of the standard configuration in general terms. However, the components of the computer are more than simplicity and limited visible body parts of the system unit and some reading connected to it promises to be fascinating, and the article material is guaranteed to become the starting point for your curiosity.

The main components of the computer: about what a housewife sees

No matter how it would not want, but without computer terminology we just do not do. Therefore, be prepared to get acquainted with some specialized words. By the way, it will significantly save you time in the future. We now turn directly to the fascinating theory and consider as an introductory list the basic configuration of a stationary PC.

• The system unit is a housing in which the hardware filling of the computer is located.
• Monitor is a graphic and symbolic information display device.
• Keyboard - a computer control key through which data and commands are entered.
• The mouse is a manual manipulator that converts mechanical movements into the control signal.

Constructive features of computing devices

Mentioned components of the computer are integral elements of desktop modifications. Laptops, tablets and pocket electronic devices belong to the portable type of computing technology. Such devices have a compact case. All basic hardware components are combined into a single device, as a result of which the maximum practicality of the device is achieved. The indisputable advantage of portable computers is operational autonomy and mobility when used. There is another type of computer technology - monoblocks. This type of computing devices is a common average between desktop and mobile systems. The miniaturity of the hardware and stationary "attachment" to the workplace of traditional PCs are borrowed from laptops to work in the workplace of traditional PCs in a separate type of computing devices.

Inside the protective case are located, which ultimately is a hardware configuration of the PC. The main part of the computer is considered to be the motherboard of the device, since this element is a kind of spine of the electronic system, to which, in addition to the required components, the central processor and RAM schedule - additional extension modules can be installed. A special place in the system unit is given to the storage device - a hard disk. Such components of the computer, as a cooling system and a power supply, are also located inside the PC housing. However, portable devices receive power from external power supply devices. As a rule, a personal computer is equipped with an optical drive for reading and writing data. The main interface panel is output.

Important parts of a computer: Processor - "Heart" PC

This microcircuit performs the function of the computing center. Without a CPU, the computer will simply not work. CPU power is characterized by a clock frequency that is measured in MHz. At the same time, the final performance of the processor performance depends on the level of the applied technology. When performing multi-threaded operations (the operation of two and more simultaneously used applications), CPUs having a multi-core architecture of the structure have an unconditional advantage. This technical part of the computer is a processor - consists of a kernel and compound elements associated with it: input / output tires and address bus. The data processing rate between the specified CPU components is expressed in the bit. The higher the indicator mentioned, the greater the central processor tire.

RAM: high-speed CPU assistant

This is an energy-dependent component of the system, which is a kind of mediator between the central processor and the hard disk. However, data exchange can occur directly between the CPU and the RAM of the computer. The RAM module is installed in a special BANK-slot of the motherboard. From the scope of the RAM, which is measured in information units (MB), as well as the bandwidth of the system bus tire, depends the speed of the OS. To date, there are several types of such memory:

• Outdated view of RAM - SIMM and DIMM.
• The most common - DDR, DDR2, DDR3.
• New type RAM - DDR4.

As you understand, the components of the computer must comply with a certain standard. By purchasing an additional need to know exactly what type of RAM is supported by your motherboard.

Hard Disk: Iron Memory

Unlike the RAM recorded on HDD, data can be stored long enough. Winchester operation is based on the principle of changing the magnetic field near the recording head. The drive of this type is a mechanical device, the effectiveness of which depends on the characteristics inherent in it:

• Rated capacity - the amount of data that can be stored on HDD.
• Arbitrary access time is the execution of positioning operation on an arbitrary section of disk space.
• The speed of rotation of the central spindle - the parameter is measured by the number of revolutions per minute.
• The volume of buffer is an intermediate memory that is calculated in MB.
• Data transfer rate - the ability of the device to read a certain amount of information per second. Sequential access to a specific (meaning the external and internal zone) of the disk part of the personal computer is taken into account.

APGREAD PC, compact computing device and service equipment is often associated with increasing operating system performance. And quite recently solid-state drives, as it is impossible to resolve the speed problems of any computing technology. However, a relatively small amount of disk space at a high SSD device price for many users is, to put it mildly, an unacceptable solution.

Video card: visual performance

What components of the computer are responsible for graphics? The answer to this question is quite simple. First of all, it is a video card, then the central processor, and after - the RAM RAM. It is worth noting that graphic adapters are discrete and integrated. Therefore, it should be considered in more detail the difference of this kind of equipment.

Built-in graphic chip

As a rule, low-cost computers are equipped with integrated video controllers. As you understand, such chips do not possess special performance. However, to solve office tasks, viewing multimedia material and even launching not the resource-intensive game application, this option is quite acceptable. Please note: The video adapter built into the chipset is physically able to be considered a separate configuration element.

Discrete type of video cards

To date, this is the most effective method to increase PC graphic capabilities. This graphic module is inserted into a special PCI-slot of the extension of the motherboard. Through the interface connector, which is located on the video card itself and removed the outside of the system unit, the monitor is connected. The volume of video memory and the bandwidth of its tires, as well as the core frequency, texture and pixel filling speed are the main indicators of graphic performance of a stipulated component of the PC. Now, if anyone ask you: "List composite parts of the computer", you must take into account that, unlike an integrated graphic chip, this is a separately represented module.

PC Configuration: Functional Extension and Modernization

After you have learned or refreshered first of the information that is located inside the PC system unit, let's touch the question of and how it is related to the topic of the submitted article.

So, additional parts of the computer are not only peripheral devices: printers, scanners, webcams, etc., connected to any interface connector or connected by means of wireless technology with a PC, but also some system components that are customary called Basic. For example, the user can always add operational resources to its computer by setting up the efficiency of the RAM into free BANK slots. The avid gamers often put two most powerful video cards on their computers. Audio capabilities can be significantly expanded if you connect a sound adapter. Network and DVB cards, various readers and TV tuners, as well as the mass of other equipment - all this can be elements of modernization, that is, the PC upgrade. The only restriction for the user fantasy flight can be an insufficient level of the motherboard technological level.

Before finish

Now you will not be caught by surprise, if you are asked: "I listed the components of the computer." Nevertheless, for the completeness of knowledge about the device, the PC should still be sorted out. After all, in previous paragraphs, only casual was mentioned about the communication capabilities of the computer. Meanwhile, the PC's system board is equipped with various interface connectors, among which you can allocate the main:

• PS / 2 - for connecting the mouse and keyboard.
• USB is a universal port for connecting to peripheral devices.
• VGA - monitor connector.
• RJ45 - To connect a network connector.

To date, modern is equipped with various wireless modules. Developers endow PC with new communication properties. Manufacturers introduce yesterday as fantastic revolutionary technologies. Electronics rapidly expands the boundaries of its influence. However, the human thinking process will always be the basis for computer equipment. As the person thinks, no one and nothing in the world knows how to think.

Technical Epilogue

With confidence, you can assume that now you know how the parts of the computer are called. However, the information provided is only a drop from the ocean of information on the topic affected by the topic, because to tell about the device of the computer in general terms - it means not to say anything! Therefore, as mentioned earlier, it is necessary to show curiosity and approach the study of the computer's device more seriously. Be sure that such knowledge will make you much richer. After all, the future is the future!

PC devices and their characteristics

Personal computers are available in the following design versions: stationary (desktop) and portable. The most common is desktop PCs that allow you to easily change the configuration. Consider IBM - compatible desktop personal computer. The composition of the PC is called configuration. Since modern computers have a block-modular design, the necessary hardware configuration can be implemented from finished nodes and blocks (modules) manufactured by various manufacturers. The compatibility of the devices is the fundamental principle of open architecture, which is offered by IBM. It served as an impetus for mass production, both separate nodes and computers. The basic configuration includes devices without which modern PC cannot work:

 system unit;

 keyboard that provides information in the computer;

 Mouse manipulator facilitating information to the computer;

 Monitor designed for the image of textual and graphic information.

System unit

In personal computers manufactured in the portable version, the system unit, the monitor and keyboard are combined into one case. The system unit is a metal box with a removable lid, in which various computer devices are placed. The body shaped is:

 Desktop - flat housings (horizontal location), they usually have on the table and used as a stand for monitor

 Tower - touched in the form of towers (vertical location), usually arranged on the floor.

The housings differ in size, specified SUPER, BIG, MIDI, Micro, Tiny, Flex, MINI, SLIM prefixes indicate the size of the housings. On the front wall of the case, the "POWER" buttons - Start, "Reset" - restart, power indicators and PC operations.

Ports (I / O Channels)

On the rear wall of the body of modern PCs are placed (you can choose more accurate ports:

 Game - for gaming devices (for connecting the joystick)

 VGA - Integrated in Motherboard VGA - Controller for connecting a monitor for office or business PC

 COM - asynchronous consecutive (denoted som1-somb). Through them, mouse, modem, etc. are usually connected.

 PS / 2 - Asynchronous serial ports for connecting the keyboard and manipulator mouse

 LPT - parallel (denoted LPT1-LPT4), printers are usually connected to them.

 USB - universal interface for connecting 127 devices (this interface can be located on the front or side wall of the housing)

 Ieee-1394 (FireWire) - interface for transmitting large varies of video information in real time (to connect digital video cameras, external hard drives, scanners and other high-speed equipment). FireWire interface features all video cameras running in digital format. Can be used to create local networks.

 IRDA - infrared ports are designed to wirelessly connect a pocket or notable PC or cell phone to a desktop computer. Communication is provided with direct visibility, data range is not more than 1 m. If there is no built-in an IRDA adapter in the PC, then it can be made in the form of an additional external device (USB an IRDA adapter) connected via a USB port.

 Bluetooth ("Blutus") - high-speed microwave standard, allowing to transmit data at distances up to 10 meters. If there is no built-in BluetootHadapter, it can be made in the form of an additional external device (USB Bluetooth adapter) connected via a USB port. USB Bluetooth Adapters are designed for wireless connecting pocket or notable PCs, or cell phone to desktop computer

 Sound card connectors: To connect speakers, microphone and linear output, it should be noted that the presence or absence of listed ports in the PC depends on its value and the level of modernity. The system block contains the main components of the computer:

 System or motherboard (Motherboard) on which subsidiaries are installed (devices, adapters or card controllers) and other electronic devices

 power supply transforming power supply to a direct low voltage current for computer electronic circuits;

 Drive on a hard magnetic disk designed for reading and writing to a non-removable hard magnetic disk (Winchester).

 Drives on optical disks (type DVD - RW or CD - RW), designed to read and write on a CD - discs

 drives (or drives) for flexible magnetic disks used to read and write to flop;

 Cooling devices

Keyboard

Keyboard- A device intended for input by user information into a computer. Standard keyboard has more than 100 keys. Keyboard keys are divided into 6 groups:

 Typewriter keys

 Numeric keys (switching the operation mode is carried out by the Numlock key)

 Editing keys (HOME, END, Page UP, PAGEN, INSERT, DELETE, Back Space)

 Special keys (Ctrl, Alt, Esc, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Print Screen, Pause)

 F1 - F12 function keys (located at the top of the keyboard and are designed to call the most frequently used commands)

Placing the keys of the first group corresponds to the typewriter. The location of the Latin letters on the IBM PC keyboard is usually the same as in the English typewriter, and the letters of Cyrillic - as in the Russian typewriter. To enter uppercase letters and other characters located on the upper keyboard register, there is a key. For example, to enter a capital letter, you need to press the key and, without releasing it, press the key with the desired symbol. The key is used to fix the mode of capital letters. The key is used to create a space between characters. The key when editing text works as "return carriage" on the typewriter. In addition, pressing this key may mean the end of the command entry or other information and access to the computer. Switching the keyboard language (Russian - Ukrainian - English) can be performed using the keyboard switch located on the taskbar or using key combinations (SHIFT + CTRL or SHIFT + ALT)

Mouse manipulator

Mouse manipulator - Manipulator control device. Small box with keys (1, 2 or 3 keys). Move the mouse on a flat surface (for example, a rug) is synchronized with moving the mouse pointer on the monitor screen. Entering information is carried out by moving the cursor to a specific screen area and short-term pressing of the manipulator buttons or click (single or double). According to the principle of operation, manipulators are divided into mechanical, wholesale and optical. In portable PCs, trekballs and Points are used as a mouse. The monitor and mouse combination provide the user dialog mode with a computer, this is the most convenient and modern type of user interface. Microsoft has released a new set of keyboard and mouse designed for desktop PCs. The product was named Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000, it uses wireless technology.

Monitors

Monitors - devices that serve to ensure the user dialog mode with a computer by displaying graphic and symbolic information. In graphical mode, the screen consists of points (pixels from the English. Pixel - Picture Element, image element) obtained by splitting the screen on columns and lines. The number of pixels on the screen is called the resolution of the monitor in this mode. Currently, PC monitors can operate in the following modes: 480x640, 600x800, 768x1024, 864x1152, 1024x1280 (number of pixels vertically and horizontal). Resolving the ability depends on the type of monitor and video adapter. Each pixel can be painted in one of the possible colors. Color display standards: 16, 256, 64K, 16m color shades of each pixel. On the principle of action, all modern monitors are divided into:

 Monitors based on an electron beam tube (CRT)

 LCD displays (LCD)

 Plasma monitors

Monitors on electronic radial tubes are the most common, but monitors with liquid crystal displays are becoming more popular (screens). The highest image quality has modern plasma displays. Standard monitors have a diagonal length of 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22 inches. In the CRT monitors, the image is formed by an electron beam tube. When configuring the monitor, you need to set the parameters of the resolution and color display mode so that the frame update frequency does not exceed 85 Hz. In the LCD monitors, the image is formed using a pixel matrix. Each pixel is formed by the glow of one screen element, so each monitor has its maximum physical resolution. So, for example, for monitors 19 inches permitting capacity of 1280x1024. In order to eliminate image distortions on the screen, it is recommended to use LCD monitors in the modes of its maximum resolution. For LCD monitors, frame change frequency is not critical. The image looks sustainable (no apparent flicker) even at the frequency of refreshing frames of 60 Hz. In plasma monitors, the image is formed using a pixel matrix, as in LCD monitors. The principle of operation of the plasma panel consists in a controlled cold discharge of discharged gas (xenon or neon) located in an ionized state (cold plasma). The pixel forms a group of three subpixels responsible for three basic colors, which are microcameras, on the walls of which there is a fluorescent substance of one of the main colors. This is one of the most promising technology of flat displays. The advantages of plasma monitors are that there is no flickering of the image, the picture has a high contrast and clarity over the entire display, have a good visibility at any angle and a small thickness of the panel. The disadvantages include large power consumption.

| How the personal computer works. The main characteristics of a personal computer

Lesson 7.
The device of a personal computer and its main characteristics. Acquaintance with a package of PC devices, connect external devices

§7. How does a personal computer
§eight. The main characteristics of a personal computer

How does a personal computer

The main topics of the paragraph:

What is a PC;
- Basic PC devices;
- Main principle of interaction of PC devices.

Questions studied:

What is PC

In § 5 We got acquainted with the main devices of the computer - electronic computing machine (computers). Modern computers are very different: from large, engaged in the whole hall, to small placing on the table, in the portfolio and even in your pocket. Different EMM are used for different purposes. Today, the most massive type of computer is personal computers. Personal computers (PCs) are designed for personal (personal) use. There are various types of PCs: stationary (desktop) and mobile (laptops, tablet PCs, pocket PCs).

Despite the variety of PC models, there are many common in their device. We are talking about these common properties.

Basic devices PC

The main "detail" of a personal computer is a microprocessor (MP). This is a miniature electronic circuit created by a very complex technology that performs the function of the computer processor.

Personal computer is a set of interrelated devices. In the stationary PC, the central device is a system unit. In the system unit there is a "brain" machine: microprocessor and internal memory. There are also placed: the power supply unit, drives, controllers of external devices. The system unit is equipped with fans for cooling heating when working elements.

From the outdoor side of the system unit there is a network switch, a computer reset button, connectors (which are called ports) to connect external devices, retractable tray to install the optical disk.

Keyboard (keyboard device), monitor (other name - display) and mouse (manipulator) are connected to the system unit. Sometimes other types of manipulators are used: joystick, trackball, etc. Additionally, the PC can be connected: printer (printing device), modem (to exit computer network) and other devices (Fig. 2.7).

Figure 2.7 shows the stationary PC model, in fig. 2.8 - laptop.

In the laptop, all the necessary components are combined in one case, which develops as a book (hence the name of the computer).

All external memory devices, as well as I / O devices, interact with the PC processor through special blocks, which are called controllers (from English Controller - controller, managing). There are a drive controller, monitor controller, printer controller, etc.

Relatively recently, a universal controller appeared as part of the PC, which allows you to connect various types of devices through a universal connector (USB): a printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

Main principle of interaction of PC devices

The principle in which the information link between the computer devices is organized is called the main principle of interaction. The processor through a multi-wire line, which is called a highway (another name - tire), binds to other devices (Fig. 2.9).

Each connected to the PC device receives a number that performs the address of this device. Information transmitted from the processor to the device is accompanied by its address and is fed to the controller. Next, the device is managed by the controller.

The characteristic system of the highway is: on one group of wires (data bus), processed information is transmitted, on another (address bus) - memory addresses or external devices to which the processor is drawn. There is another third part of the highway - the control bus; It passs control signals (for example, checking the availability of the device to operation, the signal to the beginning of the device, etc.).

Briefly about the main thing

The system unit includes: microprocessor, internal memory, drives, power supply, external devices controllers.

External devices (I / O devices, external memory devices) interact with PC processor through controllers.

All PC devices are connected by a large-wire line, which is called informational Master, or tire.

Each external device has its own address. (number). The information transmitted to it over the data bus is accompanied by the address of the device, which is transmitted along the address bus.

Questions and tasks

1. Name the minimum set of devices that make up a personal computer, and make photos of these devices.

2. What devices are part of the system unit?

3. What is the controller? What function does it perform?

4. How are various PC devices are physically connected?

5. How does the information transmitted over the tire hits the desired device?

The main characteristics of a personal computer

The main topics of the paragraph:

Microprocessor characteristics;
- the volume of internal (operational) memory;
- characteristics of external memory devices;
- I / O devices.

Questions studied:

Personal computer - computer for personal use.
- Basic personal devices.
- Minimum set of devices.
- The main principle of interaction of the personal computer devices.
- Microprocessor characteristics: clock frequency, bit.
- Volume - the main characteristic of the RAM.
- Characteristics of external memory devices.

Increasingly, personal computers are used not only in production and in educational institutions, but at home. They can be bought in the store just as buying household appliances. When buying any product it is desirable to know its main characteristics in order to purchase exactly what you need. These main characteristics are also in PC.

Microprocessor characteristics

There are various models of microprocessors produced by different firms. The main characteristics of the MP are processor's clock frequency and discharge.

The mode of operation of the microprocessor and other associated devices is set by a microcham called the clock frequency generator. This is a kind of metronome inside the computer. A certain number of clocks are assigned to perform the processor of each operation. It is clear that if the metronome "knocks" faster, then the processor works faster. The clock frequency is measured in megahertz - MHz. The frequency in 1 MHz corresponds to a million clocks in one second. Here are some characteristic clock frequencies of microprocessors: 600, 800, 1000 MHz. The last value is called Gigaghertz - GHz. Modern models of microprocessors work with clock frequencies in several gigahertz.

Next feature - processor discharge. The bit content is called the maximum length of the binary code, which can be processed or transmitted by the entire processor. The time of processors on the first models of PC was equal to 8 bits. Then 16-bit processors appeared. On modern PCs, 32-bit processors are most often used. The greatest bit content of modern microprocessors used in PCs is 64 bits.

The volume of internal (operational) memory

We have already spoke about the memory of the computer. She shares on operational (internal) and long-term (external) memory. The performance of the machine is very dependent on the volume of internal memory. If there are not enough internal memory to work, the computer begins to carry part of the data into the outer memory, which dramatically reduces its performance. The speed of read / write data into RAM is several orders of magnitude higher than in external.

The amount of RAM affects the performance of the computer. For the efficient work of modern programs, RAM is required by the volume of hundreds and thousands of megabytes (gigabytes).

Cash memory assignment

To reduce the time of program execution, the PC includes a special type of internal memory, which is called cash memory. It is small by volume, but having the shortest read / write time. Computer memory. In the cache memory duplicate data and commands from RAM to which the processor is most often referred to when executing the program. Therefore, the initial processor is looking for the required information in the cache, and only if it does not detect it, refers to a slower RAM.

Features of external memory devices

External memory devices are magnetic and laser drives, flash memory. Magnetic discs built into the system unit are called hard drives, or hard drives. This is a very important part of the computer, since it is here that all the program you need to work are stored. Reading / writing to a hard disk is performed faster than all other types of external media, but still slower than in RAM. The greater the volume of the hard disk, the better. At modern PCs install hard drives, the volume of which is measured in gigabytes: dozens and hundreds of gigabytes. Buying a computer, you acquire and the necessary set of programs on the hard disk. Usually the buyer itself orders the composition of the computer software.

All other carriers of external memory are replaceable, i.e. they can be inserted into the drive and get from the drive. These include CD type optical discs (CDs) and DVDs. About their properties described in § 6. Disks are convenient for long-term storage of programs and data, as well as to transfer information from one computer to another.

The mandatory set of modern PC includes optical drives for working with CD and DVD. Software is distributed on these media. CD-ROM capacity is calculated by hundred megabytes (standard volume - 700 MB). The DVD information container is calculated by gigabytes (4.7; 8.5; 17 GB). Often video films are written on DVD. On one disk you can fit a two-hour video with several sound tracks in different languages.

Writing optical drives allow you to record and overwrite information on CD-RW and DVD-RW.

Recently, the basic means of transferring information from one computer to another has become flash memory. Flash memory is an electronic device of external memory used to read and write information in the file format. Flash memory, like discs - non-volatile device. The container of the carrier is from hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes. And the speed of reading and writing data on the flash carrier is approaching the speed of reading and writing to the hard disk.

I / O devices

All other types of devices belong to number of input / output devices. Mandatory of them are the keyboard, monitor and manipulator (mouse; on mobile PCs: trackball, touchpad, joystick, etc.). Additional devices: printer, modem, scanner, sound system and some others. The choice of these devices depends on the needs and financial capabilities of the buyer. You can always find sources of reference information about models of devices such and their operational properties.

Briefly about the main thing

The main characteristics of the microprocessor: clock frequency and discharge. The greater the clock frequency, the higher the speed of the processor. The increase in bit leads to an increase in the amount of data processed by the computer per unit of time.

RAM volume affects computer performance. For the efficient work of modern programs, RAM is required by the volume of hundreds and thousands of megabytes (gigabytes).

Hard magnetic disk - Mandatory external memory device as part of a computer.

Replaceable carriers are optical disks, flash memory.

Required I / O devices: keyboard, manipulator, monitor.

Additional I / O devices: printer, scanner, modem, acoustic system, etc.

Questions and tasks

1. What characterization of the computer depends on its performance?

2. What order information is the hard drive, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM?

3. What memory devices are built-in, what are replaceable?

4. What I / O devices are mandatory for PC, which are optional?

Electronic application to lesson

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In this article, which was prepared for novice users, we will look at computer device. We also learn the main characteristics of devices and what functions they perform.

The usual personal computer, which we use in our daily life consists of such parts:

System unit;

Monitor;

Keyboards and mice;

Additional devices (printer, scanner, webcam, etc.)

Personal computer device. The content of the article:

System unit

The system unit is the central part of the computer in which all the most important components are located. Everything, so that the computer works. A variety of systemic blocks that differ in size, design and assembly method are produced.

Basic elements of the system unit:

• RAM;
• Video card;
• HDD;
• Optical drive (DVD, Blu-Ray);
• Power Supply

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

The motherboard is the largest board of the system unit. It features basic computer devices: processor, RAM, video card, slots (connectors), BIOS, using loops and cables to motherboard DVD drive, hard disk, keyboard, mouse, etc. Main task of motherboard - Connect all These devices and make them work as one. In addition, it is controllers. Controllers are e-cards inserted in connectors (slots) on the motherboard, they control devices connected to a computer. Some controllers are included in the motherboard. Such controllers are called integrated or built-in. So controllers of mice and keyboards are always built-in. By adding and replacing the controllers boards, you can expand the capabilities of the computer and adjust it to your requirements. For example, the user can add an additional sound card that can work with new multichannel acoustic systems.

The central processor (CPU, CPU) is the main element of the computer, its "brain". It is responsible for all calculations and processing of information. In addition, it is managed by all computer devices. The speed of the computer and its capabilities depends on its power.

The main characteristics of the central processing:

• number of Cores
• clock frequency
• socket

Let's look at them in more detail.

Number of Cores

The greater the core processor, the greater the number of operations it can perform at the same time. In essence, several nuclei are several processors that are located on one crystal or in one case. In the same-core processor, the commands received on his entrance are consistently pass through the blocks necessary for their execution, that is, the processor is performed another team, the rest are waiting for their turn. In a multi-core processor, several separate flows and data flows come to the input and also separated, without affecting each other. Due to the parallel processing processor, the computer's performance of a multiple commands increases. Today, the personal computers are established, as a rule, 2-8 nuclear processors. However, not all programs are designed to use several cores.

Clock frequency

This characteristic indicates the speed of commands to the central processor. Tact - time interval required to perform an elementary operation processor.

In the near past, the clock frequency of the central processor was identified directly with its performance, that is, the higher the clock frequency of the processor, the more productory. In practice, we have a situation where the processors with the same frequency have different performance, because in one clock can perform a different number of commands (depending on the design of the kernel, the bandwidth of the bus, cache memory). Modern processors operate at frequencies from 1 to 4 GHz (Gig Hertz)

Cache

Cache is used to significantly accelerate calculations. This is a high-profile memory built into the processor housing containing the data to which the processor is often referred to. Cache memory may be the first (L1), second (L2) or third (L3) level.

Socket

Socket (Socket) is a connector (socket) on the motherboard, where the processor is installed. But when we say the "socket of the processor", we mean by this, both the nest on the motherboard and the support of this society with certain processor models. Socket is needed precisely so that it can be easily replaced by the proceeding processor or upgrade the computer with a more powerful processor.

RAM

The next important element of the computer, which is in the system unit - RAM (RAM or RAM-operational storage device). It is in it that information processed by the processor and user running programs are remembered. It is called operational because it provides a processor quick access to data.

DDR2.

DDR3

The main characteristics of the RAM:

• volume - Measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), significantly affects the performance of the computer. Due to the insufficient volume of RAM, many programs or will not be loaded, or will be performed very slowly. In a modern typical computer, at least 1 GB of memory is used, although it is better to have 2 or 3 GB for convenient operation;
• tire frequency - Measured in Meghertz (MHz), also has a big impact on the speed of the computer. What it is more, the faster the transfer of data between the processor and the memory itself.
• memory type - Indicates a generation to which the memory relates. To date, you can meet the operational memory of the following types (posted on the occurrence of the appearance):

DDR SDRAM (100 - 267 MHz)

DDR2 SDRAM (400 - 1066 MHz)

DDR3 SDRAM (800 - 2400 MHz)

DDR4 SDRAM (1600 - 2400 MHz)

Video card

Video card | Computer device

The video card is an electronic board that provides video generation and thereby defines the image shown by the monitor. In existing video cards different features. If the computer uses office programs, they do not prevent special requirements for the video card. Another thing is a game computer, in which the main work takes on a video card, and a secondary role is given to the central processor.

The main characteristics of the video card:

• the volume of video memory is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), affects the maximum monitor resolution, the number of colors and the image processing speed. At this time, models of video cards with a video memory of 256 MB to 6 GB are produced. Optimal average volume of 512 MB or 1 GB;
• the video memory bus bit is measured in bits, determines the data volume that can be simultaneously transferred from the video memory (in memory). Standard bits of modern video cards 256 bits;
• the video memory frequency is measured in megahertz (MHz), the higher the greater the total performance of the video card.

Currently, the video cards are based on NVIDIA GeForce and ATI Radeon chipsets.

HDD

Hard disk | Computer device

Hard disk without top lid | Computer device

Hard disk, also called Winchester or HDD, is designed for long-term storage of information. It is on the hard drive of your computer that all information is stored: operating system, the necessary programs, documents, photos, movies, music and other files. It is he who is the main w.stream storage information in the computer.

For the user, hard drives differ in each other primarily by the following characteristics:

• capacity (volume) - measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TBA), determines which volume of information can be written on a hard disk. At the moment, the volume of modern hard drives is measured from several hundred gigabytes to several terabytes;
• speed, which makes up from time to access information and read / write speed. A typical access time for modern discs is 5-10 ms (milliseconds), the average read / write speed is 150 MB / s (megabytes per second);
• the interface is the type of controller to which the hard disk must be connected (most often EIDE and various SATA options).

DVD-drive

DVD-drive | Computer device

DVD-drive is used to read DVD and CDs. If the name is the "RW" prefix, then the drive is capable not only to read, but also record on the disks. The drive is characterized by the read / write speed and is denoted by means of a multiplier (1x, 2x, etc.). Speed \u200b\u200bunit here is 1.385 megabytes per second (MB / s). That is, when the value of the speed 8x is indicated on the drive, then the actual speed will be 8 * 1.385 MB / s \u003d 11.08 MB / s.

Blu-ray (Blue Ray) Drive

Blu-ray (Blue Ray) Drive | Computer device

Blu-ray drives can be three species: read, combo and writing. The reading Blu-ray drive can read CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. Combo can additionally record CDs and DVDs. Writing Blu-ray Drive can read and write all discs.

Power Supply

The power supply supplies the power of the computer, and is usually sold with the case. Currently, the power supplies are 450, 550 and 750 watts. More powerful power supplies (up to 1500 watts) may need a computer with a powerful gaming video card.

Monitor

The monitor is designed to display images coming from the computer. It belongs to computer information output devices.

Main characteristics of monitors:

• screen size - Measured in inches (1 inch \u003d 2.54 cm) diagonally. At the moment, the most popular are LCD monitors with a diagonal of 19 inches;
• screen format (The aspect ratio of vertical and horizontal), now almost all monitors are sold in widescreen performance: 16: 9 and 16:10 format;
• type of matrix - The main part of the LCD monitor, from which its quality depends on 90%. In modern monitors, one of the three main types of matrices are used: TN-FILM (the simplest, cheapest and common), S-IPS (have the best color rendition, is used for professional work) and PVA / MVA (more expensive TN-Film and cheaper IPS, we can say that these matrices are a compromise between TN + FILM and IPS.);
• screen resolution - The number of points (pixels) in width and height, of which the image consists. The most common 17 and 19-inch monitors have a resolution of 1280x1024 and 1600x1200 points. The higher the permission, naturally, the image is obtained in detail;
• type of connector Used to connect to a computer, analog VGA (D-Sub) or DVI digital connectors, HDMI.