A+ What Is A Computer?

Class Notes:

IO

• Input/ Output
• Can be not just a keyboard and monitor, but a temperature sensor and an audible alarm

CPU – Processing

• The “brain” of the computer
• GPU are processors specific to graphics

Memory

• RAM is the only data that the CPU can touch

Storage

• Long term data storage

Connectivity

• Can be Wifi, LTE, Bluetooth or Ethernet

Power

• Can be connected to wall, or a battery

Cooling

• Heat can destroy components
• Heat sinks dissipate heat from components
• Fans move air through case

Motherboard/ Mainboard

• Connects all components

Case

• Cases are more important then many realize.

Firmware

• Firmware is software that resides on the components themsleves
• Firmware can be upgraded

BIOS/ UEFI/ CMOS

• Controls how motherboard controls components
• ROM Chip stores BIOS or UEFI
• ROM chip can be upgraded by being “flashed”
• Settings are actually stored in  CMOS

OS

• The OS gives the user a working interface

Drivers

• Drivers allow the OS to talk to the hardware

Software

• Software are the applications you actually use such as Word or Photoshop