ComputerSciences:Basic

lastmod 2025-02-11created 2022-10-066 edits

Introduction to computer science

Basic structure of a computer system

Hardware (physical devices such as electronic circuits) -> Computer Engineering
Software (basic programs and related technologies for making use of the hardware) -> Information Technology (IT)

It is the combination of these two fields.

The set of physical devices that make up a computer
Mainboard fitted with core parts such as the central processing unit, ROM, and RAM + secondary storage such as disk drives + power/input/output devices, etc.

Central processing unit: arithmetic unit, control unit, registers, etc.: Arithmetic unit (ALI): performs comparison, judgment, movement, editing, etc. of data through arithmetic and logical operations; Control unit (Control Unit): interprets program instructions and directs and supervises the work of each device according to the instructions; In personal computers, the central processing unit is also called a microprocessor; A device that executes instructions and processes data; processes data entered into main memory and outputs the result (the brain)

Input devices: Convert data such as characters and symbols into electrical signals the computer can recognize (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, sensors, etc.)

Output devices: Devices that output the results processed by the central processing unit (monitor, speakers, printer, plotter, etc.)

Main memory: Storage device that holds instructions and data inside the computer (stores data entered from input devices)

Secondary storage: Hard disk, SSD, etc. (course material: magnetic disk, magnetic tape, diskette, hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, USB, etc.)

System Software: Programs that let users use a computer without knowing the complex hardware; Operating systems, language translators, utilities, etc.; Operating system: a program that manages the overall operation of the computer and provides a way for users to use the computer system conveniently and efficiently; Language translators: assembler (translates assembly programs), compiler (translates high-level languages), interpreter, preprocessor; Utility programs: programs that make operating the computer convenient (mostly provided by the computer manufacturer)

Device Driver: Sits between the hardware and the operating system; responsible for operating hardware devices

Firmware: Basic programs stored in ROM to improve system efficiency; has hardware characteristics but is closer to software; characterized by typical processing routines, non-volatility, being unchangeable, etc.

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