System Unit: inside the box
Microcomputer configurations
Microcomputer's speed is measured by CLOCK RATE which is the cycles per second that a computer can perform. Its measured in GIGAHERTZ.
Bus lines are the pathways( or roads in our anthology) that transfer data and power between components inside a computer. They are measured in BUS WIDTH.
Computers are electronic devices and electricity that has only two states; ON or OFF
A two state system on a common computer is a BINARY SYSTEM.
a computer POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU) is the part that supplies electricity. A PSU is typically converted 100-120 volt or 220-240 volt ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) to a lower voltage DIRECT CURRENT (DC) that can be used by the internal components of the system unit.
*ding ding ding* System units need to store, retain, and process MEMORY. There are two types of memory:
Primary storage. (volatile)
In the system unit, it is random access memory (RAM)
Secondary storage. (non-volatile)
does not need electricity to save memory.
*ding ding ding* The programing information to perform the start up task resides in a chip called a COMPLIMENTARY METAL-OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR.
A PORT is a specific outlet that serves a connection, or interfaces between a computer and other devices like a digital camera.
Ports use a system called "PLUG and PLAY" which are designed so a device automatically works when it is plugged in to a system unit. Two most popular ports which and plug and play are FireWire and Universal Serial Bus (USB).
*ding ding ding* Devices that plug into computer system units can be categorized as either INPUT device, or an OUTPUT device. input can be TRANSLATED.
Escape: The "escape" (Esc) key discontinues a computer's operation.
Return: The "Return" key, or "enter" key finishes and keyboard entry
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): An RFID or RFID tag is an input device that can be applied to a product for identification and transmits the products info through radio waves.
