chapter 3

• Hardware


  The physical components of a computer system or electronic device
• Hardware components


  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Memory (RAM)
  • Storage Devices
  • Motherboard
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  • Input/Output Devices
  • Power Supply
  • Cooling System
  • Network Interface Cards (NICs)
  • Expansion Cards
• Hardware is a crucial part of any computing system and determines its performance capabilities, speed, and overall functionality
• Types of memory and storage

  • Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • Read-Only Memory (ROM)
  • Cache Memory
  • Virtual Memory
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Flash Memory
  • Optical Drives
  • Magnetic Tape
• RAM (Random Access Memory)

  Provides temporary, fast-access storage for running programs and data while the computer is on
• ROM (Read-Only Memory)


  Contains firmware or instructions that are permanently stored and cannot be easily modified
• RAM is volatile memory

  Its contents are cleared when the computer is turned off
• ROM is non-volatile memory


  It retains data even when power is removed
• RAM


  Used for temporary data storage during program execution, allowing quick read and write operations
• ROM


  Stores permanent instructions or data, such as firmware, essential for system startup
• RAM


  Allows both read and write operations, making it suitable for data manipulation and multitasking
• ROM


  Primarily read-only, with data being written during manufacturing or programming
• RAM


  Essential for running applications, enabling efficient multitasking and data processing
• ROM


  Provides fundamental instructions for system boot-up and initialization
• RAM


  Directly accessible by the CPU and other components, allowing for rapid data retrieval and manipulation
• ROM


  Directly accessible, providing critical data during system startup
• RAM


  Contents can be modified and changed dynamically during program execution
• ROM


  Contents are typically fixed during manufacturing and cannot be easily modified
• RAM examples


  • DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4
• ROM examples


  • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) firmware, firmware embedded in devices
• PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory)


  A type of non-volatile memory that can be programmed only once by the manufacturer or user
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)


  A type of memory that allows data to be erased and reprogrammed multiple times using ultraviolet (UV) light
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)


  A type of memory that can be erased and reprogrammed electrically without UV light exposure
• Use of ROM and RAM in a microwave oven

  1. ROM: Stores cooking presets, user interface instructions

  2. RAM: Temporarily holds user input, cooking progress
• Use of ROM and RAM in a refrigerator

  1. ROM: Stores temperature settings, defrost cycles, user interface

  2. RAM: Temporarily holds sensor data, user input
• Use of ROM and RAM in a remote-controlled model aeroplane

  1. ROM: Stores flight control algorithms, user interface

  2. RAM: Temporarily holds sensor data, user input, flight status
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)


  Similar to EPROM but can be erased and reprogrammed electrically without UV light exposure
• EEPROM


  • Allows individual bytes or small blocks of data to be erased and reprogrammed, making it more flexible than EPROM
  • Used in applications where data needs to be updated or modified periodically, such as firmware updates or configuration settings
• Memory technologies


  • PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) - programmable once and non-erasable
  • EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) - erasable with UV light
  • EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) - electrically erasable and reprogrammable
• Using ROM and RAM in a microwave oven

  1. ROM: Stores cooking presets, user interface instructions

  2. RAM: Temporarily holds user input, cooking progress
• Using ROM and RAM in a refrigerator

  1. ROM: Manages temperature control, defrost cycles

  2. RAM: Stores real-time temperatures, user adjustments
• Using ROM and RAM in a remote-controlled model aeroplane

  1. ROM: Controls flight stability, servo movements

  2. RAM: Holds real-time sensor data, remote inputs
• HDDs are older and use mechanical components, offering larger storage capacities at a lower cost but with slower performance
• SSDs are newer, more efficient, and faster due to their solid-state design, making them well-suited for tasks requiring speed, responsiveness, and durability
• SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)


  A type of RAM (Random Access Memory) used in computer systems
• DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)


  A type of RAM (Random Access Memory) used in computer systems
• SRAM


  • Uses flip-flop circuits to store each bit of data
  • Faster and more reliable than DRAM
  • More complex and power-hungry
• DRAM


  • Stores each bit of data as an electrical charge in a capacitor within an integrated circuit
  • Simpler design
  • Requires constant refreshing to maintain data integrity
• SRAM


  Faster access times compared to DRAM
• DRAM


  Slower access times compared to SRAM