Basically What is Computer? What is a Computer? To put it simply, a computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with information. The Computer… 1. Takes in information, then… 2. Processes the information, and then… 3. Displays the results. In What Ways is a Computer Used? Just view decades ago, working with [...]
Removable Media Since the mid-1980s, the primary storage device used by computers has been the hard disk drive. However, for software loading, data backup, data transport between computers, and temporary storage, removable media storage devices such as optical drives, magneto-optical drives, magnetic disk drives, tape drives, and flash memory devices are useful supplements to primary [...]
Memory Types Over the years, four main types of memory have been used in PCs: FPM (Fast Page Mode) EDO (extended data out) SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) DDR SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM) RDRAM (Rambus dynamic RAM) All of these, except the RDRAM, have been used in laptops and other portable systems. The following sections [...]
BIOS Setup Most systems have the setup program built right in to the ROM BIOS software. These built-in setup programs are activated by a key sequence usually entered during the POST. Most systems show a prompt on the screen during the POST indicating which key to press to enter the BIOS Setup. The major vendors [...]
Types of I/O Buses Since the introduction of the first PC, many I/O buses have been introduced. The reason is simple: Faster I/O speeds are necessary for better system performance. This need for higher performance involves three main areas: Faster CPUs Increasing software demands Greater multimedia requirements Each of these areas requires the I/O bus [...]
Processor Features As new processors are introduced, new features are continually added to their architectures to help improve everything from performance in specific types of applications to the reliability of the CPU as a whole. The next few sections take a look at some of these technologies, including System Management Mode (SMM), Superscalar Execution, [...]
Mobile Processor Features As with most portable system components, the main concern with mobile processors is reducing their size, power usage, and heat generation. This allows them to function in the tight confines of a laptop system without overheating, while allowing the longest possible battery life. Mobile processors usually differ from desktop processors in packaging [...]