Central Processing Unit (CPU)
sometimes referred to as the “brains” of the computer because it
controls all the functions performed by the computer’s other
components and processes all the commands issued to it by
The main processing functions of your computer take software instructions.
place in the CPU and memory, both of which reside on your
computer’s motherboard. In the following sections, we’ll explore
the components of the motherboard and how memory helps
your computer process data.
Objective 1 Describe the functions of the motherboard and RAM
What exactly is a motherboard?
The motherboard is the main circuit board that contains the
central electronic components of the computing device, including
the computer’s processor (CPU), its memory, and the many circuit
boards that help the computer function.
In a laptop, tablet, or phone, the system unit is combined with the
monitor and the keyboard into a single package. Portable device How is processor speed measured?
motherboards are smaller, flatter, and lack expansion slots.
Processor speed is measured in units of hertz (Hz). Hertz is a
Random access memory (RAM) measurement of machine cycles per second. A machine cycle is
the place in a computer where the programs and data that the the process of the CPU getting the data or instructions from RAM
computer is currently using are stored. RAM is much faster to read and decoding the instructions into something the computer can
from and write to than the hard drive and other forms of storage. understand. Once the CPU has decoded the instructions, it
The processor can request the RAM’s contents, which can be executes them and stores the result back in system memory.
located, opened, and delivered to the CPU for processing in a few Current systems run at speeds measured in gigahertz (GHz) or
nanoseconds (billionths of a second). If you look at a desktop billions of machine cycles per second. Therefore, a 3.8 GHz
motherboard, you’ll see RAM as a series of small cards (called processor performs work at a rate of 3.8 billion machine cycles per
memory cards or memory modules) plugged into slots on the second. It’s important to realize, however, that CPU processor
motherboard. speed alone doesn’t determine the performance of the CPU.
Storage Options on Computing Devices
Objective 3 Describe the various means of storing data and
information with computing devices
Local Storage Devices
Hard drive
A motherboard for a desktop computer contains the socket for the computer’s
Your desktops or laptop’s primary device for permanent storage
processor (CPU), slots for memory (RAM) modules, ports, and slots for expansion
cards. of software and documents. The hard drive is a nonvolatile
storage device.
Does the motherboard contain any other kinds of
memory besides RAM? An internal hard drive resides within the desktop or laptop system
unit and usually holds all permanently stored programs and data.
In addition to RAM, the motherboard contains a form of Today’s internal hard drives have capacities of as much as 8 TB or
memory called read-only memory (ROM). ROM holds all the more. External hard drives offer similar storage capacities but
instructions the device needs to start up when it’s powered on. reside outside the system unit and connect to the computer via a
Unlike data stored in RAM, which is volatile storage, the port.
instructions stored in ROM are permanent, making ROM a
The most common type of hard drive—the hard disk drive—has
nonvolatile storage location, which means the data isn’t erased
moveable parts—spinning platters and a moving arm with a
when the power is turned off.
read/write head—that can fail and lead to disk failure. However,
Processing the solid-state drive (SSD) is now a popular option for ultrabooks
and laptop storage. SSDs have no moving parts, so they’re more
Objective 2 Explain the main functions of the CPU. efficient, run with no noise, emit little heat, and require little
power. In addition, they’re less likely to fail after being bumped or
dropped. Replacing a conventional hard drive in an older laptop the ports into their hardware, although other manufacturers are
with an SSD can often significantly improve the computer’s following suit.
performance.
What is the most common port on digital devices?
Portable Storage Options Universal serial bus (USB)
A port type most commonly used to connect input and output
For large portable storage needs, there are portable external hard devices to the computer. This is mainly because of the ready
drives that are small enough to fit into your pocket and that have availability of USB-compatible peripherals. USB ports can connect
storage capacities of 4 TB (or more). These devices are lightweight a wide variety of peripherals to computing devices, including
and enclosed in a protective case. They attach to your computer keyboards, printers, mice, smartphones, external hard drives,
via a USB port. flash drives, and digital cameras. The current USB 3.1 standard
Flash drive provides transfer speeds of 10 Gbps and charges devices faster
uses solid-state flash memory, storing information on an internal than previous USB ports. USB ports come in a variety of standard
memory chip. When you plug a flash drive into your computer’s and proprietary configurations, plus the new Type-C connector
USB port, it appears in the operating system as another disk drive. (and port), which is supplanting older connector types as USB 3.1
You can write data to it or read data from it as you would a hard continues to roll out.
drive. Because a flash drive contains no moving parts, it’s quite
durable. It’s also tiny enough to fit in your pocket.
Flash memory card
Like the flash drive, memory cards use solid-state flash memory.
Most desktops and laptops include slots for flash memory cards.
Flash memory cards let you transfer digital data between your
computer and devices such as digital cameras, smartphones,
tablets, video cameras, and printers.
USB connectors come in a wide variety of styles. (TaraPatta/Shutterstock)
Some computers now feature the new USB-C port that supports data transfer,
video output, and charging all in a single port.
high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)
A compact audio–video interface that allows both HD video and
uncompressed digital audio to be carried on one cable. Because
HDMI can transmit uncom pressed audio and video, there’s no
need to convert the signal, which could ultimately reduce the
quality of the sound or picture.
Connecting Peripherals to the Computer
(a) HDMI is the industry standard digital connector type for HD monitors, TVs, and
Computer Ports home theater equipment. (b) Cables with the appropriate connectors are available
to facilitate connection of your mobile devices to your HDTV for enhanced viewing.
Objective 4 Describe common types of ports used today
Power Management and Ergonomics
What is the fastest data transfer port available on today’s
computing devices? Conserving energy and setting up workspaces so they are
comfortable are goals of many businesses. However, these are
A port is a place through which a peripheral device also goals to strive for at your home. In this section, we’ll explore
attaches to the computer so that data can be exchanged between optimizing the power consumption of computing devices as well
it and the operating system. Although peripherals may connect to as the proper workspace setup to minimize injuries.
devices wirelessly, ports are still often used for connections.
Thunderbolt is the newest input/ Power Controls and Power Management
output technology on the market.
Thunderbolt ports are very useful Objective 5 Describe how to manage power consumption on
for laptops and ultrabooks because computing devices.
one Thunderbolt port can allow you
Which components of a computing device drain the battery
to connect up to six different
fastest?
peripherals to your computer.
The number one culprit is the display. The backlights of LCD (and
Thunderbolt 3 ports can achieve
even OLED) displays draw a lot of power.
blazingly fast transfer speeds of up
to 40 Gb/s. Apple was the first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters also draw a lot of power because
computer manufacturer to integrate they’re continuously scanning for compatible devices. In addition,
any peripheral plugged into a port on your computer is most likely
drawing power from the computer to function. Certain apps are
big culprits of battery drain also. Many apps continuously sync
with the cloud and push alerts to you. So even though you may
not be looking at an app (a foreground use) it is still drawing
power (background use). Fortunately, you can determine which
apps draw the most power:
How does my computer battery get its charge?
Power supply
comes in the form of a brick with a cord that plugs into your
portable device to charge the battery. The power supply
transforms the wall voltage to the voltages required by the battery
or the computer chips (if you are operating your device on a/c
power). Desk top computers have their power supply housed Using proper equipment that is adjusted correctly helps prevent repetitive strain
within the system unit. injuries while working at a computer.
Can I “rest” my computer without turning it off Why is ergonomics important?
completely?
Studies suggest that teenagers, on average, spend 7.5 hours per
With many devices, an effective method of power conservation is day using computing devices. The repetitive nature of long-term
Sleep. When your computer enters Sleep mode, all of the computing activities can place stress on joints, tendons, and
documents, applications, and data you were using remain in RAM muscles, causing repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel
(memory), where they’re quickly accessible when you wake your syndrome and tendonitis. These injuries can take months or years
computer. to develop to a point where they become painful, but if you take
precautionary measures now, you may prevent years of pain later.
In Sleep mode, the computer enters a state of greatly reduced
power consumption, which saves energy and prolongs battery life. How can I avoid injuries when I’m working at my
To put your computer into Sleep mode in Windows, display the computer?
Start menu, select Power, then select the Sleep option. To wake
up your computer, press a key or the physical power button. In a it’s important to arrange your computer, chair, body, and keyboard
few seconds, the computer will resume with the same programs in ways that will help you avoid injury, discomfort, and eyestrain.
running and documents displayed as when you put it to sleep. The following additional guide lines can help keep you
comfortable and productive:
What’s the Restart option for?
• Position your monitor correctly. Studies suggest it’s best
Windows and macOS power options both provide a restart to place your monitor at least 25 inches from your eyes.
option. Restarting the system while it’s powered on is called a Experts recommend that you position your monitor
warm boot. You might need to perform a warm boot-- if the either at eye level or at an angle 15–20 degrees below
operating system or other software application stops responding, your line of sight. If you have a laptop, this means placing
if you’ve received operating system updates, or if you’ve installed the laptop on a stand (or stack of books) to achieve the
new apps. It takes less time to perform a warm boot than to power correct height.
down completely and then restart all your hardware. Powering on • Purchase an adjustable chair. Adjust the height of your
your computer from a completely turned off state is called a cold chair (or use a footrest) so that your feet touch the floor.
boot. The back support needs to be adjustable so that it
supports your lumbar (lower back) region. If your chair
Setting It All Up: Ergonomics doesn’t adjust, place a pillow behind your back to
Objective 6 Define ergonomics, and discuss the ideal physical provide support.
setup for using computing devices. • Assume a proper position while typing. Improperly
positioned keyboards are one of the leading causes of
What is ergonomics? repetitive stress injuries. Your wrists should be flat (not
bent) with respect to the keyboard, and your forearms
Ergonomics
should be parallel to the floor. Additionally, your wrists
is the science that deals with the design and location of machines
should not be resting on the keyboard while typing.
and furniture so that the people using them aren’t subjected to
When using a laptop on a stand, attach an external
an uncomfortable or unsafe experience. In terms of computing,
keyboard to achieve the proper typing position. You can
ergonomics refers to how you set up your computer and other
adjust the height of your chair or install a height-
equipment to minimize your risk of injury or discomfort.
adjustable keyboard tray to ensure a proper position.
To reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, Specially designed ergonomic keyboards such as the one
ergonomic keyboards have curved keyboards and shown in Figure 2.45 can also help you achieve the
wrist rests to help you maintain the proper hand
proper wrist position.
position while typing.
• Take breaks. Remaining in the same position for long Which power control option leads to a cold boot?
periods increases stress on your body. Shift your position a. Sleep
in your chair and stretch your hands and fingers b. Restart
periodically. Likewise, staring at the screen for long c. Log off
periods can lead to eyestrain and dry eyes, so rest your d. Shut down
eyes periodically by taking them off the screen and
focusing them on an object at least 8 feet away.
• Ensure the lighting is adequate. Ensuring that you have
proper lighting in your work area minimizes eyestrain.
Eliminate sources of direct glare (light shining directly
into your eyes) or reflected glare (light shining off the
computer screen) and ensure there is enough light to
read comfortably. If you still can’t eliminate glare from
your screen, you can buy an antiglare screen to place
over your monitor.
What devices are available for people with disabilities?
Assistive (or adaptive) technologies are products, devices,
equipment, or software that are used to maintain, increase, or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
For visually impaired users and individuals who can’t type with
their hand, voice recognition is a common option. For those users
whose visual limitations are less severe, keyboards with larger
keys are available.
Check Your Understanding!
multiple choice
Which of the following is NOT found on a motherboard?
a. RAM
b. hard drive
c. ROM
d. CPU
Which of these is considered the “brains” of the computer?
a. CPU
b. ROM
c. RAM
d. USB
Which of these has moving parts which makes them more prone
to malfunction?
a. thumb drive
b. SSD
c. conventional hard disk drive
d. a flash memory card
Which of the following is a port?
a. HDMI
b. RAM
c. ROM
d. CPU
