Computer Concepts - Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition UNIT D: Digital Electronics and File Management

Computer Concepts - Illustrated Computer Concepts - Illustrated Introductory, Seventh EditionIntroductory, Seventh Edition

UNIT D:

Digital Electronics and File Management

ObjectivesObjectives

Discuss data representation

Explore chips

Discuss processors

Explore computer memory: RAM

Examine computer memory

Explore computer filesComputer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

ObjectivesObjectives

Examine file locations

Explore file management

Open and save files

Talking points: Is your computer making you sick?

Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

Discussing Data RepresentationDiscussing Data Representation

Data representation - form in which data is stored, output, and transmitted

Digital data Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and

video converted into discrete digits: 0s and 1s

Analog data Represented using infinite scale of

valuesComputer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition


Bit - each 1 and 0 in electronic signal Byte - eight bits Kilobit - 1,024 bits Kilobyte is 1,024 bytes Megabit, megabyte, gigabit, gigabyte



Numeric data - numbers that represent quantities that might be used in arithmetic operations

Binary system (base 2) allows representation of any number using just 1s and 0s

Character data - letters, symbols, and numerals that will not be used in arithmetic operations




Comparing decimal and binary number systems


Images must be digitized into 1s and 0s for computer to understand them Photos, pictures, line art, and graphs



Sound waves must be digitized for computer use


Exploring ChipsExploring Chips

Integrated circuit (chip) - most significant technology that made PCs possible Thin slice of semiconducting material (silicon or

germanium) Packed with microscopic circuit elements over which bits

travel



Integrated circuit - in computers, PDAs, cell phones, most electronics

Chips connect to computer’s main circuit board (motherboard)

Some are plugged into slots on board or special sockets or connectors

Others soldered into place




Electronic components

Computer PDA Cell Phone


Chips protected by protective carrier or chip package Carriers vary in shape and size

• DIP (dual inline package)• DIMMs (dual inline memory modules)• PGA (pin-grid array)



Processor (microprocessor) Complex integrated circuit Contains as many as 400 million

components Most important and usually most

expensive part of computer

Producers of processors Intel AMD



Possible to upgrade processor in computer Owners seldom do Cost of latest processor more than halfway

to new computer Processor operates at full efficiency only if

all components of computer can handle processor’s speed


Discussing ProcessorsDiscussing Processors

Central processing unit (CPU) Single chip Circuitry performs central

processing tasks of computer

Software can identify computer’s CPU and its specifications



Performance - affected by several factors Clock speed Bus speed Word size Cache size Instruction set Processing techniques



Clock speed Pace for executing instructions

Cycle Smallest unit of time processor can

recognize

FSB (front side bus) Circuitry that transports data to and from

processor



HyperTransport Technology which helps increase speed

of data moving in processor

Cache (RAM cache or cache memory) High-speed memory processor can

access more rapidly than memory elsewhere



Word size Number of bits processor can manipulate at one time

Source code Human-readable version of program

Compiler Converts all statements in program in single batch Resulting in collection of instructions called object code

Interpreter Converts and executes one statements at a time while

program is running





Instruction set used by affects performance

CISC (complex instruction set computer)

RISC (reduced instruction set computer)

CISC technology used in most PCs



Processing technique in processor also affects performance Serial processing

• Processor must complete entire instruction cycle before beginning new instructions

Pipelining• Processor can start second instruction before

finishing first

Parallel processing• Multiple instructions at same time

Hyper-Threading• Allows execution of multiple instructions in parallel


Exploring Computer Memory: RAMExploring Computer Memory: RAM

RAM (random access memory) Temporary holding area for data,

program instructions, and operating system

Usually several chips or small boards that plug into motherboard

Next to processor, RAM is one of most expensive computer components



RAM is waiting room for processor

Computer performance directly depends on RAM that is available for applications, data, and operating system



Capacitors Electronic parts that hold data

• Charged capacitor = 1• Discharged capacitor = 0



SDRAM - fast and relatively inexpensive Used in most PCs today

RDRAM - about 8 times faster, but more expensive



RAM stores data in circuitry connected to motherboard Hard drive stores data on magnetic

media

RAM - temporary storage Hard drive more permanent



Today’s PCs typically feature 512 MB and 2 GB of RAM

RAM can be added up to limit set by manufacturer

Faster RAM means faster performance


Examining Computer MemoryExamining Computer Memory

Virtual memory Can store parts of program or data file until

needed Helps take some load off RAM

Boot process Sequence of events between time you turn

computer on and time that it is ready for use Stored on ROM (read only memory)



ROM BIOS (basic input/output system) Holds configuring

information which cannot be stored on RAM because it would be lost when computer is turned off



EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory) Stores and updates basic system

information More permanent than RAM, less than

ROM Nonvolatile chip requires no power to

store information




Access EEPROM setup Hold down F1 key as computer boots

Exploring Computer FilesExploring Computer Files

File - named collection of data that exists on storage medium hard drive, solid-state storage device, CD,

DVD, or tape



Filename Unique set of characters and numbers Identifies file and should describe

contents

Filename has two parts Filename Filename extension



Filename extension (file extension) Further describes file contents Separated from main filename by period

File format Arrangement of data in file and coding

scheme used to represent data



Native file format Format used by software program to store data

User does not decide file extension File extension can be changed, really shouldn’t

• Extension usually related to file format

Files can be converted from one format to another




Converting a File


File size Measured in bytes, kilobytes, or

megabytes Knowing file size can be important

• Especially if sending e-mail attachment

File date Date on which file was saved or last

modified


Examining File LocationsExamining File Locations

User decides where files are stored

Windows OS labels storage devices with letters A: and C:



Folder Logical representation of where files are

stored Each folder is named, can hold many

files Folders can be created within folders



Directories and subdirectories are synonymous with folders and files Terms used because OS maintains list

of files called ‘directory’• Main directory on disk is root directory• Root directory subdivided into smaller

subdirectories



Filing cabinet - popular metaphor for computer storage

Tree structure - storage metaphor based on hierarchical



File specification (path) Computer file’s location - begins with

drive letter and is followed by• Folder(s)• Filename• File extension



Disk partition Section of hard drive treated as

separate storage unit Many computers are configured with

one partition which holds OS, programs, and data

Possible to create more than one hard drive partition


Exploring File ManagementExploring File Management

Good file management helps create, open, save, delete, and rename files

File management utilities - available to help keep track of program and data files Most useful when you have logical organization

plan Gives big picture of files stored on storage media Help organize and manipulate files logically

• Windows Explorer is Windows file management utility




Windows file management utility


Windows Explorer tools Selected file can be copied, moved,

renamed, or deleted as needed Menu bar and address bar help locate

and organize files and folders Search and organize commands E-mail files or create CDs or DVDs

containing files File sharing View commands customize display




Windows Explorer tools


Windows provides series of default folders Documents, Pictures, Music When Windows recognizes

file extension as document or picture, it opens Document or Picture folders accordingly



Desktop search tools help find and access information in E-mails Web pages Contact lists


Opening and Saving FilesOpening and Saving Files

Application software provides access to file management tasks through Save, Save As, and Open dialog boxes





What can be done with files and folders




Save or Save As?


Tips for managing files Use descriptive names Maintain file extensions Group similar files and consider using

default files in Windows Do not mix data files and program files Do not store data or program files in root

directory



More tips for file management Be aware of storage locations Organize folders from top down Access files from hard drive Follow copyright rules Delete or archive files longer needed


Talking Points:Talking Points:Is your computer making you sick?Is your computer making you sick?

How does digital lifestyle affect health of nation and world? Radiation risks Repetitive stress

injuries



Most repetitive stress injuries can be avoided by following ergonomic guidelines



Other health issues Eye strain Back pain Sedentary lifestyle
