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Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th edition

Unit D: Digital Electronics and File ManagementUnit D: Digital Electronics and File Management

Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 2

Objectives

Discuss data representation

Introduce integrated circuits

Explore processors

Explore computer memory: RAM

Explore other types of computer memory



Objectives (continued)

Explore file management

Examine folders

Explore computer files

Work with files



Discussing Data Representation

Data representation Form in which data is stored, processed,

output, and transmitted

Binary number system Has only two digits: 0 and 1

Digital data Text, numbers, graphics, sound, and video

that has been converted into 0s and 1s Each 0 or 1 is one binary digit, or bit Byte: a series of eight bits



Discussing Data Representation (continued)

Digitized images are a series of colored dots, called pixels Each pixel is assigned a binary number

based on the color of that pixel

Digital sound files To digitize sound:

• Sample an analog sound wave at various points

• Convert those points into digital numbers

Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 6Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 6

Figure D-3: Digitizing sound


Introducing Integrated Circuits

Integrated circuit (IC) An incredibly thin slice of semiconducting

material (or semiconductor) Are packed with microscopic circuit

elements Also called computer chip, microchip, and

chip Chip packages vary in shape and size

• DIP (dual inline package)• DIMM (dual inline memory module)• PGA (pin-grid array)


Figure D-5: Packaging for integrated circuits

Figure D-4: An integrated circuit


Introducing Integrated Circuits (continued)

Integrated circuits are connected to the motherboard Motherboard: computer’s main circuit board

Processor: one type of chip or integrated circuit

CPU (central processing unit): the main processor in a personal computer

Intel is the world’s largest chipmaker

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) is Intel’s chief rival in the PC chip market


Figure D-6: Chips on a motherboard


Exploring Processors

Central processing unit (CPU) Contains the circuitry to perform the central

processing tasks of the computer

Clock speed: pace at which processor executes instructions

Bus: electronic pathway that carries electronic signals between electronic parts Bus speed: identifies how fast electronic

signals move along the bus pathway

Word size: number of bits that a processor can manipulate at one time


Exploring Processors (continued)

Cache: high-speed memory that a processor can access more rapidly

Instructions for processors Source code: human-readable version of a

program Translation of source code into 0s and 1s:

• Done by a compiler or an interpreter

Overclocking: a technique for increasing the speed of a computer part Very risky


Exploring Computer Memory: RAM

RAM (random access memory) Holds operating system instructions that

control the basic functions of a computer Also a temporary holding area for:

• Program instructions• Data waiting to be processed, displayed, or

printed• Results of processing until they can be stored

more permanently Performance of a computer is directly

related to how much RAM is available


Exploring Computer Memory: RAM (continued)

How RAM works Content of RAM is changed by changing the

charge of capacitors• Capacitors: hold the bits that represent data

RAM differs from hard drive storage RAM is temporary storage

Important to have the most RAM possible

RAM speed Faster RAM generally means faster

performance


Figure D-16: How RAM works


Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory

Virtual memory: an area of the hard drive Used when RAM is reaching its capacity

ROM (read-only memory): memory that holds the computer’s startup routine Permanent and nonvolatile

• RAM is temporary and volatile Contains the bootstrap program, which:

• Tells a computer what to do during the boot process


Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory (continued)

Boot process Six major events take place:

• Power up• Start boot program• Power-on self-test• Identify peripheral devices• Load operating system• Check configuration and customization


Exploring Other Types of Computer Memory (continued)

ROM BIOS (basic input/output system) A small set of instructions stored in ROM

EE PROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) A nonvolatile chip that requires no power to

hold data Holds computer configuration settings, such

as:• Date and time, hard drive capacity, number of

CD/DVD/BD drives, RAM capacity


Exploring File Management

Computer file (or file): a named collection of data that exists on a storage medium

Folder: a logical representation of where you store your files on a computer

File specification (or a path): identifies a computer file’s location

Most operating systems provide file management programs Windows provides Windows Explorer


Figure D-24: Files are stored in folders

Figure D-25: A file specification


Figure D-26: Windows Explorer


Examining Folders

To create a new folder: Use New Folder button of Windows Explorer

To work with folders: Select the folder(s), then copy, move,

rename, or delete

Folder Properties dialog box Provides general information about files and

folders stored in that folder

Folder Options dialog box Used to view or change a folder’s options


Figure D-31: Properties dialog box for My Documents folder


Exploring Computer Files

Filename: identifies a file Must adhere to filenaming conventions

Save and Save As commands Save command: saves a file using its

current name and location Save As command: allows you to select a

name and storage device for a file

File extension (or filename extension) Separated from main filename by a period File formats


Exploring Computer Files (continued)

Possible reasons for problems opening a file: Don’t have the software application needed File might have been damaged File extension might have been changed File might use a file format for a newer

version of the software than you have

Other information stored with files: File size

• Measured in bytes, kilobytes, or megabytes File date


Working with Files

Use descriptive names

Maintain file extensions

Group similar files and consider using the default folders

Do not mix data files and program files

Do not store programs or data files in the root directory (C:\) of hard drive


Working with Files (continued)

Be aware of storage locations

Organize your folders from the top down

Access files from the hard drive

Follow copyright rules

Delete or archive files you no longer need


Talking Points: Is Your Computer Making You Sick?

Radiation risks

Repetitive stress injuries Can be avoided by following ergonomic

guidelines Ergonomics: study of safe and efficient

environments, particularly working environments

Eye strain

Back pain

Sedentary lifestyle


Figure D-41: Ergonomic workstation guidelines


Summary

This chapter introduced: Data representation Integrated circuits Computer memory How computers create and store data in

files and folders Practical information about how to organize

and manage files Issues that may affect the health and well-

being of computer users
