Transcript Unit D
Computer Concepts - Illustrated
Introductory, Seventh Edition
UNIT D:
Digital Electronics and File
Management
Objectives
Discuss data representation
Explore chips
Discuss processors
Explore computer memory: RAM
Examine computer memory
Explore computer files
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Objectives
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 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
values
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Data Representation
Bit - each 1 and 0 in electronic
signal
Byte - eight bits
Kilobit - 1,024 bits
Kilobyte is 1,024 bytes
Megabit, megabyte, gigabit, gigabyte
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Data Representation
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Data Representation
Comparing decimal and
binary number systems
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Data Representation
Images must be digitized into 1s
and 0s for computer to understand
them
Photos, pictures, line art, and graphs
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Data Representation
Sound waves must be digitized for
computer use
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring 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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Chips
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Chips
Electronic components
Computer
PDA
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Cell Phone
Exploring Chips
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)
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Chips
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Chips
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
Central processing unit
(CPU)
Single chip
Circuitry performs central
processing tasks of computer
Software can identify
computer’s CPU and its
specifications
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
Performance - affected by several
factors
Clock speed
Bus speed
Word size
Cache size
Instruction set
Processing techniques
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
Instruction set used by affects
performance
CISC (complex instruction set
computer)
RISC (reduced instruction set
computer)
CISC technology used in most PCs
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Discussing Processors
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring 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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Memory: RAM
RAM is waiting room for processor
Computer performance directly depends on
RAM that is available for applications, data,
and operating system
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Memory: RAM
Capacitors
Electronic parts that hold data
• Charged capacitor = 1
• Discharged capacitor = 0
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Memory: RAM
SDRAM - fast and relatively
inexpensive
Used in most PCs today
RDRAM - about 8 times faster,
but more expensive
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Memory: RAM
RAM stores data in circuitry
connected to motherboard
Hard drive stores data on magnetic
media
RAM - temporary storage
Hard drive more permanent
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Memory: RAM
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining 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)
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining Computer 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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining Computer Memory
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining Computer Memory
Access EEPROM setup
Hold down F1 key as computer boots
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
File - named collection of data that
exists on storage medium
hard drive, solid-state storage device, CD,
DVD, or tape
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
Filename
Unique set of characters and numbers
Identifies file and should describe
contents
Filename has two parts
Filename
Filename extension
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
Converting a File
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring Computer Files
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
User decides where files are stored
Windows OS labels storage devices with
letters
A: and C:
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
Folder
Logical representation of where files are
stored
Each folder is named, can hold many
files
Folders can be created within folders
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
Filing cabinet popular metaphor
for computer
storage
Tree structure storage metaphor
based on
hierarchical
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
File specification (path)
Computer file’s location - begins with
drive letter and is followed by
• Folder(s)
• Filename
• File extension
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Examining File Locations
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring 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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring File Management
Windows file management utility
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring File Management
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring File Management
Windows Explorer tools
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring File Management
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Exploring File Management
Desktop search tools help find
and access information in
E-mails
Web pages
Contact lists
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
Application
software provides
access to file
management tasks
through Save,
Save As, and
Open dialog boxes
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
What can be done with files and
folders
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
Save or Save As?
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Opening and Saving Files
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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Talking Points:
Is your computer making you sick?
How does digital lifestyle affect
health of nation and world?
Radiation risks
Repetitive stress
injuries
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Talking Points:
Is your computer making you sick?
Most repetitive stress injuries can be
avoided by following ergonomic guidelines
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition
Talking Points:
Is your computer making you sick?
Other health issues
Eye strain
Back pain
Sedentary lifestyle
Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition