Intro to Computer Science / Unit 1: Computing Systems
1.1 Hardware Components
Notes
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you can touch. Software is the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
- The CPU (central processing unit) is the "brain": it carries out instructions and does calculations.
- RAM is fast, temporary memory that holds the programs and data in use right now.
- Storage (hard drive or SSD) keeps files long term, even when the power is off.
- The motherboard connects all the parts. The GPU handles graphics and is also good at doing many simple calculations at once.
- Example: when you open a game, it is copied from storage into RAM, and the CPU and GPU run it from there.
Practice
Which component carries out the instructions of a program?
The CPU (central processing unit) executes instructions. RAM only holds data temporarily.
A student saves an essay, then the computer loses power. Where is the essay still safely kept?
Storage is non-volatile, so it keeps data without power. RAM loses its contents.
Which pair correctly matches a part with its job?
The motherboard is the main circuit board that links the CPU, RAM, storage and other parts.
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