Information Technology for Management: Improving Strategic and Operational Performance, 8th Edition

Technology Guides

Technology Guide 1: Hardware

• TG1.1 Components of a Computer System

• TG1.2 Evolution of Computer Hardware

• TG1.3 Types of Computers

• TG1.4 Microprocessor and Primary Storage

• TG1.5 Input/Output Devices

Components of a Computer System

Computer hardware is composed of the following components: central processing unit (CPU), primary storage, secondary storage, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Communication devices are covered in detail in Tech Guide 4.

The input devices accept data and instructions and convert them to a form that the computer can understand. The output devices present data in a form people can understand. The CPU manipulates the data and controls the tasks done by the other components. Primary storage (internal storage that is part of the CPU) temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing. Secondary storage (external storage such as flash drives) stores data and programs that have been saved for future use. Communication devices manage the flow of data from public networks (e.g., Internet, intranets) to the CPU and from the CPU to networks. A schematic view of a computer system is shown in Figure TG1.1.

REPRESENTING DATA, PICTURES, TIME, AND SIZE IN A COMPUTER

ASCII. Computers are based on integrated circuits (chips), each of which includes millions of sub-miniature transistors that are interconnected on a small (less than l-inch-square) chip area. Each transistor can be in either an "on" or an "off" position.

The on–off ...