Computer System Essay

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Recommended: Basic constituents of a computer system

Introduction In this report I will be going over the different parts and components which make up a basic computer system in detail, including parts such as the three box model and IO mapping. The key components of a computer system (P5) The Three Box Model Here is a basic diagram of the 3 box model which is used to refer how the computer system operates. There are three main parts to a computer system this is why it is known as the three box model, these are. All three components send data to and from each other via the bus. The Processor Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is essentially the brain of the computer system it is responsible for processing information and makes sure that other parts of the computer system are functioning properly. The processor is mostly known as the most complex part to any computer system, without it the computer system would not be able to operate and perform at all. Main Memory Main memory also known as RAM is used to store processes and information so that programs can run on your computer. If you want to run programs on your computer the data to run the program will need to be transferred from your hard disk to the RAM so that the program can run. Main memory is in integrated circuit(s) or can be in Memory Chips with the storage space of around 512kb on average. Main memory is usually made up of RAM and or ROM chips. The two types of memory chips differ from each other RAM Which stands for Random Access Memory can read and write data that the processor needs to process, it is also volatile meaning that once the user turns the computer off all of the information which was stored to the RAM gets deleted and new fresh process information gets stored once it turns back on. ROM ... ... middle of paper ... ...on has been lost, that’s why ROM was created. The different types of RAM Dynamic RAM (DRAM) Dynamic RAM is one of the types of RAM, dynamic meaning that the memory must be continually refreshed otherwise it will lose the contents of it. Static RAM (SRAM) This is a faster and better version of dynamic RAM however it is much more expensive. This type of RAM does not have to be constantly refreshed unlike DRAM so the contents will stay without having to be refreshed. Static RAM has a lower access time and cycles are shorter than dynamic RAM as well which is good. Flash RAM (FRAM or Flash Memory) Flash RAM is a type of ROM which can be re-altered and parts can be deleted. Computer systems normally have the bios stored on flash RAM so that it can be easily altered if need be. To summarise flash RAM is exactly like ROM only difference is that this memory can be changed.

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