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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
Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 2
Computer Concepts – Illustrated 8th Edition 3
Objectives (continued)
Explore file management
Examine folders
Explore computer files
Work with files
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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
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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
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Figure D-3: Digitizing sound
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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)
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Figure D-5: Packaging for integrated circuits
Figure D-4: An integrated circuit
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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
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Figure D-6: Chips on a motherboard
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Figure D-16: How RAM works
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Figure D-24: Files are stored in folders
Figure D-25: A file specification
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Figure D-26: Windows Explorer
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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
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Figure D-31: Properties dialog box for My Documents folder
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Figure D-41: Ergonomic workstation guidelines
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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
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