ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the hardware of a computer: the central processing unit (CPU), memory, the I/O subsystem, and the bus. Each of these components is described in detail to provide an understanding of its role. In examining the CPU, the chapter emphasizes the fetch-execute cycle. An example program is used to illustrate the fetch-execute cycle. The CPU’s components are themselves examined: the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and registers. In examining memory, the memory hierarchy is introduced and the different forms of memory are discussed: RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, virtual memory. In the discussion of input and output devices, topics of human-computer interaction (HCI) and ergonomics are emphasized. The chapter includes a discussion on how to assemble the various computer components. The intent of this chapter is to provide the IT student with a solid foundation in computer hardware.
