ST 2413 Fundamentals of Computing: Topic 1 - Basic Structure of Computers

Objectives

• Understand, describe, and explain fundamentals of:
  • Network communications
  • Client and server applications
  • Basic cloud computing services
• Provide hands-on practice on Linux OS

Web Applications Components

Linux Operating System

• Provides a secure and reliable platform for web servers
• Governs file access through permissions
• Offers network interfaces and enforces security

Apache Web Hosting Service

• Handles HTTP requests
• Differentiates between static items (e.g., HTML files) and dynamic applications (e.g., PHP)
• Responds with necessary resources like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, etc.

PHP Programming Language

• Popular scripting language used for CMS, forums, shopping carts
• Recognized by Apache for running scripts
• Works with MySQL for dynamic sites

MySQL Database

• Stores content and configuration information
• Works with PHP for flexibility in site management

Other Components

• May include media delivery, graphics rendering, email services

Overview of Computer Concepts

• Devices in networks include PCs, laptops, servers, routers, switches
• Basic functions of computers: Input, Processing, Output

Components of a Computer

Input Devices

• Keyboards, mice, microphones, webcams, scanners
• External interfaces: serial, Firewire, USB

Processing Devices

• CPU, RAM, Hard Drive

Output Devices

• Monitors, printers, network cards, speakers

Storage Devices

• Disk drives, CDs/DVDs, USB flash drives

Memory and Storage

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Temporary, volatile memory
• Critical for efficient operation
• Supports virtual memory for additional capacity

Long-term Storage

• Non-volatile memory (e.g., hard disks, CDs/DVDs, USB)
• Stores documents, multimedia, OS files

Personal Computer Hardware

Major Components

• Motherboard
• Hard Drive
• RAM
• BIOS/CMOS

Motherboard

• CPU socket, PCI slots, RAM slots, chipset with heat sinks
• SATA and IDE connectors, power connectors

Computer Bus Fundamentals

• Data Bus: Carries data signals
• Address Bus: Carries location addresses
• Control Bus: Carries control signals

I/O Polling and Interrupt

• Handles events from external devices
• Polling: CPU checks I/O devices at intervals
• Interrupt: Devices signal CPU for attention

Hard Drive Fundamentals

• Primary long-term storage
• Magnetic platters for data storage
• SSDs: Faster, reliable, no moving parts

RAM Fundamentals

• Fast access due to no moving parts
• More RAM = Better performance

BIOS/CMOS Fundamentals

• BIOS: Executes startup routines, POST
• CMOS: Stores configuration

Computer Boot Procedure

1. Power applied
2. CPU starts
3. BIOS routines
4. Boot OS
5. OS loaded into RAM
6. OS services started

Fundamentals of Network Communication

• Networks connect computers via transmission mediums
• NIC: Network Interface Card for connectivity

NIC Basics

• Assigns MAC address
• Connects via cables or airwaves

Wireless NIC

• Connects using SSID
• Requires security key or credentials

Types of Computers

1. Embedded Computers
2. Personal Computers
3. Servers and Enterprise Systems
4. Supercomputers and Grid Computers
5. Cloud Computing

Next Steps

• Watch a YouTube video on identifying computer components

End of Topic 1A: Basic Structure of Computers. Thank you for attending.