A basic PC system has a number of major hardware elements. Figure 4.2 shows the simplified block diagram of a microcomputer. These elements are contained in the system unit of the microcomputer.
Procassor :
In most PCs this is an Intel Pentium microprocessor or one of the intel compatible processors available from several companies.
Input and Output Devices :
Input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanners, CD-ROM driver, bar code, readers etc. The most common output devices are printers and display monitors. These devices are attached to the microprocessor through posts that attach to the systemunits microprocessor buses.
Memory Devices :
They are used to save programs and data.
Buses :
They connect the microprocessor to its memory and to the adapters that enable connection to other devices through their posts or expension slots. The buses inter connect the hardware components of the microcomputer. The systems buses define system performance and adapter compatibility.
Adapters :
They enable the microprocessor to communicate with and control I/O or storage devices. The adapters are a set of hardware circuitry that attach to the systems buses and contest each bus to an interface port supporting the attainent of specific I/O device. For example, a serial post adapter attaches to a bus and it has a COM post where a modem can be attached. The adapter is thus the bridge between the microcomputer bus the device that offer to be attached to the microcomputer. Adapters may be "integrated" on the motherboard or adapter boards that plug into expansion slots.
Ports :
The posts of the adapters support the attachment of I/O devices.
Expansion Slots :
They are physical connectors where adapters can attach to the buses so that the microcomputer can be configured with a variety of adapters. Expansion slots permit easy expansion or upgrading of a system with new I/O devices and memory.
Low-Speed Storage Devices :
They store data and programs for long term. This includes nonvolatile magnetic media and optical media storage such as hard drivers, CD ROM, and floppy disks.
Procassor :
In most PCs this is an Intel Pentium microprocessor or one of the intel compatible processors available from several companies.
Input and Output Devices :
Input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanners, CD-ROM driver, bar code, readers etc. The most common output devices are printers and display monitors. These devices are attached to the microprocessor through posts that attach to the systemunits microprocessor buses.
Memory Devices :
They are used to save programs and data.
Buses :
They connect the microprocessor to its memory and to the adapters that enable connection to other devices through their posts or expension slots. The buses inter connect the hardware components of the microcomputer. The systems buses define system performance and adapter compatibility.
Adapters :
They enable the microprocessor to communicate with and control I/O or storage devices. The adapters are a set of hardware circuitry that attach to the systems buses and contest each bus to an interface port supporting the attainent of specific I/O device. For example, a serial post adapter attaches to a bus and it has a COM post where a modem can be attached. The adapter is thus the bridge between the microcomputer bus the device that offer to be attached to the microcomputer. Adapters may be "integrated" on the motherboard or adapter boards that plug into expansion slots.
Ports :
The posts of the adapters support the attachment of I/O devices.
Expansion Slots :
They are physical connectors where adapters can attach to the buses so that the microcomputer can be configured with a variety of adapters. Expansion slots permit easy expansion or upgrading of a system with new I/O devices and memory.
Low-Speed Storage Devices :
They store data and programs for long term. This includes nonvolatile magnetic media and optical media storage such as hard drivers, CD ROM, and floppy disks.
